China Replicates SpaceX’s Starship Concept with Remarkable Precision

China unveils a new heavy-lift launch concept that bears a striking resemblance to the SpaceX Starship. The Long March 9 rocket not only copies the design, but also important technologies for reusability. A catch tower concept was also recently shown.

China’s space plans: copy as an innovation strategy?

China surprises with a new concept for its planned Long March 9 heavy-lift rocket. The design of the carrier system, which is supposed to take Chinese astronauts to the moon in the 2030s, has striking similarities to the SpaceX Starship. Experts see this as a significant change in strategy in China’s space program. The new version of the Long March 9 is loud Spacenews designed as a two-stage, fully reusable rocket. It will reach a height of around 114 meters and will be powered by 30 methane-powered YF-215 engines. What is particularly striking are the aerodynamic flaps on the upper stage, which are similar to those of the Starship down to the last detail.

The schedule is remarkable: While SpaceX is already testing its Starship, China is not planning the first flight of the Long March 9 until 2033. Experts see this as both a recognition of SpaceX’s technological lead and an attempt to save time and development costs by imitating proven concepts.

The development of the Long March 9 has taken several turns in recent years. Originally planned as a conventional disposable rocket, the concept was gradually adapted to advances in reusable rockets. The current version represents the most radical transformation to date. China’s ambitions in space are ambitious:

• By 2030: First manned moon landings with the smaller Long March 10 rocket
• From 2033: Use of the Long March 9 for longer-term missions
• Long-term goal: Possible permanent presence on the moon

Chinese startup CosmoLeap shows capture tower concept

Chinese startup presents catch tower concept

In addition, the Chinese space startup CosmoLeap recently presented a technology in a promotional video that is strikingly similar to SpaceX’s innovative “chopstick” capture mechanism. This mechanism, which was recently successfully tested by SpaceX, is used to capture and stabilize the first stage with the launch tower.

CosmoLeap’s presentation of this concept suggests that Chinese companies are closely watching and potentially adapting not only SpaceX’s rocket designs but also its advanced landing technologies.

Is that smart?

The obvious similarities between Chinese developments and SpaceX technologies can be considered controversial. Critically, one could see this as a lack of in-house innovations in the Chinese space program. However, it can also be argued that China is pragmatically using the most effective technologies available to catch up in the “second race to the moon”.