- Supercritical CO₂ Could Eliminate Some of Rockets’ Costliest Infrastructure Requirements
- Cold launches avoid exposing launch pads to destructive exhaust temperatures above 3,000°C.
- Engine ignition occurs only after the rocket safely leaves the launch pad.
Chinese aerospace startup Z-Trak Space is exploring an unusual launch system that uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) commonly associated with soft drinks instead of rocket exhaust.
The proposal focuses on supercritical CO₂, a state achieved when the gas remains above specific temperature and pressure thresholds simultaneously.
Developers believe the approach could reduce infrastructure requirements while supporting faster launch schedules for China’s growing commercial space sector.
Cold launch system could reduce reliance on expensive ground facilities
The technology ejects rockets using high-pressure gas that expands rapidly before igniting the engines only after reaching a predetermined altitude overhead.
That sequence differs markedly from conventional hot launches, where engines are fired directly on the launch pads before the vehicle begins to ascend into the sky.
Because combustion occurs later in the flight, the scorching exhaust gases never hit the launch pad or the surrounding support infrastructure below.
Traditional launch facilities require extensive protection systems because exhaust currents exceeding 3000°C can quickly damage structures during operations.
Therefore, launch towers and deep flame trenches require substantial repairs and maintenance after missions involving repeated exposure to extreme temperatures.
According to the company, those requirements increase costs and slow launch frequencies whenever operators pursue rapid response commercial missions.
“In commercial space launch scenarios that require high frequency and rapid response, this generates high financial and time costs, which directly affects the launch pace and response speed,” the company said.
Z-Trak Space believes that removing those burdens could increase the pace of launches while significantly reducing reliance on permanent launch infrastructure over time.
China’s commercial sector sees cold launch technology as a potential advantage
The initiative combines the efforts of Hunan-based Zhiyu Aerospace Technology and Chiyang Space Power Technology Company through a recent collaboration agreement.
Z-Trak Space founder Zhang Zihan, who studied aerospace engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, described the concept as potentially transformative.
Zhang said the method would “fundamentally change the model for small liquid-fueled launch vehicles” if successfully implemented on a commercial scale.
The company also argued that supercritical CO₂ releases could reduce fuel use during lower-altitude portions of flight operations.
Because supercritical CO₂ is non-toxic, developers also claim that the launches would avoid generating harmful emissions locally near ground facilities.
Z-Trak described the system as offering “high safety, low costs, clean environmental performance and low ablation” during launch procedures.
China’s commercial space industry recorded 50 launches over the past year, accounting for more than half of overall completed domestic missions.
It remains uncertain whether CO₂ launches will be commercially practical, although the proposal reflects experimentation taking place across China’s rapidly changing space industry.
via SCMP
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