Alibaba, the global e-commerce giant from China, is making headlines with its plan to introduce one-hour deliveries worldwide using advanced rocket technology. This ambitious initiative is part of a strategic partnership with Beijing’s Epoch Space, as announced on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform.
Alibaba’s move to explore rocket-based delivery services with Epoch Space is aimed at staying competitive in the tough e-commerce market. This partnership highlights Alibaba’s commitment to enhancing its logistics capabilities and meeting consumer demands for faster delivery times.
Alibaba told the South China Morning Post, that “many great endeavours seem like a joke at first”. confirming the partnership.
Previously, Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, introduced a five-day delivery option to key global markets like the United States, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Now, with rocket-based delivery on the horizon, Alibaba aims to revolutionize the industry by significantly reducing delivery times to just one hour.
The rocket, designated XZY-1, will provide cargo space of 120 square metres, and has the ability to carry as much as 10 tonnes, including items like “a car or a small-sized lorry”, the Space Epoch post said. But the company admitted that it “won’t be easy to achieve the goal in the short term”. “This should be a great and significant exploration for a long term”, it said.
Epoch Space’s Yuanxingzhe 1 rocket, which Alibaba plans to utilize for its one-hour deliveries, is designed with innovative features like a conveyor belt for loading parcels. Similar to SpaceX’s reusable rockets, this technology allows for efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods.
According to plans outlined by Alibaba and Epoch Space, the rocket will launch from eastern China, complete a brief space journey, and land in the west in about 25 minutes. Upon landing, a conveyor belt inside the rocket will swiftly unload parcels, enabling rapid distribution to waiting for delivery vans for final doorstep delivery.
According to report by techtimes, Space Epoch has garnered substantial support for its mission, having secured over US$41.5 million in funding from investors including GSR Vision Capital and Jinsha Capital.
While the concept of rocket-based deliveries is exciting, Alibaba and Epoch Space acknowledge that achieving global one-hour deliveries will be a significant challenge requiring long-term investment and development. However, both companies are optimistic about the potential impact of this innovation on the e-commerce industry.
President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on expanding strategic industries, including commercial space, aligns with China’s broader vision of technological advancement and innovation. Alibaba’s venture into rocket-based deliveries reflects China’s commitment to pushing boundaries in logistics and technology.
According to a report by Interesting Engineering, with its flagship Taobao marketplace facing fierce competition both domestically and internationally, Alibaba has been keen on maintaining its stronghold in the e-commerce industry.
If successful, Alibaba’s rocket-based delivery system could redefine consumer expectations for fast and efficient online shopping experiences. The prospect of receiving orders within just one hour of purchase would undoubtedly set a new standard in the e-commerce sector.