The commercial company AZSpace, based in Beijing, announced the completion of mechanical tests on the structural model of its DEAR-21 spacecraft. DEAR-21 is the first flight prototype of the C2000 series of medium cargo spacecraft, and its launch is slated for the first half of 2027.
Mechanical tests are conducted to verify the spacecraft's structure's ability to withstand loads, vibration, and impact forces during launch. This stage followed the completion of the assembly of the structural test model, which AZSpace reported on October 20. The project schedule has been adjusted: previously, when AZSpace displayed a full-scale model of the C2000 demonstration version at a trade fair in Chengdu in May, the first flight was anticipated in late 2026.
The C2000 series represents a major step for the company. Each C2000 spacecraft is designed to carry cargo weighing up to 2000 kilograms, and several such spacecraft can be combined into what AZSpace calls a version 2.0 commercial space station. The company indicates that the C2000 is intended for low-cost delivery of supplies to orbit, reuse for orbital transfer, and modular assembly of commercial space station sections. It is designed for long-term orbital presence and support of docking and rendezvous operations.
Founded in 2019, AZSpace focuses on commercial spacecraft and stations, with stated business directions in space station development, in-space manufacturing, and space tourism. Among the developed vehicles are the B300 series of small cargo spacecraft, capable of carrying up to 300 kilograms each and combined into a crewed commercial space station version 1.0; the C2000 series of medium cargo spacecraft; and the D6 crewed suborbital spacecraft, designed for six to nine people.
The company's first product, the A10 series, completed its first flight in 2023. According to AZSpace, the B300 series completed a full commercial cycle in 2024, and in 2025, the company achieved what it describes as China's first orbital flight of a small commercial cargo spacecraft.
The transition from 300-kilogram cargo spacecraft to 2000-kilogram spacecraft marks the next significant stage in AZSpace's path toward building a commercial space station. The 2027 flight will be the first real test of the C2000's capabilities.