CHINA’S private space firms are hopeful that commercial rockets developed by them will be involved in the launch missions of the low-cost cargo transport vehicle for the country’s space station, announced a senior official with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) yesterday.

In proposals provided by space firms for China’s space station low-cost cargo transport system program, many firms chose the plans developed by private commercial space rocket companies, said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA.

The transport capacity of these commercial rockets ranges from 4 tons to 6 tons, with very high comprehensive cost performance. They are expected to participate in the next phase of commercial procurement, he said.

Five State-owned firms and four private commercial companies submitted a total of 10 proposals for the cargo transport system program. After evaluation, four proposals entered the design stage. (Xinhua)