Deep Blue Aerospace
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | November 2016 |
| Founder | Huo Liang |
| Headquarters | Jiangsu , China |
Area served | China |
Key people | Huo Liang (Founder) |
| Products | Reusable rockets, Nebula-1, Nebula-2, Leiting-20 engine, Thunder engine series |
| Website | www |
Jiangsu Deep Blue Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. () is a privately held space launch enterprise established in November 2016 by Huo Liang. Situated in Jiangsu province along China's eastern coastline, the company specializes in the development of reusable rocket technology. It operates research and development centers located in Beijing and Xi'an, while its manufacturing and testing operations are based in Tongchuan.
Nebula-1
The firm is advancing the medium-class orbital launch vehicle known as Nebula-1, which is propelled by the Leiting-20 engine, a kerosene-liquid oxygen (kerolox) engine delivering 20 tons of thrust.
In October 2021, Deep Blue Aerospace successfully conducted a 100-meter vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) trial using the Nebula M1 prototype.
By January 2022, the company had raised close to $31.5 million to further develop the Nebula-1 vehicle and its associated "Thunder" engine series. An additional financing round, spearheaded by CMBC International Holdings, was revealed in April 2022 to aid ongoing rocket development and production efforts.
On May 6, 2022, the Nebula M1 prototype completed a one-kilometer VTVL test flight above Tongchuan in Shaanxi Province.
A hop test for the Thunder-R kerolox engine conducted in September 2024 concluded with a hard landing.
The initial schedule aimed for Nebula-1’s first orbital launch and recovery by late 2024; however, this milestone has been postponed to mid-2025.
Nebula-2
Nebula-2 is a liquid-fueled rocket designed for medium to heavy payloads, utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants. Initially engineered to deliver 20,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), its debut launch—originally set for late 2025—has been deferred to 2026 with an upgraded payload capability of 25,000 kg.
Competition
Deep Blue Aerospace faces competition from multiple Chinese aerospace startups, including Galactic Energy, LandSpace, LinkSpace, ExPace, i-Space, OneSpace, and Orienspace.