FutureX Unveils FX Series Commercial Spacecraft for Satellite Deployment and Orbital Services
Summary: On April 28, 2026, Chinese commercial space company FutureX officially unveiled the FX (Fengxing) series of space vehicles at its launch event in Xiong'an New Area. FutureX CTO Liu Chunbao stated that this marks China's first commercial spacecraft line serving both satellite constellation deployment and orbital services. The FX-1 is planned for a maiden flight test in Q3 2026, to be launched on Orienspace's Yuanhang-1 rocket, focusing on LEO maneuvering, multi-satellite deployment, orbital transfer, debris removal, and on-orbit servicing.
FX Series: China's First Multi-Function Commercial Spacecraft
On April 28, commercial space company FutureX officially launched the FX Fengxing (锋行) series of space vehicles at an event in Xiong'an New Area. Positioned as multi-functional platforms for commercial satellite constellation deployment and space orbital services, this series represents China's first commercial spacecraft product line covering both major application scenarios.
According to FutureX CTO Liu Chunbao, the FX series covers mission platforms ranging from 300 kg to 4,000 kg, meeting the deployment requirements of satellites across different weight classes. Core application scenarios include:
- LEO Maneuvering: Orbital adjustment and maneuvering in low Earth orbit
- Multi-Satellite Deployment: Deploying multiple satellites in a single mission to improve launch efficiency
- Orbital Transfer: Delivering satellites from transfer orbit to target orbit
- Debris Removal: Performing space debris clearance missions
- On-Orbit Servicing: Providing maintenance and servicing for satellites in orbit
FX-1 Maiden Flight Planned for Q3 2026
At the event, Liu Chunbao revealed the FX-1's maiden flight plan: Q3 2026, to be launched on the Yuanhang-1 rocket developed by Orienspace. Yuanhang-1 is Orienspace's primary commercial launch vehicle, and this mission will serve as the first flight verification for the FX series.
A New Track in Commercial Space: Orbital Services
The launch of the FX series marks an important step for China's commercial space industry in the new track of on-orbit services. As demand for large-scale LEO constellation deployment grows, the need for replenishment launches after satellite orbital lifetime expires, orbital maintenance, and fault repair will increase. Spacecraft capable of providing maneuvering, deployment, and servicing capabilities in orbit will become a key component of the commercial space industry chain.
Source: Jiemian (界面新闻)