Beijing approves giant Long March 9 rocket for deep-space and lunar base runs
New slide reveals details on China's most powerful and expensive rocket launcher.
Quick Look
China's upcoming Long March 9 super-heavy rocket, standing 110 metres tall, received official approval and is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2030 to support lunar, Mars, and space solar missions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Long March 9 is China's most powerful and expensive rocket launcher to date, designed for deep space missions.
The stainless-steel giant received official approval last month, according to the slide. At 110 metres (361 feet) tall and 10.6 metres wide, it will be the most powerful and expensive launcher China has ever built.
The slide, presented in the northwestern city of Xian by a researcher from the country’s main state-owned rocket maker, shows the Long March 9 is set to make its maiden flight in 2030. It will haul big loads to the moon and Mars, and help build solar power stations in space.
Its first stage will be powered by 30 methane-burning engines, producing about 6,000 tonnes of thrust at lift-off. On lunar missions, the rocket will be able to carry 50 tonnes – about the weight of eight elephants.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Long March 9 maiden flight in 2030
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the exact budget for the Long March 9 development?
- Who is the specific researcher who presented the slide?
