SpaceX Are Not the Only One with Reusable Rockets Now

Linkspace and Space Transportation, these are the two Chinese startups have successfully demonstrated and tested their reusable rockets. This can be the foundation for further development of reusable launch vehicle technology.

It was not until 2014 that China determined to open small satellites sectors to private companies, and as a result, a wide range and a vast number of startups that are somewhat similar to that of SpaceX have emerged.

Linkspace – founded in 2014 – launched its rocket on the 19th of April. it weighs about 3300 pounds (approximately 1500 kilograms) and 8,1-meter in length, which reached the maximum altitude of only 130 feet – double that of the first test flight – before hitting the ground, according to the company, the rocket’s landing accuracy also improved significantly. Future test launches have already been scheduled for their new ambitious rocket known as the NewLine-1 with the promising aim of bringing 200 kilograms (approximately 440 pounds) to the highest altitude of 500 kilometer SSO (sun-synchronous orbit) in 2021.

Space Transportation was only established last year, however, the startup proved that it has caught up by carrying out a test on the 22nd of April, in the Northwest of China. With the cooperation of the Xiamen University, they successfully launched a 3,700-kilogram (approximately 8100 pounds), 8,7-meter in length, and 2.5 meters of wingspan hypersonic aircraft known as the Jiageng-1. The spacecraft reached the highest altitude of 26.2 kilometers with a top speed of 4,300 kilometers per hours. The rocket was later recovered in a predetermined landing zone.

These launchers may have a smaller size than those of SpaceX, but they have some key benefits.

It is stated by Macro Caceres – Teal Group’s aerospace consultancy in the U.S. – that if a small rocket can be made to be reusable, it can be regularly launched once a week, which will be four times a month, and 50 times a year. This will result in more volumes of launches, and the increase in profit.