Rocket Report: China to copy SpaceX’s Super Heavy? Vulcan slips to 2022

Enlarge / During a presentation on Thursday, a Chinese space official showcased a new design for the Long March 9 that, umm, resembles a Super Heavy booster. (credit: YouTube)

Welcome to Edition 4.04 of the Rocket Report! About two months ago, we reported on China's state rocket company releasing a rendering of a spacecraft that looked a lot like SpaceX's Starship vehicle. Now, a senior Chinese space official says the country is modifying its plans for a very large rocket, the Long March 9. This booster, it turns out, also looks similar to the design of SpaceX's Super Heavy booster, which will serve as the first stage of Starship.

More details below.

As always, we welcome reader submissions, and if you don't want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.

Read 27 remaining paragraphs | Comments