China unveils reusable rocket model 'similar' to SpaceX's.

Video showcasing a model of the Long March 9 rocket. (Video: CCTV)

The Long March 9 model at the exhibition looks quite similar to SpaceX's Starship, and is designed to conquer new space goals for the country with the world's largest population.

A concept video for Long March 9 shows it deploying its nets and performing engine ignition to re-enter the atmosphere. After re-entry, it will target an offshore landing platform. Notably, there is no appearance of any capture structure similar to Starship's Mechazilla.

SpaceX demonstrated its first-ever Super Heavy rocket capture last month, when the Mechazilla robotic arms on the launch pad gripped the booster stage, guiding it back to its launch position.

SpaceX's Starship rocket. (Image: SpaceX)

“ The heavy-lift rocket has a capacity of 100 tons to low Earth orbit and 50 tons to lunar transfer orbit, capable of meeting the launch needs of various space missions, from low Earth orbit to deep space exploration ,” Chen Ziyu, a designer at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), told China Central Television (CCTV) in an interview.

Chen explained that the Long March 9 would be deployed in two phases: first, a heavy-lift rocket model to increase space accessibility, and then a two-stage, fully reusable configuration to reduce costs and increase launch frequency.

“ Our ultimate goal is to have a fully reusable, two-stage configuration. And different configurations can be adapted to the launch needs of missions to different orbits ,” Chen emphasized.

China has been researching super-heavy rocket boosters for years, but the design has changed numerous times. According to CALT presentations, the design and models for CALT's Long March 9 rocket have matured, evolving from a 10-meter diameter, oil-fueled rocket capable of consuming fuel with four 5-meter diameter side boosters, to various reusable oil and methane-fueled designs.

Super-heavy rockets play a crucial role in China's planned construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by the 2030s. They will also be essential for potential projects such as geostationary solar power plants. A reusable rocket would significantly reduce costs and increase the likelihood of multiple launches.

China is also planning to build at least two "constellations" in low Earth orbit, each containing approximately 13,000 satellites. A fully reusable Long March 9 rocket with a high payload capacity would also be beneficial for deploying these satellites, much like SpaceX plans to use Starship to launch Starlink satellites into orbit.

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