Long March 9 Archives - SpaceNews

A large cylindrical stainless steel propellant tank, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), sits mounted in a factory setting. A red banner across the tank reads “Large-diameter stainless steel tank integrated test product off the assembly line” in Chinese.

China is making stainless steel tanks for its future super heavy-lift rockets

by Andrew Jones April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

A Chinese state-owned rocket maker is making progress in producing large diameter stainless steel tanks for its next-generation launch vehicles.

Civil

China unveils fully reusable Starship-like rocket concept

by Andrew Jones November 14, 2024November 14, 2024

Civil

China’s new rocket for crew and moon to launch in 2026

by Andrew Jones November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

Aerial view of Chinese private launch firm Landspace testing its Tianque-12 methalox engine at a facility in Huzhou.

China makes progress on Raptor-like engines for super heavy rocket

by Andrew Jones November 27, 2023November 27, 2023

China plans full reusability for its super heavy Long March 9 rocket

by Andrew Jones April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

Orange exhaust pushes a large Long March rocket from the pad at the coastal Wenchang spaceport, with white smoke billowing around lightning towers near the launch tower.

News

China is expanding its Wenchang spaceport to host commercial and crewed moon launches

by Andrew Jones January 4, 2023January 30, 2023

News

China scraps expendable Long March 9 rocket plan in favor of reusable version

by Andrew Jones November 9, 2022February 1, 2023

China tests engines for moon mission rocket

by Andrew Jones October 31, 2022February 22, 2023

China claims progress on rockets for crewed lunar landings and moon base

by Andrew Jones August 22, 2022February 22, 2023

A Long March 5 launches the Chang'e-5 lunar sample return mission Nov. 23, 2020.

China could shift to fully reusable super heavy-launcher in wake of Starship

by Andrew Jones July 21, 2022February 22, 2023