US Intel officials "concerned" China will soon master reusable launch
4 hours ago
- #SpaceX
- #Reusable Rockets
- #Space Competition
- SpaceX achieved its 500th landing of a Falcon 9 first stage booster.
- SpaceX is nearing its 500th re-flight of a Falcon first stage later this year.
- Other US companies like Blue Origin and Rocket Lab are working to replicate SpaceX's reusable rocket achievements.
- Chinese rocket builders are also competing to land and reuse first stage boosters.
- SpaceX's dominance in reusable rockets gives the US a significant advantage over China in space competition.
- China has used 14 different rocket types in 56 missions this year, none flying more than 11 times.
- The US has flown 142 missions, with 120 using SpaceX's Falcon 9.
- China's lack of reusable rockets requires more companies to sustain a lower launch rate compared to the US.