Zenk Space raises $26 million, targets June debut launch

A hot fire test of the ZH-1 first stage on the HOS-1 mobile platform, February 2026. Credit: Zenk Space

KOUROU, French Guiana — China’s Zenk Space has secured 180 million yuan ahead of the planned June debut of its Zhihang-1 kerolox rocket, the company’s first orbital launch attempt.

Zenk Space raised $26 million (180 million yuan) in a round led by Wenzhou Bay New Area Investment Group, according to local Wenzhou news reports May 14. Wenzhou Municipal State Investment Company, Eastern New City Group, city and district level state-owned capital entities, and private investor Yarong Ventures also joined.

The funding will provide solid financial backing for the Zhihang-1 (ZH-1) inaugural mission and ensure all pre-launch activities proceed smoothly, the company said. A separate report May 16 stated the launch is scheduled for June.

Zhihang-1 is a 49.8-meter-long, 3.35m-diameter, kerosene-liquid oxygen launcher capable of 4,000 kilograms to a 500-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).