A model of the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is pictured at the preview of a science exhibition marking the 10th Space Day of China at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)

Qingzhou, or light vessel, China's new-generation cargo spacecraft, has achieved breakthroughs in multiple key technologies and is scheduled to make its maiden flight next year, according to its developer, the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Innovation Academy for Microsatellites.

Designed with a focus on low cost, high reliability, high adaptability and high intelligence, the compact spacecraft delivers impressive capabilities.

The spacecraft weighs approximately 5 tonnes. Its cargo module has a total stowage volume of 9 cubic meters and a total internal volume of 27 cubic meters. The cargo module features a four-tier rack system with 40 standard slots, which can flexibly accommodate payloads ranging from crew supplies to scientific equipment. This design effectively meets the diverse logistical demands of the space station.

An intelligent onboard cargo management system enables the smart identification, tracing and management of goods. Astronauts can locate items quickly through voice commands, significantly improving retrieval efficiency and reducing their in-orbit workload.

For the storage of special supplies, the spacecraft is equipped with modular "space refrigerators" -- cold-chain containers each with a volume of 60 liters. They can be flexibly grouped as needed, achieving a maximum combined capacity of 300 liters. Precise temperature control ensures stable, fresh transportation.

Qingzhou has an integrated single-module design, which not only reduces its external dimensions and improves space utilization, but also ensures compatibility with multiple launch vehicles for rapid deployment.

The spacecraft's launch vehicle is also designed to be an optimized, integrated system. The current transportation cost is approximately 100,000 yuan (14,134 U.S. dollars) per kilogram, which is projected to decrease with future mass production and expanded commercial cooperation.