- Nayuta Space’s Xuanniao-R facility moves reusable rockets from technology trials toward mass production
- A new launch hub in Shanghai signals China’s push to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in low-cost space access
Beijing-based commercial space startup Nayuta Space (千亿航天) announced on August 11 that its reusable liquid rocket R&D center and final assembly and testing facility in Shanghai’s Lingang Special Area had officially started operations.
The facility is the first reusable launch vehicle assembly base and research center established by a commercial rocket company in Lingang.
It will be responsible for the final assembly and integrated testing of Nayuta Space’s Xuanniao-R (Black Bird-R) reusable liquid rocket, as well as preparation of backup vehicles for future missions.
The company plans to expand the facility in 2027 alongside Xuanniao-R’s first launch schedule, creating additional production capacity to support future commercial missions.
The Lingang R&D center, located at the Lingang Sci-Tech City Innovation Cube, will focus on key reusable rocket technologies, including aerodynamic recovery systems, digital simulation and modeling, electrical coordination control and structural testing.
The center is expected to host around 80 employees, including 50 R&D personnel.
Nayuta Space is the first Chinese commercial rocket company to independently develop a reusable liquid rocket based on a large-angle aerodynamic deceleration recovery approach. Its flagship Xuanniao-R rocket uses liquid oxygen and methane propulsion.
After completing final assembly and testing in Lingang, Xuanniao-R will be transported by sea to the Oriental Spaceport in Haiyang, Shandong, for its maiden flight.
The company has already completed technical integration with the launch platform, China’s first semi-fixed offshore rocket launch testing facility.
Lingang’s rise as a commercial space hub
The launch of Nayuta Space’s facility comes as Shanghai accelerates its ambitions to become a major commercial space center.
In January 2026, Shanghai unveiled its “Rocket City” development plan, centered in Minhang District, with the goal of establishing a full reusable rocket industry chain by 2027. The plan targets annual production capacity of 80 rockets and 200 satellites, with an industrial scale approaching 100 billion yuan.
While Minhang focuses on R&D capabilities, Lingang is emerging as the manufacturing and logistics hub, leveraging its port access and direct maritime connection to the Oriental Spaceport.
China’s reusable rocket industry is now entering a critical phase of technological breakthrough and commercialization.
On July 10, 2026, China’s Long March 10B successfully completed its maiden flight and achieved first-stage recovery using a world-first offshore “net-based recovery” system, making China the second country after the United States to demonstrate orbital-class reusable rocket technology.
The achievement marked a major technological milestone, but commercial success still depends on overcoming challenges including rapid refurbishment, large-scale production and cost reduction.
Nayuta Space’s Lingang facility represents this next step: moving reusable rockets from experimental validation toward industrial manufacturing.
Why it matters globally
The establishment of Nayuta Space’s Lingang base sends three broader signals.
First, China’s commercial rocket industry is moving beyond technology demonstrations toward engineering, manufacturing and high-frequency launch capability. Lingang is becoming a critical manufacturing and export node for reusable rockets.
Second, Shanghai is building a complete commercial space ecosystem through a dual-city strategy: Minhang for research and development, and Lingang for assembly, testing and launch logistics.
Third, China’s entry into reusable rockets could reshape the global launch market. As reusable technology lowers launch costs and increases frequency, commercial space is moving from a market dominated by SpaceX toward a more competitive landscape involving multiple national players.
The race for low-cost access to orbit is no longer a one-company story. With new manufacturing hubs coming online, China is positioning itself to become a major contender in the next phase of the commercial space economy.
