Rocket-powered one-hour delivery is being considered for Alibaba’s Taobao e-commerce site. Even though this idea’s viability is questionable, it has sparked curiosity among everyone.
Space Epoch, a Beijing-based startup, initially revealed the proposal on its WeChat account. This bold concept combines Space Epoch’s Yuanxingzhe 1 rocket with Taobao’s delivery company. The idea calls for a 120 m³ cargo cabin atop the rocket to enable quick package delivery.
Despite confirming Taobao and Space Epoch’s collaboration, the announcement’s timing—April 1st—raises questions about the concept.
According to Space Epoch, they have made headway with engine testing and simulated recovery operations for the reusable ship. However, the Yuanxingzhe 1 rocket has not yet undergone flight testing. The missile can carry ten metric tons of cargo and promises a smooth delivery.
The feasibility of one-hour rocket delivery is still under question. The idea of package delivery on-demand is not consistent with the complex procedures required to load and prepare rockets for launch. Space Epoch’s assertion that the rocket can transport payloads the size of cars despite the difficulties in distributing and maintaining weight has sparked a great deal of criticism and discussion.
Furthermore, the lack of pricing information raises questions concerning the economic sustainability of rocket delivery. Rocket delivery is not financially viable for online retailers. Although rocket delivery is intriguing, it looks more like a marketing ploy than a workable solution.
