On March 21, the Ceres-1 Y17 rocket—developed by Chinese space company Galactic Energy—successfully delivered a Yunyao meteorological satellite into orbit. Among the mission’s key components was a composite fairing designed and manufactured by Monks Aviation, an aerospace materials firm based in Hefei. This marked the first time Monks publicly confirmed its involvement in producing such a critical aerospace structure, signaling broader recognition of its technical and manufacturing capabilities.
Founded in 2021, Monks Aviation focuses on developing next-generation materials for aerospace and defense. The company’s work is split between two categories of composite materials: resin matrix and ceramic matrix. These materials are applied across sectors including defense, space, and aviation. Founder Li Yi, who leads the firm, brings over a decade of experience in materials R&D.
According to Li, Monks is currently the only private enterprise in the Yangtze River Delta region capable of designing, producing, and delivering composite rocket fairings that have reached orbit.
The fairing used in the Ceres-1 Y17 mission was primarily built with carbon fiber resin matrix composites. These materials reduce weight by up to 30% compared to traditional metal counterparts, enabling more efficient payload deployment.
This launch represents a new phase for Monks as its proprietary composite technologies move from prototype to practical use.
From fiberglass to multifunctional ceramics
Advanced composite materials are typically categorized into three generations. The first is fiberglass—glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin—known for being lightweight yet durable. These were mostly used in non-load-bearing structures like boat hulls and chemical storage tanks.
The second generation features carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites. These materials add significant rigidity to the mix, supporting their use in structural components such as aircraft wings and rocket fairings.
The third generation introduces metal and ceramic matrix composites. These materials combine low weight and high strength with added functionalities—resistance to high temperatures, electromagnetic wave absorption, and stealth properties—making them suitable for demanding environments such as engine chambers or reentry vehicles.
Monks has developed proprietary technologies across both the second and third generations. Its resin matrix composites use carbon fiber for reinforcement and epoxy resins as the adhesive, delivering a high strength-to-weight ratio that suits the structural needs of aerospace and defense equipment.
China’s initial R&D into ultra-high-temperature ceramics dates back to the 1970s, led by institutions like the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). While these ceramics offer heat resistance and durability, their brittleness and high production cost have limited their adoption to major national initiatives, such as the Chang’e missions within China’s lunar exploration program.
To move these materials into wider application, Monks is working with HIT to commercialize ceramic matrix technologies. By refining manufacturing methods, the company aims to reduce costs and enable scalable production.
According to Li, Monks’ ceramic composites are now being used for the heat-resistant bases of high-speed flight vehicles and liquid-fueled rockets. A reusable thermal protection system for these rockets is also under development, with progress already underway.
Expanding from defense to commercial aerospace
Although Monks is a relatively new player, it has quickly built out a supply chain that spans defense, aviation, and space. Li told 36Kr that the engineering team includes personnel from top-tier institutions and companies, supported by a technical advisory board of academic experts.
The company’s first commercial applications were in the defense sector, where it now supplies certified composite structural parts for missiles and loitering munitions. These include components designed for insulation, thermal shielding, and radar evasion.
To support national aerospace priorities, Monks has since expanded into commercial space and aviation. Its space unit focuses on two key offerings: rocket fairings and reusable heat-resistant bases.
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China’s push for satellite internet and related low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations has driven demand for frequent launches, challenging private space firms to lower manufacturing and operational costs. Traditionally, rocket fairings were produced by state-owned entities at higher prices and limited output. Monks has sought to address these pain points through design improvements and scaled production, offering lower-cost alternatives in larger volumes. The company is also working on larger fairing formats for heavier payloads.
In response to the growing focus on reusability, Monks has partnered with a commercial rocket firm to develop heat-resistant bases for liquid-fueled rockets. The goal is to achieve reusability across three launches initially, with longer-term plans to extend component lifespans and reduce costs.
In the aviation segment, Monks recently delivered a fully composite drone body to an unmanned aerial vehicle company, expanding its product reach.
Last May, Monks closed a Series A funding round worth an eight-figure RMB sum, with backing from several state-supported funds. It is preparing to raise new capital in the second quarter of this year to scale its R&D and production capabilities for aerospace applications.
Looking ahead, Li and his team aim to build a vertically integrated business—from materials development to systems integration—positioning themselves for broader visibility in China’s commercial space industry and beyond.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Liu Jingqiong for 36Kr.