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Chinese startup secures funding to develop SpaceX-inspired rocket recovery technology, aiming to reduce space costs
Chinese space technology startup Cosmoleap recently announced that it has secured over 100 million yuan (about $14 million) in funding to develop its reusable “Yueqian” rocket and innovative launch recovery system. The ambitious project aims to transform the Chinese space technology landscape and attract global attention for its similarities to the famous Starship, from SpaceX.
Partnership with investors and support for the Yueqian project
Cosmoleap, officially named Beijing Dahang Transition Technology Company, was founded in March 2024. Although young, the startup has managed to impress investors with its determination and technological vision.
In a press release on November 1, the company disclosed that the funding was secured with support from several venture capital firms, including Shenergy Chengyi, Tiangchuang Capital and Legend Capital.
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Cosmoleap's goal is bold: to develop a reusable rocket that can support the construction of a satellite internet network, a project similar to SpaceX's Starlink system.
While the Yueqian rocket shared several visual similarities with Starship, the Chinese company is targeting applications closer to the Terra. The expectation is to carry out the first flight test between 2025 and 2026.
What is Yueqian like? A clearly familiar inspiration
In concept animations released by Cosmoleap, the design of the Yueqian rocket and its landing system strongly resemble the aesthetics and mechanism of the Super Heavy, the first stage of the Starship rocket.
Yueqian, like SpaceX's rocket, will be recovered with a tower equipped with mechanical arms. This system, called "chopsticks," was demonstrated by SpaceX in October when the Super Heavy was successfully captured.
However, the size of Yueqian will be smaller than Starship. At about 75 meters tall, the Chinese rocket will be able to carry 10.460 kg to low Earth orbit in its required version.
That weight is reduced to 6.280 kg when the first stage is recovered. For comparison, Starship measures 121 meters and has a significantly larger payload capacity.
Reactions and comparisons with SpaceX
The visual and functional similarity between the Cosmoleap and SpaceX designs caught the attention of online observers and generated mixed opinions.
On the X platform (formerly Twitter), users have commented that the technology looks nearly identical to SpaceX’s launch and recovery system. One wry comment suggests, “Even the flood [system looks the same]. They should change it up a bit. Come on, man.”
Despite the comparisons, Cosmoleap appears confident that Yueqian will be just the beginning of a portfolio of T innovative spaces.
In his vision, the ultimate goal is an even larger rocket, with a predicted height of 126 meters and a payload capacity greater than that of Starship, aiming for a first launch in 2030. If completed, this rocket would become the largest in the world.
The Context of Private Space Sector in China
Cosmoleap is part of a growing and competitive ecosystem of private space companies in China. Startups such as Space Pioneer, iSpace, Galactic Energy and Deep Blue Aerospace have already gained global visibility for their advances. remarkable.
Space Pioneer, for example, reached Earth orbit on its first launch, something that SpaceX only achieved after four attempts with the Falcon 1.
This technological revolution demonstrates the Chinese private sector’s drive to invest in space advancements. With more and more capital and technology being directed towards these projects, the country is cementing its place as a global powerhouse in the aerospace sector.
Cosmoleap's Trajectory and Challenges
While Cosmoleap has yet to launch a rocket into space, it is entering the market with a boldness that is typical of startups. The company’s ambitious goals put it alongside industry veterans like SpaceX and Blue Origin in terms of innovation and vision.
However, achieving success will not be an easy task. Developing a reusable rocket capable of competing with SpaceX's technology requires years of research, development and, of course, funding.
Many aerospace startups can’t keep up with the cost and technical challenges, ending their journeys in bankruptcy. But Cosmoleap seems determined to overcome these obstacles.
In addition to the initial $14 million in funding, the company will need other significant transportation to continue its developments. Space technology projects are often expensive and challenging, especially when the ambition is to develop a reusable and efficient structure.
Cosmoleap is betting that its Yueqian rocket will be a game-changer for the Chinese market, offering a more affordable and cost-efficient alternative for building satellite infrastructure.
What does the future hold for Cosmoleap and Chinese space exploration?
Cosmoleap’s future will be decided by the company’s next steps and its ability to meet its announced goals. Competition in the reusable rocket market is intensifying, but the Chinese company appears determined to meet these challenges head on.
The growing investment in space technology startups in China demonstrates that the country is willing to support initiatives that promote its technological independence.
This scenario puts the country in an advantageous position to become one of the world leaders in space exploration in the coming decades.
If Cosmoleap can successfully conduct its flight tests and develop Yueqian as planned, it will prove that there is room for new players in the competitive space technology market.
