US EditionChina's LandSpace Gears up to Take on Elon Musk and SpaceX
LandSpace aims to cut launch costs and support China’s satellite constellation plans with reusable rockets, seeking IPO funding after a recent booster recovery failure, analysts say.
- Earlier this month, LandSpace, the Beijing-based rocket startup, became the first Chinese company to conduct a reusable rocket test, putting SpaceX on alert as it prepares for an IPO.
- After leaving the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology in 2016, Dai Zheng joined LandSpace, inspired by SpaceX's focus on reusability and faster iteration than China's state-led space programme.
- After a December setback when Zhuque-3's booster failed to activate a landing burn three kilometres from the ground and crashed, LandSpace opened its engine factory this month, using stainless steel sheaths and methalox engines to lower launch costs.
- LandSpace's drive for reusability is providing fresh impetus to China's space industry, challenging risk-averse state-owned entities and shifting dynamics among private startups in commercial spaceflight.
- LandSpace's low-cost focus highlights first-stage recovery and reuse as the main cost-saver, using stainless steel and methalox to support Beijing's plans for 10,000 satellite constellations.
19 Articles
19 Articles
China's rocket startup LandSpace set to challenge Elon Musk's SpaceX
While tech billionaire Elon Musk seems to be reigning supreme in the realm of aerospace technology, China's rocket startup LandSpace is establishing itself as a competitor against Musk's SpaceX. It is widely believed that the Chinese...
LandSpace is now preparing to go public to fund its future projects.
China eases IPO rules for reusable rocket firms to speed space ambitions
China has eased listing requirements for private companies developing reusable commercial rockets, shifting regulatory scrutiny away from short-term financial performance and toward technological milestones, as Beijing steps up efforts to close the gap with the United States in launch capabilities and low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Despite a first unsuccessful recovery test, the Chinese LandSpace startup accelerates and prepares its market entry, positioning itself as SpaceX's most serious rival in the reusable launch market.
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