Chinese Rocket Successfully Tests E-Commerce Package Delivery via Sea Recovery

BEIJING — A significant milestone in commercial space logistics was achieved on May 29, 2025, when SEPOCH, a private Beijing-based rocket firm, successfully transported e-commerce packages from Taobao, one of China's largest online shopping platforms, using a reusable rocket. The XZY-1 verification rocket, weighing 57 tonnes and measuring 26.8 meters, completed its inaugural 'rocket delivery' experiment by carrying over 20 kilograms of packages during a test flight off the eastern coast of China. This achievement marks a notable advancement in the field of logistics, with potential implications for global delivery systems.

The rocket ascended to an altitude of 2.5 kilometers over a flight duration of 125 seconds before landing vertically on the sea surface near Shandong province. Following an 18-hour recovery operation, the rocket was retrieved intact, demonstrating the potential for reusable rocket technology in logistical applications. SEPOCH's founder, Wei Yi, communicated with friends post-test, stating, "Package delivered, please check!" This statement underscores the company's ambition to innovate within the rapidly evolving e-commerce logistics sector.

The cargo in this test included items from the National Library’s official flagship store on Taobao, alongside commemorative postcards. The rocket's cargo bay, with a capacity of 120 cubic meters, has the potential to carry loads of up to 10 tonnes, which could include vehicles and other large items. Wei Yi expressed optimism about the future applications of this technology, stating, "With the routine use of reusable rockets, delivery costs are expected to drop significantly."

However, the current cost of rocket delivery remains prohibitively high for everyday consumers. Initial applications are expected to focus on emergency deliveries, disaster relief, and supplying remote areas, as noted by Wei. Aerospace expert Cao Meng emphasized that while rocket delivery is a long-term vision, it could ultimately lead to true global 'flash delivery.' He cautioned, however, that extensive testing is necessary to validate the rocket's recovery technology and the durability of its structure.

In the aftermath of the sea recovery, the XZY-1 rocket showed no signs of damage or leakage, with the engines and electrical components in good condition. SEPOCH has indicated plans for its first orbital flight and recovery mission by the end of 2025, targeting the delivery of goods weighing up to seven tonnes to an orbit of 1,100 kilometers using liquid oxygen and methane propulsion.

Looking ahead, the company plans to optimize its delivery warehouse layout and expand the types of goods transported to include fresh produce and fragile items. Additionally, an escape system is in development to ensure the safety of the cargo during transport. The collaboration between SEPOCH and Alibaba's Taobao highlights China's commitment to pioneering advancements in space logistics, potentially transforming delivery times from days to mere minutes, and setting the stage for a new era in logistics and e-commerce.

As this technology matures, it is expected to generate significant interest and investment in the logistics sector, drawing attention from both domestic and international markets. The implications of successful rocket delivery systems could redefine traditional logistics frameworks, leading to a paradigm shift in how goods are transported globally. The future of e-commerce may very well be propelled by the innovations coming from the intersection of space technology and commercial logistics.