The published image of the new design of Long March 9 shows that the reusable second stage of this rocket is very similar to the upper stage of the Starship, with a flap at the end and in the middle. According to information presented at the air show, China plans to launch this missile for the first time in 2033, nearly a decade from now.
This is not the first time we see Chinese companies imitating SpaceX
This is not the first time we see Chinese companies imitating SpaceX. Last month, a video from Deep Blue Aerospace showed a failed attempt to vertically land a rocket similar to the Falcon 9. Space Pioneer, another Chinese space startup, also plans to build its own copy of the SpaceX rocket.
While China’s public and private sectors are moving toward reusable rockets, American policymakers have firmly forced NASA to continue building the ultra-expensive, single-use Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This would drain NASA’s budget, prevent the agency from moving toward more advanced technologies, and could cause the US civilian space program to fall behind in competition with China.
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NASA and Chinese space agencies are currently entering the second space race. Both countries have formed international coalitions to explore the south pole region of the moon and eventually build a base there. Because suitable locations in Antarctica are limited, especially those near craters and possibly with access to lunar water, winning the race ahead is critical to advancing long-term space ambitions.
China plans to use a more conventional Long March 10 rocket for its initial lunar missions, and then rely on the Long March 9 reusable rocket to support larger lunar missions in the future.
If the ultimate goal is to build lunar settlements, the real winner is not the country or organization that puts the first astronauts on the surface of the moon; Rather, anyone who can build reusable heavy missiles and implement a program to exploit the revolutionary capacity of these missiles will be the real winner. With the Starship now becoming a real missile, the US is currently leading the race.
But the race is still early and the real winner will be known years later. The unveiling of the new Long March 9 design shows that China is well aware of how to reach the finish line.
