Chinese startup Spark Space tests engine, raises funds for electric-pump rocket

2026-06-18 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Space Technology · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Chinese startup Spark Space is developing the Jinhua-1 (Evolution-1) rocket, an electric-pump-fed launch vehicle aiming for a 2027 debut. Based in Hefei and established in 2024, the company recently secured nearly 100 million yuan (\$14.8 million) in Pre-A funding and tens of millions in Pre-A+ funding, following successful test firings of its Lieyan-2 kerosene-liquid oxygen engine in early March. The expendable Jinhua-1 is a two-stage rocket, 27.5 meters long with a 2.25-meter diameter, designed to deliver 1,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 1,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Its first stage will use nine Lieyan-2 engines, providing 90 tons of liftoff thrust, with a single vacuum-optimized variant on the second stage. Spark Space targets satellite constellation deployment, positioning Jinhua-1 as a low-cost, quick-response option in China's competitive small launch market.

Key takeaway

For investors evaluating emerging space launch ventures, Spark Space's rapid funding and engine test progress signal a notable contender in the electric-pump-fed rocket sector. While this technology offers design simplicity, be aware of its scaling limitations regarding battery mass and specific impulse, which led Rocket Lab to adopt gas generators for larger vehicles. Your due diligence should weigh these inherent trade-offs against Spark Space's ambitious 2027 debut and competitive market strategy.

Key insights

Electric-pump-fed rocket engines simplify design but face scaling challenges with specific impulse and battery mass.

Principles

• Electric-pump engines eliminate turbopumps for simpler design.
• Scaling electric-pump thrust increases battery mass and impacts specific impulse.

In practice

• Evaluate electric-pump for light-lift launch vehicle designs.
• Consider simplified engine architecture for reduced complexity.

Topics

• Spark Space
• Electric-Pump Engines
• Small Launch Vehicles
• Satellite Constellations
• Space Startup Funding
• China Space Industry

Best for: Tech Journalist, Investor, Entrepreneur

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.