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@Ok_West_5560 3 weeks ago

LandSpace tests reusable rocket, SpaceX preparing to phase out Falcon 9

LandSpace tests reusable rocket, SpaceX preparing to phase out Falcon 9

China's LandSpace tested their ZhuQue-3 reusable rocket last week. The first stage landed successfully, but leftover fuel started a fire that melted a landing leg and caused it to tip over. They plan to upgrade the rocket to carry 18.3 metric tons to orbit. SpaceX still maintains a solid lead in this space. Falcon 9 can carry 22.8 tons to low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing their Neutron rocket with a 13-ton capacity. While competitors are trying to match Falcon 9, SpaceX is already preparing to phase it out. They plan to shift all focus to Starship once it is flying reliably, which can handle over 100 tons per flight.
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@TallDrive706 3 weeks ago

Reusable rockets are clearly becoming a global race, but SpaceX still has a major head start. The interesting part is whether competitors can close the gap before Starship changes the economics again.

@Nathan956 3 weeks ago

That’s a good point, and the recent progress from China shows the gap isn’t completely static. I’m still watching Starship closely because if SpaceX gets reliable high-frequency launches, the economics could shift again.