Abstract: The flight-based operation of commercial rockets is the only way to realize the industrialization of space transportation. Through a quantitative analysis of the profit model of reusable rockets, a development framework of commercial rockets featuring high performance, high reliability, low cost and high efficiency is proposed, and the key technical features required by the flight-based operation of commercial rockets and their inherent logic are systematically analyzed: high performance is the capability foundation of reusable transportation, high reliability is the prerequisite for winning high-value launch orders, low cost is the core of profitability, and high efficiency is the key to scale expansion. Focusing on these technical features, this paper discusses probability-based overall design, fault diagnosis and intelligent flight control, digital research and development, and reuse evaluation and maintenance, and clarifies their technical approaches and influences on the technical features. Finally, suggestions on building a sustainable commercial space transportation ecosystem through technology synergy and system optimization are put forward, providing theoretical support and technical reference for the flight-based development of commercial rockets.

Key words: launch vehicle, flight-based operation, reusability, space transportation, digitalization