China has unveiled a new-generation cargo spacecraft, Qingzhou (Qingzhou), designed to supply space stations (primarily, of course, the Chinese national space station Tiangong). A life-size model of the spacecraft was shown at the aerospace exhibition in Shanghai as part of the celebration of China's Cosmonautics Day. Qingzhou, developed by the Academy of Innovation for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is scheduled to make its maiden flight as early as 2025. The development team is currently finalizing the design and development of the software for the initial testing phase. The production of subsystems and components of the test ship is already in full swing, said Chief designer Chang Liang.

Qingzhou, which means "light ship" in Chinese, has an integrated single-capsule design with a cargo volume of 27 cubic meters and a lifting capacity of up to 2 tons. It is designed to transport scientific research and experimental equipment, various scientific cargoes and basic necessities for Chinese astronauts. The ship is equipped with a four-tier shelving system with 40 compartments for special cargo. It is noteworthy that it can carry up to 300 liters of cold chain products, providing astronauts with fresh food during space flights.

"Qingzhou is a fast and maneuverable spacecraft designed with the needs of astronauts in mind, characterized by low cost, high reliability, flexibility and intelligence," said Shu Rong, Qingzhou Project Manager.

In addition to servicing the Tiangong Space Station, Qingzhou will be used in the future to deliver commercial cargo into space. On the first flight of Qingzhou otr