The Kuaizhou-11 (also known as KZ-11) is a Chinese commercial solid-fuel carrier rocket developed by ExPace, a subsidiary of the state-owned defense giant China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). Designed as a "quick-reaction" orbital launch vehicle, it is built to provide low-cost, rapid-response space access for small satellites. The rocket operates primarily from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a mobile Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicle, which eliminates the need for a traditional fixed launch pad and enables brief launch preparation windows.

Height: 25 meters

Diameter: 2.2 meters (main body); up to 2.65 meters (payload fairing)

Stages: 3 (all solid-propellant)

Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 1,500 kilograms

Payload to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): 1,000 kilograms (at an altitude of 700 kilometers)

In terms of physical and technical specifications, the Kuaizhou-11 is a three-stage solid-propellant rocket. It has a gross liftoff mass of approximately 78 metric tons. The first stage of the vehicle is uniquely configured with four aerodynamic grid rudders to assist with steering and stability during the initial phase of flight.

The rocket's carrying capacity makes it roughly five times more powerful than its smaller predecessor, the Kuaizhou-1A.

The Kuaizhou-11 made its maiden flight on July 10, 2020, which resulted in a launch failure. Following a two-year grounding and testing phase, the vehicle successfully achieved orbit during its second flight on December 7, 2022. It has since entered regular commercial service, completing multiple consecutive successful launches—including its fifth overall flight in March 2026, which successfully placed eight commercial satellites into orbit.

Image courtesy of CASIC.