China’s Haolong shuttle promises affordable, flexible space logistics, with a reusable design inspired by the American Dream Chaser.
China has unveiled the Haolong cargo space shuttle, a reusable vehicle designed by AVIC subsidiary Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute. Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show, this 10-meter-long, 8-meter-wide shuttle offers a payload capacity of 7,000 kg. Inspired by the U.S. Dream Chaser project, it features an integrated design, with a cargo compartment built into the fuselage. Its innovative operating mode enables rocket launch and controlled return to a conventional landing strip. The shuttle promises greater flexibility for low-cost space missions.
Technical design and features
The Haolong shuttle, measuring around 10 meters long and 8 meters wide, features a structure optimized for enhanced performance during space flight and return. It features raised delta wings and a blunted nose to maximize its lift-to-drag ratio. This design allows great maneuverability in space and flexibility in adjusting return trajectories. Unlike disposable modules such as the Dream Chaser’s Shooting Star, Haolong integrates a freighter directly into the fuselage, reducing costs and waste.
With a total weight of 7,000 kg, the shuttle is twice as light as China’s Tianzhou cargo module, offering a cost-effective alternative for orbital logistics missions. Haolong’s reusable approach is part of a global trend to reduce the cost of access to space.
Economic and operational implications
The flexibility and low cost of the Haolong shuttle represent a strategic asset for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). By enabling the transport of a variety of cargoes, from fresh food to scientific research materials, Haolong is part of a vision of agile space logistics. According to Fang Yuanpeng, Haolong’s chief designer, affordable operating costs facilitate more frequent missions.
This cost reduction is essential for competitive space programs. By way of comparison, NASA estimates the cost of a SpaceX Dragon mission at around €80 million, while reusable options such as Haolong could significantly lower this threshold. In addition, the possibility of landing on conventional runways reduces the need for specific infrastructure, further optimizing logistics costs.
Inspiration and innovation
Haolong’s design draws its inspiration from the American Dream Chaser, a reusable space vehicle developed by Sierra Nevada Corporation. However, Haolong’s direct integration of the cargo bay into the fuselage is a major innovation that sets it apart from its Western counterparts. This structural choice improves space efficiency while reducing the number of disposable components.
With its rapid reintegration capability, Haolong is positioned as an essential tool for a variety of missions, particularly in scenarios where China seeks to maintain a constant presence in space, such as the Tiangong space station. The shuttle also offers an opportunity for international collaboration in scientific research.
Geopolitical consequences and future development
By moving ahead with the development of Haolong, China is confirming its position in the competition for affordable access to space. At a time when the USA and Europe are investing heavily in similar technologies, Haolong could offer a competitive alternative for commercial and scientific missions.
CMSA plans to move into the engineering phase soon, with the aim of an operational cargo mission within the next few years. If successful, the project could reshape orbital logistics by introducing accessible and reusable solutions for international partners.
The Haolong project embodies China’s ambition to integrate cutting-edge technologies with a focus on sustainability and economy. With its innovative design and reduced costs, it could transform space missions into a more accessible option for scientific and commercial use.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.