China Achieves Critical Breakthrough inSpace Launch Technology
China has taken a momentous step forward in itsspace ambitions with the successful development of large-diameter stainlesssteel propellant tanks for next-generation launch vehicles. The China Academyof Launch Vehicle Technology, a leading rocket designer and manufacturer underthe China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, announced the creationof prototype tanks measuring 5.0 meters and 10.6 meters in diameter over thepast month.
The larger 10.6-meter tank represents aparticularly significant achievement, with CALT describing it as "a majorbreakthrough in the development of ultra-large-diameter stainless steeltanks" that constitutes "a solid first step toward the iterativedevelopment of large-diameter stainless steel structures for heavy-lift launchvehicles." The importance of this development was underscored by thepresence of key leaders from CALT, the China National Space Administration, andother high-level authorities who gathered to witness the completion of theprototype.
Strategic Implications for China's SpaceProgram
The newly developed tanks are crucialcomponents for China's ambitious Long March 9 rocket program. This futurereusable super heavy-lift rocket is designed for large lunar missions and infrastructureprojects that would dramatically transform the country's launch capabilities.The 10.6-meter-diameter, 9.0-meter-high tank specifically supports thisinitiative, which aims to create a launch vehicle comparable to NASA's SpaceLaunch System.
According to previous announcements, the LongMarch 9 is expected to stand approximately 114 meters tall with a core stagediameter of 10.6 meters. When completed, this massive rocket will have a launchmass exceeding 4,000 metric tons and produce close to 6,000 tons of thrust,giving China capabilities similar to those of the historic Saturn V rocket thatcarried American astronauts to the Moon.
Multi-Configuration Design Strategy
CALT has revealed that China's futureheavy-lift rockets will adopt three main configurations: a three-stage model, atwo-stage model, and a two-stage fully reusable model. This flexible approachallows for different mission profiles while maximizing component commonality.
The development plan follows a phased approach.In the first phase, CALT will focus on creating universally adaptable modulesincluding a general-use first stage, a non-reusable second stage, and ahydrogen-oxygen-powered third stage. These components will form the foundationfor the basic 10-meter-diameter heavy-lift rocket with a low Earth orbitpayload capacity of at least 100 metric tons and a lunar transfer orbit payloadcapacity of at least 50 metric tons.
The second phase will see CALT develop amulti-adaptive second stage to build a two-stage, fully reusable model. Thisinnovation is expected to significantly reduce space transportation costs andenhance China's overall space capabilities.
Advanced Recovery Systems
One of the most innovative aspects of China'sheavy rocket program is its recovery system for reusable components. CALT hasdeveloped a grid-based recovery system for the reusable rocket model and hasmade significant progress in this novel technology over the past two years,successfully completing a scaled-down recovery test at sea.
An animated demonstration released by CALTshows the first stage of the reusable rocket deploying grid fins during descentbefore being captured by movable rails on an offshore platform. The secondstage performs a controlled vertical landing, similar to technologies pioneeredby companies like SpaceX. This approach to reusability is considered pivotalfor advancing China's space initiatives and fostering broader global space industrygrowth.
Commercial Space Sector Following Suit
China's progress in stainless steel rocketcomponents extends beyond state-owned enterprises into the commercial sector.Chinese startups have also been conducting tests with stainless steel propellanttanks, apparently inspired by SpaceX's Starship design. Space Epoch, forexample, has performed a series of tests using a 4.2-meter-diameter stainlesssteel propellant tank combined with a Longyun-70 methane-liquid oxygen enginedeveloped by engine maker Jiuzhou Yunjian.
These developments, along with new Long Marchrockets and commercially-developed launch vehicles expected to have their firstflights in 2025, will boost China's overall launch capabilities. The variouslaunchers, whether reusable, adapted for reusability, or designed forcost-effective expendable flights, will compete for contracts to launchsatellites for China's megaconstellation projects, space station cargomissions, and other commercial contracts.
Key Takeaways:
• China has successfully developed 5.0-meterand 10.6-meter diameter stainless steel propellant tanks, marking a majortechnological breakthrough for its super heavy-lift rocket program.
• The Long March 9 rocket is expected to have apayload capacity of 140 metric tons to low Earth orbit and 50 metric tons tolunar transfer orbit, rivaling NASA's Space Launch System.
• CALT is pursuing a three-configurationapproach for heavy-lift rockets, including a fully reusable two-stage modelwith an innovative grid-based recovery system that could significantly reducelaunch costs.
