Lijian-2

CAS Space uses YF-102 engines on Kinetica-2 because it considers them a proven, off-the-shelf propulsion solution for the launcher class.

Kinetica-2 can carry up to 12,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit.

CAS Space has another Kinetica-2 mission planned for 2026 to carry 18 Qianfan satellites for the Qianfan constellation.

Kinetica-2 uses nine YF-102 engines, with three engines on each of its three 3.35-meter first-stage booster cores.

Kinetica-2 is currently 53 meters tall at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

CAS Space plans to use its in-house Kinecore engines on Lihong-2 before introducing them on Kinetica-2.

CAS-SPACE's Kinecore-2 engine is intended to power Kinetica-2 in the future.

CAS Space was contracted by Shanghai Spacesail Technologies to use its Kinetica-2 launch vehicle but the vehicle will be occupied with its debut flight for the first half of the year.

An initial prototype of the Qingzhou spacecraft, likely a free-flyer, is planned to fly on the first Lijian-2 in late March 2026.

CAS Space plans eight Lijian-1 launches, including two at-sea launches, and four Lijian-2 launches.

CAS Space’s Lihong-2 'New Shepard' will test recovery procedures for the Kinetica-2 mission.

By flying more Lihong-1 missions, CAS Space is building experience for future landings of its Kinetica-2 launch vehicle’s first-stage boosters.

Kinetica-2 has completed static fires this year and is being assembled for its debut flight.

A single fiscal quarter delay was announced for Kinetica-2's launch in December.

CAS Space will find a different payload for Kinetica-2 due to Qingzhou likely being off its debut flight.

Qingzhou's primary launch solution is the Kinetica-2 launch vehicle.

SECM's Qingzhou cargo spacecraft will not be launched by the first Kinetica-2 launch vehicle.

SECM's Qingzhou cargo spacecraft will not be launched by the first Kinetica-2.