Worth noting, I covered in this video what I consider the 8 most promising Chinese reusable rocket companies, but there are other contenders (such as Expace, Space Epoch, ...). Putting SAST and commercial players on equal footing is also debatable, but to make things fit in a 15-minute video, I had to make some editorial decisions. I noted two small mistakes as I reviewed the video: the icon of the Hyperbola-1 (at 3:17) is incorrect, and at 9:00, it's the TQ-12A that will power the Zhuque-3, not the TQ-12. Let me know what you think of these 8 Chinese rocket companies in the comments! 🙂
Ideally it should be TQ-12B for ZQ-3 but seems like they can’t get that done in time and going with TQ-12A. I wonder how much loosing 20 tons of max thrust will impact the performance.
@@alexgummer4979 what many people don't get is that when someone has a new capability you're first going to try to replicate the original findings the way they first achieved it, just to verify your understanding and gain the same capabilities. Afterwards you have the freedom to find new ways to achieve the same or better result. it's just risk management doing what is known to work
@@Stevie-L-n8g There isn't such a thing as stealing technology when it comes to rockets. The engineering and manufacturing are so extreme that nothing is easy. "Coping" a competitor isn't easy. Furthermore, every component and system in a rocket is optimized for its design, so "stealing" a design is only the baseline and is iterated on.
I wonder if SAST reusable rocket will be Long March 12R. Apparently that rocket is very different from base model LM-12 with it replacing all kerolox engine with unname methalox engine. Which does kinda make it sound like SAST resuable rocket
What is the turnaround time for a reusable rocket, what is the cost of refurbishment, is it significantly better than rebuilding the rocket? A closer look at Spacex suggests the benefits are marginal at best, maybe the Chinese can make it worthwhile
Good overview! The great number of startups with already impressive hardware is amazing, and undoubtedly at least some of them will achieve their goals. But at the same time it must be said that making a small rocket that goes up and down a few kilometers is not yet a sign of being at the cusp of launching a reusable space launch vehicle. Advanced amateurs with deep pockets were successfully making such hoppers even before SpaceX was founded. It is hard, but it is not as crazy hard as making a rocket that launches a payload into orbit. And making the rocket that does that and then *also* lands, that is insanely hard. Still, a hopper is the necessary first step, and I am sure the young Chinese engineers will not stop at this first step.
Thanks! To some extent, I agree with you, notably for the earlier hoppers (ie Linkspace’s RLV-T5). But the latest tests were using in-house orbital class cryogenic 70-80 ton thrust engines, and tested TVC, RCS, grid fins, and deployable landing legs. Reaching altitudes of 10+ km means they are reaching MaxQ and part of the descent takes place in (complex) transonic regimes. I assure you this not amateur level rocketry. That being said, I agree that there is still work to be done before full 1st stage recovery. The next milestone is an 100 km hop.
SpaceX proved the world that reusability rocket can work so it's only matter of time before anything else takes off, depends on who has enough resource and wide enough vision.
The Chinese always surprise me, In the U.S. they are making noise over Elon Musk's rocket,, And the Chinese, many companies are already working quietly without making noise.
@@100c0c The Americans are making noise, they probably have some kind of insecurity, But what's more funny just like you are used to lying, Elon Musk still does not have a reusable rocket, only in the experimental process.
Jiuquan is looking busy. Space Pioneer and Landspace is making their own launch site there. Haiyang sea space port is getting new launch ship next year Wenchang expansion is coming along slowly but surely. Xichang just approve creation of commercial launch centre. Though I am a bit iffy on this one since Xichang have it “reputation” due to being inland launch site. Apparently there might be brand new space port in Xiangshan in the future as well, making it another coastal launch site for China
不得不承认，美国技术总是走在前沿，应该说马斯克,没有他美国也落后！中国作为后进国，跟着走！中国必具备这样本领！美国的或者其他国家有新的发明，中国只需要看一眼就怀孕！当然，中国也需要更多自己创新技术！We have to admit that American technology is always at the forefront. It should be said that Musk, without him, the United States would lag behind! China, as a backward country, should follow! China must have such ability! If the United States or other countries have new technologies, China only needs to take a look at them! Of course, China also needs more innovative technologies of its own!
Wait isn't the tethered net system way smarter and cheaper than the Mechazilla? Maybe not, because I guess you still need to put the rocket on the ground before another launch and that's easier with Mechazilla. Unless you move the ground to the rocket.. lol.. which would be possible in theory.
China new industry cycle 1. Push for as many as possible company to emerge using various government helps when necessary 2. First phase culling by reducing government help and let the weak company to die. 3. Give some time for a breather to let merger, acquisition etc happen 4. Second phase culling by stopping government helps or only make it minimum help to force the emergence of champion companies 5. Introduce big world champion company to give the domestic champion sense of threat to push them innovate even harder. I wonder what stage is china space industry right now?
Thank you so much for covering this topic, Western press does not even take not of Chinese efforts in space flight. All you ever see is stuff from SpaceX etc.
You are welcome! To be fair, the Chinese press also doesn’t cover that much non-Chinese space programs, other than major events (such as the recent Starship launch). I think this is pretty much true everywhere, which is why social media/RUclips can be a good place to get information.
How about using hot air balloons as parachutes after the thruster has cushioned it enough? Then truck it back to base. Would save fuel requirements and hot air balloons are more maneuverable than simple parachutes
@@eymaslacker but what about moon and Mars..... Their gravity is different from us..... The main reason for this kind of rockets are for safe travel of astronaut from earth to moon, moon to earth, earth to Mars like a car but not a single use plastic
they intentionally use fuel than adding landing equipment. I also assume we should use parachute or wings to land but no, they use fuel to land the rocket, they prefer using fuel than adding equipment.
Very informative. I only knew a little bit of what you've mentioned. I learned a lot. Thanks Maybe, you can do a video on the new Chinese moon suit, and compare it with the US'.
Companies from various provinces and cities in China are engaged in fierce competition. This intense internal rivalry ensures that only the most successful will emerge to compete on the global stage. Rocket reusability is no different.
I suspect some of their smaller companies will end up consolidating into a larger company and some of them will just straight up fail and go bust. This happened in other Chinese industries as well. Loads of companies start with enthusiasm due to government subsidy and window guidance policy but when the industry matures and subsidies dry out or become more focused towards companies that perform the best, general economics just don't work for those companies at the bottom of the barrel.
Believe me, I wish I could. I wonder how many viewers would be interested in shorter, lower production news updates. Or actually vlogging (touring a launch site for example)
Go to surfshark.com/dongfanghour for an exclusive 4 months extra of Surfshark !
Worth noting, I covered in this video what I consider the 8 most promising Chinese reusable rocket companies, but there are other contenders (such as Expace, Space Epoch, ...). Putting SAST and commercial players on equal footing is also debatable, but to make things fit in a 15-minute video, I had to make some editorial decisions.
I noted two small mistakes as I reviewed the video: the icon of the Hyperbola-1 (at 3:17) is incorrect, and at 9:00, it's the TQ-12A that will power the Zhuque-3, not the TQ-12.
Let me know what you think of these 8 Chinese rocket companies in the comments! 🙂
Ideally it should be TQ-12B for ZQ-3 but seems like they can’t get that done in time and going with TQ-12A. I wonder how much loosing 20 tons of max thrust will impact the performance.
You are the first RUclipsr who managed to showcase me what the chinese launch providers have accompleshed. Thanks for that.
2025-2026 are about to be crazy years for China's space program
Chins has 8 rocket companies developing reusable launch vehicles! I've heard of two. This is the Chinese way. Wow!
The rockets that look exactly like everyone else's rockets...
@@alexgummer4979 theres onky so many ways to do a reusable rocket, also if it works then why not copy?
@@alexgummer4979 what many people don't get is that when someone has a new capability you're first going to try to replicate the original findings the way they first achieved it, just to verify your understanding and gain the same capabilities.
Afterwards you have the freedom to find new ways to achieve the same or better result. it's just risk management doing what is known to work
What, stealing technology and reusability from SpaceX?
@@Stevie-L-n8g There isn't such a thing as stealing technology when it comes to rockets. The engineering and manufacturing are so extreme that nothing is easy. "Coping" a competitor isn't easy. Furthermore, every component and system in a rocket is optimized for its design, so "stealing" a design is only the baseline and is iterated on.
I wonder if SAST reusable rocket will be Long March 12R. Apparently that rocket is very different from base model LM-12 with it replacing all kerolox engine with unname methalox engine. Which does kinda make it sound like SAST resuable rocket
What is the turnaround time for a reusable rocket, what is the cost of refurbishment, is it significantly better than rebuilding the rocket? A closer look at Spacex suggests the benefits are marginal at best, maybe the Chinese can make it worthwhile
Good overview! The great number of startups with already impressive hardware is amazing, and undoubtedly at least some of them will achieve their goals.
But at the same time it must be said that making a small rocket that goes up and down a few kilometers is not yet a sign of being at the cusp of launching a reusable space launch vehicle. Advanced amateurs with deep pockets were successfully making such hoppers even before SpaceX was founded. It is hard, but it is not as crazy hard as making a rocket that launches a payload into orbit. And making the rocket that does that and then *also* lands, that is insanely hard. Still, a hopper is the necessary first step, and I am sure the young Chinese engineers will not stop at this first step.
Thanks! To some extent, I agree with you, notably for the earlier hoppers (ie Linkspace’s RLV-T5). But the latest tests were using in-house orbital class cryogenic 70-80 ton thrust engines, and tested TVC, RCS, grid fins, and deployable landing legs. Reaching altitudes of 10+ km means they are reaching MaxQ and part of the descent takes place in (complex) transonic regimes. I assure you this not amateur level rocketry.
That being said, I agree that there is still work to be done before full 1st stage recovery. The next milestone is an 100 km hop.
They will get there. Hell, Blue Origin has not yet gotten its own rocket to orbit.
SpaceX proved the world that reusability rocket can work so it's only matter of time before anything else takes off, depends on who has enough resource and wide enough vision.
These companies are progressing at lightspeed!
The Chinese always surprise me,
In the U.S. they are making noise over Elon Musk's rocket,,
And the Chinese, many companies are already working quietly
without making noise.
i don't think many in the west know there's a chinese space station over their heads...
Why shouldn't the US make noise for good accomplishments? SpaceX already has reusable rockets and a satellite constellation.
@@fatdoi003 Many don't even know the ISS is up there
@@100c0c
The Americans are making noise, they probably have some kind of insecurity,
But what's more funny just like you are used to lying,
Elon Musk still does not have a reusable rocket, only in the experimental process.
@@Desyo-wn7ib the only thing the americans are trully unbeatable at is marketing
Man. Last time i was this early Blane Curcio was still part of this.
Now the launching site count may be the main limitations given so many competitors
Jiuquan is looking busy. Space Pioneer and Landspace is making their own launch site there.
Haiyang sea space port is getting new launch ship next year
Wenchang expansion is coming along slowly but surely.
Xichang just approve creation of commercial launch centre. Though I am a bit iffy on this one since Xichang have it “reputation” due to being inland launch site.
Apparently there might be brand new space port in Xiangshan in the future as well, making it another coastal launch site for China
不得不承认，美国技术总是走在前沿，应该说马斯克,没有他美国也落后！中国作为后进国，跟着走！中国必具备这样本领！美国的或者其他国家有新的发明，中国只需要看一眼就怀孕！当然，中国也需要更多自己创新技术！We have to admit that American technology is always at the forefront. It should be said that Musk, without him, the United States would lag behind! China, as a backward country, should follow! China must have such ability! If the United States or other countries have new technologies, China only needs to take a look at them! Of course, China also needs more innovative technologies of its own!
Great video!
Dongfang used to spoil us with content years ago about 2 or 3 a month. But one a Month is still worth the wait. 😇👍🏿💯 Keep up the good work
Wait isn't the tethered net system way smarter and cheaper than the Mechazilla? Maybe not, because I guess you still need to put the rocket on the ground before another launch and that's easier with Mechazilla. Unless you move the ground to the rocket.. lol.. which would be possible in theory.
China new industry cycle
1. Push for as many as possible company to emerge using various government helps when necessary
2. First phase culling by reducing government help and let the weak company to die.
3. Give some time for a breather to let merger, acquisition etc happen
4. Second phase culling by stopping government helps or only make it minimum help to force the emergence of champion companies
5. Introduce big world champion company to give the domestic champion sense of threat to push them innovate even harder.
I wonder what stage is china space industry right now?
Thank you so much for covering this topic, Western press does not even take not of Chinese efforts in space flight. All you ever see is stuff from SpaceX etc.
You are welcome! To be fair, the Chinese press also doesn’t cover that much non-Chinese space programs, other than major events (such as the recent Starship launch). I think this is pretty much true everywhere, which is why social media/RUclips can be a good place to get information.
Great video. Looking forward to more launches.
Thanks!
Thanks for your regular support @Marlep, as always 🙏
How about using hot air balloons as parachutes after the thruster has cushioned it enough? Then truck it back to base. Would save fuel requirements and hot air balloons are more maneuverable than simple parachutes
@@eymaslacker but what about moon and Mars..... Their gravity is different from us..... The main reason for this kind of rockets are for safe travel of astronaut from earth to moon, moon to earth, earth to Mars like a car but not a single use plastic
@@mmukilan4804 This types aren't for moon travel? These are used for putting satellites into orbit or travel to the tiangong station
they intentionally use fuel than adding landing equipment. I also assume we should use parachute or wings to land but no, they use fuel to land the rocket, they prefer using fuel than adding equipment.
The race for second reusable orbital launcher is between Blue Origin and the many innovative companies.
"A quick word from our sponsor, the CCP"
CPC is an awesome government compared to US government.
🤦♂️
Looks like someone got into the SpaceX computers
Very informative. I only knew a little bit of what you've mentioned. I learned a lot. Thanks
Maybe, you can do a video on the new Chinese moon suit, and compare it with the US'.
Here we goo 🙏🙏🙏 my favourite channel 🙂❤️🇨🇳
Letsgoooo we got some new SpaceX
"In the brink" is apparently not the same as "imminent."
Ok plenty of obstacles still to overcome, most not mentioned in this video.
Still waiting for Falcon 9 but MethaLox to be the thing
starship and Vulcan (ULA) are the only methalox in the US I think
Good! Nothing surs on innovation like a bit of competition!
Companies from various provinces and cities in China are engaged in fierce competition. This intense internal rivalry ensures that only the most successful will emerge to compete on the global stage. Rocket reusability is no different.
I agree, to some extent it resembles the money local governments were pouring into the Chinese EV market back in the 2010s.
I suspect some of their smaller companies will end up consolidating into a larger company and some of them will just straight up fail and go bust. This happened in other Chinese industries as well. Loads of companies start with enthusiasm due to government subsidy and window guidance policy but when the industry matures and subsidies dry out or become more focused towards companies that perform the best, general economics just don't work for those companies at the bottom of the barrel.
Please do regular vlogs
Believe me, I wish I could. I wonder how many viewers would be interested in shorter, lower production news updates. Or actually vlogging (touring a launch site for example)
@@DongfangHour
Atleast i will be interested!
Very informative video!
US once kicked out a rocket scientist to china.
Didn’t space x already do this
China has so many space choices than us in the west. I'm not jealous who doesn't like a good contest especially when the champion 🇺🇸 is challenged 🇨🇳
I agree, imo i dont care who does anything first as long as it gets us there.
elon should make something fake push it and china copy it ...that would be hilarious
Moving forward like Chinese EVs, not actually. Funny these look like everyone else's rockets. HUH
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻
SpaceX is a great company, but a terrible investment - just like Tesla.
👏👏👏👍
I wonder how much technology companies have been sifoning out of space X😂😂😂😂😂
Keep wondering...
@@Tony-cs5hq still am 😎😎😎
Wow Its not like China to rip off designs from America, looks like they took a page out of Elons book
China’s students plagiarise entire books.
Did you see musk complaining about ip theft? Why don't you think before you piss? Oh right ló ÎQ
Who?
Wow the ferrals are out with the pack today .
Woof woof
@@peanut0brain Try learning to spell before you vomit trash Dim wit
Fake
Lastly, I wonder how feasible is it to have a cow-fart-methane powered fully reusable rocket lol
starship and Vulcan (ULA) are the only methalox in the US I believe
@@100c0c I mean methane sourced from cow fart and burp lol
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.... Copying SpaceX...
SpaceX is a COMPLETE FAILURE.
Thunderf00t has a 30 minute video on Elon "The Con" Musk's failed company.
And Chinese invented the first rocket in human history and yes, every other rocket come after that is in some ways, imitation.
Yeah we all know only the white man can make things.
Remember, those engineering copying still requires adequate industry and technology capability to be really able to copy
I always find it hilarious when ignorant people think its so easy to reverse engineer something just by looking at it
Dude is riding ccp
better than riding nasa..... nothing to report but the 2 stranded
And who are you riding? FJB? 😂
Better than India
Imagine riding manoj yadav