Adapted by:
Matías S. Zavia
WriterAerospace and energy industries journalist at Xataka.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
SpaceX is currently several years behind its competitors, including the Chinese government. Like many countries, China has only recently begun exploring reusable rockets and the Starlink satellite constellation, which holds significant strategic value. However, China is eager to close the gap with Starship, the massive rocket SpaceX is building in Texas.
China’s Starship. Despite facing some challenges, SpaceX continues to refine the world’s tallest and most powerful rocket. Meanwhile, China has accelerated its efforts to develop its own reusable super-heavy rocket: the 374-foot-tall Long March 9 (CZ-9).
No more renders. The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has just unveiled two full-scale prototypes of the CZ-9 stainless steel tanks. These tanks are notable in size, being 16.4 and 34.8 feet wide. For comparison, Starship is 29.5 feet wide.
The larger 34.8-foot tank is designed to fit the CZ-9 perfectly. The purpose of the 16.4-foot prototype is less clear. CALT might be exploring a stainless steel version of the CZ-10, the rocket intended for sending astronauts to the Moon.
Alternatively, China may be using this size as a testing ground for rapid manufacturing technologies. It only took 60 days to design and produce the tanks.
SpaceX’s advantage. SpaceX has perfected stainless steel fabrication for its rockets. Meanwhile, China’s attempt to produce large steel tanks represents a significant breakthrough. Rockets are traditionally built from aluminum and carbon fiber.
CALT has faced unique challenges associated with using steel. This material is more difficult to machine than aluminum. It’s also more prone to buckling and warping at the welds. To overcome these challenges, CALT claims to have achieved key technical advances in assembly, welding, and forming processes.
SpaceX opted for steel for two primary reasons: cost and strength. Steel is inexpensive and can be manufactured on a large scale. Moreover, SpaceX’s Starship has shown impressive resilience during atmospheric reentry, which is vital for a rocket designed to be fully and rapidly reusable.
From partial to full reusability. China plans to develop a partially reusable version of the CZ-9 rocket by 2030. It’ll then evolve to a fully reusable variant, the CZ-9BR, expected to be operational between 2033 and 2035.
Similar to SpaceX, the CZ-9 will feature a large number of engines and a specific fuel choice. It’s set to use 30 methane-fueled YF-215 engines, each producing 200 tons of thrust. The rocket will have a total payload capacity of 150 tons to low Earth orbit.
Potential applications. The CZ-9’s potential uses are diverse, just like SpaceX’s Starship. Applications include establishing a manned lunar base and deploying large solar power plants in space. Other uses could be launching space telescopes and facilitating manned missions to Mars.
Images | SpaceX | CALT
View 0 comments