In a significant advancement for its space program, China has introduced a groundbreaking concept for a fully reusable rocket, mirroring the design principles of SpaceX’s Starship. This innovative model, which is an iteration of the Long March 9 rocket, was showcased at the Zhuhai Airshow in Guangdong province, which commenced on November 12, 2024.
The Long March 9, designed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), aims to support China’s ambitious space exploration goals. An animated presentation revealed the rocket’s capabilities, illustrating the large first stage deploying grid fins for reentry and executing a landing burn aimed at an offshore platform. This landing mechanism features moveable rails that close to capture the stage as it descends, similar to the technology utilized by SpaceX for its Super Heavy booster.
Chen Ziyu, a designer at CALT, emphasized the rocket’s impressive specifications, stating that the Long March 9 is engineered to transport up to 100 tons to low Earth orbit and 50 tons to lunar transfer orbit. This capacity positions the rocket to fulfill a variety of mission requirements, ranging from low Earth orbit operations to deep space exploration.
Chen elaborated on the development strategy for the Long March 9, indicating that it will be rolled out in two phases. Initially, a heavy-lift model will be introduced to facilitate increased access to space. This will be followed by the introduction of a fully reusable two-stage configuration, aimed at reducing costs and improving launch frequency. “Our ultimate goal is to have a two-stage fully reusable configuration. Different configurations can be adapted to the launch needs of missions to different orbits,” Chen explained.
The journey to this point has seen numerous iterations of the Long March 9 design. Over the years, the concept has evolved from an expendable kerosene-fueled rocket with a diameter of 10 meters and four side boosters, to various designs incorporating both kerosene and methane fuels to enhance reusability. This adaptability highlights China’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space transportation.
China’s space ambitions have been on a steady rise, with the nation making significant strides in recent years, including the successful deployment of crewed missions to its Tiangong space station and the exploration of the Moon and Mars. The introduction of the Long March 9 is expected to further bolster these efforts, providing the necessary infrastructure for a wide range of future missions.
The Zhuhai Airshow serves as a platform for showcasing China’s advancements in aerospace technology, and the unveiling of the Long March 9 concept aligns with the country’s broader goals of establishing a formidable presence in the global space arena. As international competition in space exploration intensifies, China’s focus on developing reusable rocket technology may play a crucial role in shaping the future of its space endeavors.
With the global space industry increasingly leaning towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness, the development of reusable rocket systems is becoming a focal point for many nations. The Long March 9, with its ambitious design and capabilities, positions China as a strong contender in the evolving landscape of space exploration.
As the aerospace community watches closely, the next steps in the development of the Long March 9 will be critical in determining its impact on both national and international space missions. The potential for reusability not only promises to lower costs but also to enhance the frequency of launches, paving the way for more ambitious projects in the coming years.
China’s unveiling of the Long March 9 at the Zhuhai Airshow marks a pivotal moment in its quest for advanced space capabilities, and it underscores the nation’s determination to innovate and expand its reach beyond Earth.
