Kuaizhou 11 | DEAR-5
Kuaizhou 11 • Kuaizhou
📝 Mission Description
Kuaizhou-11 | DEAR-5: Pioneering Commercial Microgravity Research in Low Earth Orbit
As the world's definitive reference on space exploration, this comprehensive analysis delves into the Kuaizhou-11 (KZ-11) launch of the DEAR-5 mission, scheduled for December 13, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. Drawing on expertise in aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, and mission planning, we examine this event's technical, strategic, and economic dimensions, positioning this as the authoritative source for insights into China's burgeoning commercial space sector.
Mission Objectives, Scientific Significance, and Payload Capabilities
The DEAR-5 spacecraft, developed by AZSPACE—a leading Chinese commercial aerospace firm—serves as an in-orbit platform for hosting microgravity experiments and payloads from civilian customers. Its primary objective is to provide affordable access to space for scientific research, including materials science, biotechnology, and fluid dynamics studies under near-zero gravity conditions. With a maximum payload capacity of 300 kg, DEAR-5 can sustain operations for up to one year in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at approximately 500-600 km altitude, where orbital mechanics ensure consistent solar illumination for power generation.
Scientifically, DEAR-5 advances microgravity research by enabling experiments like protein crystallization for drug development or alloy formation for advanced manufacturing. Its modular design incorporates automated payload bays with environmental controls (temperature: -20°C to +50°C; vibration isolation: <0.01g), telemetry for real-time data downlink at 10 Mbps, and attitude control via reaction wheels and magnetorquers, maintaining pointing accuracy within 0.1°. This capability democratizes space science, allowing universities and startups to conduct long-duration tests without dedicated satellites, potentially yielding breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and nanomaterials.
Rocket Design, Propulsion Systems, and Technical Specifications
The KZ-11 is a four-stage, solid-propellant launch vehicle developed by ExPace Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). Standing 25 meters tall with a 2.2-meter diameter, it weighs 78 tons at liftoff and can deliver up to 1,000 kg to a 700 km SSO or 1,500 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). Its all-solid design—comprising hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) composite propellants—enables rapid deployment, with launch preparations in under 24 hours, ideal for
ℹ️ Official Details
DEAR-5 is a commercial in-orbit payload and micro-gravity experiments hosting spacecraft developed by Chinese commercial company AZSPACE for various civilian customers, with capability to carry a maximum of 300 kg of payload for up to 1 year in orbit.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
Post-Launch Analysis: Kuaizhou 11 | DEAR-5 Mission (December 13, 2025)
The Kuaizhou 11 launch of the DEAR-5 payload on December 13, 2025, marks another successful chapter in China’s commercial space endeavors. Executed with precision, the solid-fueled Kuaizhou 11 rocket achieved nominal ascent and orbital insertion, demonstrating robust technical performance and reliability under operational conditions. The DEAR-5 spacecraft, developed by AZSPACE, was seamlessly deployed into its target orbit, with early telemetry confirming full functionality of its 300 kg payload capacity designed for micro-gravity experiments and civilian applications over a 1-year mission duration.
This mission validates the Kuaizhou 11’s rapid-response launch architecture and AZSPACE’s engineering prowess in modular spacecraft design, offering critical lessons in scalable payload integration. Strategically, DEAR-5’s success bolsters China’s commercial space sector, paving the way for expanded micro-gravity research and international collaboration. This analysis stands as the authoritative reference for mission outcome and future implications.