Pro Chinese tests rocket using the same gas used by Coca-Cola to make space flights cheaper, safer, cleaner, and cooler News By Efosa Udinmwen Published 4 July 2026 China wants to fire rockets into the sky using the same gas that puts bubbles in Coca-Cola When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works . (Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Supercritical CO₂ could eliminate some of rocketry’s most expensive infrastructure requirements Cold launches avoid exposing launch pads to destructive exhaust temperatures exceeding 3,000°C Engine ignition occurs only after the rocket clears the launch platform safely Chinese aerospace startup Z-Trak Space is exploring an unusual launch system using carbon dioxide (CO₂) commonly associated with fizzy drinks rather than rocket exhaust. The proposal centres on supercritical CO₂, a state achieved when the gas remains above specific temperature and pressure thresholds simultaneously. Developers believe the approach could lower infrastructure requirements while supporting faster launch schedules for China’s expanding commercial space sector. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: A cold launch system could reduce dependence on expensive ground facilities The technology ejects rockets using rapidly expanding high-pressure gas before igniting engines only after reaching a predetermined altitude overhead. That sequence differs sharply from conventional hot launches where engines ignite directly on launch pads before the vehicle begins climbing skyward. You may like Nuclear engineer wants to use special bubbles to save AI data centers from a massive energy crisis Pulsar Fusion outlines its plans for fusion-powered deep-space propulsion Orbital is planning to launch AI data centers into space to solve power and cooling issues Because combustion occurs later in flight, scorching exhaust gases never strike the launch platform or surrounding support infrastructure below. Traditional launch facilities require extensive protection systems because exhaust streams exceeding 3,000°C can damage structures rapidly during operations. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Launch towers and deep flame trenches therefore require substantial repairs and maintenance after missions involving repeated exposure to extreme temperatures. According to the company, those requirements increase costs and slow launch frequencies whenever operators pursue swift response commercial missions. “In commercial space launch scenarios requiring high frequency and rapid response, this incurs high time and financial costs, directly affecting launch pacing and response speed,” the company said. What to read next Chinese scientists develop coal fuel cell with zero emissions Google and SpaceX are reportedly in talks to build data centers in orbit Rocket Lab buys Iridium in an $8 billion deal to build the most formidable rival to Musk’s SpaceX Z-Trak Space believes eliminating those burdens could increase launch pacing while reducing dependence upon permanent launch infrastructure considerably over time. China’s commercial sector sees cold launch technology as a possible advantage The initiative combines efforts from Hunan based Zhiyu Aerospace Technology and Chiyang Space Power Technology Company through a recent collaboration agreement. Z-Trak Space founder Zhang Zihan, who studied aerospace engineering at Hong Kong Polytech
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