Xingyu Aerospace Raises Funds for Hypersonic Propulsion

Xingyu Aerospace, a burgeoning Chinese developer of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, has successfully closed a significant Pre-Series A funding round, securing tens of millions of Renminbi. This capital infusion, spearheaded by Loongson Venture Capital, saw robust participation from a consortium of investors including Qidi Star Venture Capital, Tsinghua Seed Alumni Fund, Fuzhuo Investment, and Future Science City. Existing backers Zhongguancun Qihang and Longding also contributed to this latest financing effort, underscoring continued confidence in the company's trajectory. The total cumulative funding for Xingyu Aerospace now surpasses 100 million RMB (approximately $14 million USD).

The newly acquired funds are earmarked for critical research and development initiatives focused on next-generation aerospace propulsion technologies. A primary objective is to advance the company's ambitious plan for a year-end test flight demonstration of its core power system. This strategic investment positions Xingyu Aerospace to accelerate its technological roadmap in the highly competitive hypersonic and space access markets, which are experiencing substantial growth driven by commercial spaceflight ambitions and defense modernization efforts.

Established in 2022, Xingyu Aerospace distinguishes itself by its comprehensive approach to aerospace propulsion, encompassing system design, integrated additive manufacturing of engine components, and the development of proprietary wind tunnel testing infrastructure. The company asserts its unique position as the sole private entity in China possessing these integrated capabilities. Its flagship third-generation aerospace power system is engineered for wide-speed-range operation and air-space integration, designed to meet diverse application needs from commercial space ventures to high-speed atmospheric flight.

The innovative propulsion system boasts the capability to operate seamlessly across a vast spectrum of altitudes and speeds, from low-level flight to near-space environments, and from subsonic to high hypersonic velocities (up to Mach 6-10). This broad operational envelope addresses a key limitation of conventional propulsion systems. According to co-founder Chen Junda, all constituent subsystems of the core power unit have been finalized, with integrated assembly currently in progress. The company is targeting a comprehensive ground-based hot-fire engine test in May 2026, paving the way for the crucial flight demonstration by the close of the year.

Beyond hardware development, Xingyu Aerospace is actively leveraging artificial intelligence for aerodynamic, structural, and combustion analysis, aiming to expedite product iteration. The foundational architecture for a large-scale AI model has been established, promising enhanced design optimization and rapid development cycles. Complementing its R&D efforts, the company has made substantial progress on its testing facilities, with one wind tunnel fully operational and a second undergoing final commissioning. These facilities are central to Xingyu Aerospace's commercialization strategy, which initially focuses on generating revenue through testing and engineering services.

The company's multi-phase commercialization plan includes leveraging its in-house 3D printing expertise to secure critical material supply chains, boost production efficiency, and manage costs. Ultimately, Xingyu Aerospace aims to provide advanced propulsion solutions for emerging sectors such as low-cost space transportation, space tourism, and hypersonic vehicles. Revenue generated from non-core services will fuel the long-term development of its core propulsion systems. For 2026, the company projects a doubling of revenue and plans to expand its workforce by 100% to support its ambitious R&D and testing objectives.