China’s space industry is making significant progress in the development of reusable rockets, aiming to challenge the dominance of SpaceX in this field. Beijing-based startup Orienspace is working on a reusable rocket named Gravity-2, with its maiden flight expected to take place in late 2025 or early 2026. The company recently completed its first launch of a single-use rocket and is now focused on reducing the costs associated with satellite launches.
Orienspace is not the only Chinese company working on reusable rocket technology. Other startups and state-owned enterprises, such as Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology (i-Space) and a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, are also involved in similar projects. While SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, remains the global leader in the field of reusable rockets, the rapid growth of the Chinese space industry is attracting significant investments and increasing demand for launch services.
One area where Orienspace is particularly focusing is sea-based rocket launches. This approach offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for companies looking to increase their launch frequency. The company has planned three to five rocket launches in 2025 and five to eight in 2026, with a goal of reaching a launch frequency of 10 times a year within three years.
China’s space program has been making significant strides in recent years, with Elon Musk himself acknowledging that it is more advanced than most people realize. However, China has also been critical of the US in the space domain. In December 2021, China filed a complaint to the United Nations claiming that SpaceX satellites narrowly avoided striking its space station, accusing the US of violating the Outer Space Treaty.
The growing Chinese threat in space has prompted the Pentagon to pour billions into the space industry to maintain US dominance in this critical domain. China’s rapid progress in reusable rocket technology further underscores the need for continued US investment and innovation in the space sector.
As China’s space industry continues to make strides in reusable rocket technology, it poses a challenge to SpaceX’s dominance in this field. The competition between Chinese and US companies will likely drive innovation and further advancements in space exploration and satellite launches.
