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China aims to outstrip NASA with super-powerful rocket
News:
- China is working on a super-powerful rocket that would be capable of delivering heavier payloads into low orbit than NASA.
Important facts:
2. By 2030, the Long March-9 rocket under development will be able to carry 140 tonnes into low-Earth orbit
3. This compares to the 20 tonnes deliverable by Europe’s Ariane 5 rocket or the 64 tonnes of Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy.
4. It would also outstrip the 130 tonnes of NASA’s Space Launch System, which is due to become operational in 2020.
5. About Long March-9
- China’s Long March-9 would have a core stage measuring 10 metres in diameter and boast four powerful boosters, each with a diameter of five metres.
- The rocket could be used in manner lunar landings, deep space exploration or constructing a space-based solar power plant.
- China is also working on a reusable space rocket, which is expected to make it maiden fight in 2021.
- The first stage and the boosters will be retrieved after a vertical landing.
- China is pouring billions into its military run space pogrammes, with the aim to finally catch up with the U.S. and Russia.
- China is also planning to build a base on the moon.
