Unveiling China's Reusable Rocket Revolution: The Long March 10's Journey to Lunar Dominance

Long March 10 rocket 

Can you think of a reusable rocket? 

Starship?

Yes, that’s the right answer, but I am not talking about Starship.

We have something newer and more interesting in this blog that has become the talk of the town i.e. China’s reusable rockets.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) plans to launch their first-ever reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026. 

The rockets, unspecified by CASC, consist of a 13-foot (4-meter) diameter model and a 16-foot (5-meter) diameter variant. The larger rocket could potentially be a version of the proposed Long March 10, a launch vehicle measuring 302 feet (92 meters) in length, with the capability to transport 27 tons into translunar orbit.

Background on China's Space  Program

Now, let's delve into China's journey towards achieving a fully reusable rocket.

Originally intended as a disposable rocket, the Long March 9, has evolved into China's super heavy-lift rocket, capable of launching 150 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 50 tonnes to lunar transfer orbit. This transformation began around 2016 and has seen a significant redesign, now being developed as a reusable rocket, as officially announced by China on April 24 during its Spaceflight Day celebrations.

Early startups primarily focused on developing lightweight solid-filled rockets due to their simplicity and the availability of solid-fueled engines from state-owned providers. For instance, i-space, founded in 2016, achieved the first Chinese commercial orbital launch in July 2019 with its Hyperbola One rocket. Galactic Energy followed suit with its Series One rocket in November 2020. While some startups encountered setbacks with unsuccessful launches, newcomers like Caspace and Orion Space pursued heavier solid-fueled rockets. These companies generally saw such rockets as complementary to larger reusable liquid-filled launch vehicles. In contrast, companies such as Land Space, Deep Blue Aerospace, and Space Pioneer exclusively concentrated on liquid-filled rockets.

One notable development in China's space program is the Long March series of rockets, which have been used for launching satellites, crewed missions, and interplanetary probes. While some of these rockets have been partially reusable, such as the Long March 2-6 series, which have components that can be recovered and refurbished, China has been working on more advanced reusable rocket designs. 

But what is the objective of launching the rocket?

China is reaching new heights in space exploration with the development of the Long March 10, a rocket tailored for manned space missions. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, this advanced launch vehicle is set to launch China's next-generation crewed spacecraft and lunar landing module, solidifying the nation's leading role in space exploration. The primary focus of the Long March 10's design is to meet stringent reliability and safety standards required for future lunar missions.

Overview of Rocket Technology

Visitors looking at the model of Long March 10 rocket, lunar lander, and manned spacecraft Credit: Space.com

Wait!

What is so special about this rocket that everyone talks so much about it?

Let's discuss all the specifications of the Long March 10  before you are left scratching your head.

The Long March 10 rocket is set to stand at an impressive height of 92 meters, equivalent to a towering 32-story building. With a projected liftoff weight of 2187 metric tons and a thrust capability of 2678 tons, it promises exceptional power. Designed for versatility, it can carry payloads of at least 27 tons to an Earth-Moon transfer trajectory, over twice China’s current heaviest rocket the Long March 5’s capability to deliver beyond LEO. Notably, its design allows operation without side boosters, a feature advantageous for missions like the Tiangong Space Station, as it can still carry payloads of up to 14 tons with ease.

China has maintained an air of secrecy surrounding the Long March 10, but from what little information has emerged, it becomes evident that the nation is poised for yet another historic leap, potentially rekindling its ambition to plant its flag firmly on the lunar surface.

China's Overall Space Mission

Visualization of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), from the CNSA Guide to Partnership (June 2021). Credit: CNSA

Now the question arises: what is China’s overall plan to reach the moon for which it is building long March 10?

China has recently unveiled an ambitious plan to reach the lunar surface, weaving a tale of innovation and exploration. With the Long March 10 rocket as their chariot, they unveil a grand architecture to ferry astronauts to the moon's desolate terrain. Their strategy unfolds with precision - each lunar expedition launched with two Long March 10 rockets from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.

The first rocket ascends, carrying the Mengzhou spacecraft, a marvel of engineering designed from scratch to support extended human operations beyond Earth's orbit. Drawing from China's rich legacy in human spaceflight, Mengzhou boasts autonomous capabilities and powerful engines, serving as a haven for astronauts in the depths of space.

As the Mengzhou spacecraft ventures closer to the moon, a delicate ballet unfolds in lunar orbit as it docks with a colossal lunar lander carried by the second Long March 10 rocket. This intricate vessel, a marvel of engineering in its own right, houses provisions for surface habitation and research, including a solar-powered rover to traverse the moon's rugged terrain.

Together, these feats of technology promise to propel humanity into a new era of lunar exploration. With the first test flight slated as early as 2027, China's ambitions shine brightly against the backdrop of the cosmos, beckoning humanity to reach for the stars.

Comparison with Other Reusable Rocket Programs

In the race for space supremacy, China is strategically positioning its Long March 10 rocket to challenge the prowess of NASA's Space Launch System and SpaceX's Starship. 

While it may not match the colossal lift capacity of Starship, Long March 10's capability to ferry 27 tons to the moon per launch far outstrips NASA's Block 1 SLS configuration. Moreover, China's early adoption of reusability sets it apart, with plans to recover first-stage boosters midair using parachutes, potentially slashing costs significantly. While SpaceX leads the charge in cost efficiency, China's foray into reusable technology is pivotal in space exploration innovation.

 This dynamic competition underscores the relentless drive for progress, propelling all players to aim ever higher in the cosmic quest for discovery.