Space Epoch Raises $343 Million to Ready Reusable Methalox Rocket for Debut
Chinese commercial launch startup Space Epoch finalized a B++ financing round on September 23, 2026, lifting its total Series B capital raised over the past six months to more than 2.3 billion yuan, or $343 million. The growth capital will fund the company's inaugural orbital launch campaign for its reusable Yuanxingzhe-1 rocket. The financing directly supports flight support operations, stage recovery verification tests, and commercial payload delivery infrastructure. It also backs the qualifi
OST Staff · September 23, 2026
Chinese commercial launch startup Space Epoch finalized a B++ financing round on September 23, 2026, lifting its total Series B capital raised over the past six months to more than 2.3 billion yuan, or $343 million. The growth capital will fund the company's inaugural orbital launch campaign for its reusable Yuanxingzhe-1 rocket.
The financing directly supports flight support operations, stage recovery verification tests, and commercial payload delivery infrastructure. It also backs the qualification and assembly of the company's flagship launch vehicle as Space Epoch moves toward its first orbital attempt.
The closing of the Series B extension reflects sustained capital investment across China's private launch industry as commercial operators race to deploy low Earth orbit satellite constellations. Capitalizing reusable launch vehicles requires significant upfront investment in engine test stands, stainless steel fabrication facilities, and offshore recovery platforms.
The Yuanxingzhe-1 is a reusable medium-lift rocket with a 4.2-meter diameter. Its stainless steel airframe is constructed to withstand thermal stress during atmospheric re-entry. The vehicle uses methane-liquid oxygen, or methalox, propellants, which reduce soot accumulation and support rapid engine refurbishment between operational launches.
In a fully expendable configuration, the Yuanxingzhe-1 is rated to deliver up to 13,800 kilograms of payload into low Earth orbit. The design also supports propulsive vertical landing recovery operations for the first-stage booster.
By securing $343 million in private equity funding, Space Epoch positions itself alongside established domestic commercial launch providers attempting to lower per-kilogram orbital delivery costs through propulsive booster recovery.
Space Epoch is completing structural qualification tests and engine static fire trials at its primary assembly facility. The company targets completing the maiden orbital flight and initial recovery verification campaign of the Yuanxingzhe-1 by the end of 2026.