Chinese heavy rocket design returns with clamp

China has introduced a reusable rocket concept in which the first stage is caught by a clamp on return, and the second stage lands vertically.

Simulation of how a two-stage rocket reuses its way back to Earth. (Video: Xinhua).

At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition held from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) revealed that the country's future heavy-lift rockets will have three configurations: three-stage, two-stage, and fully reusable two-stage. The design of the reusable model was displayed at the exhibition.

"We have developed a net-fin recovery system for reusable rockets and achieved a breakthrough in the past two years by completing a small-scale sea recovery test," said Wang Yue, deputy director of CALT's aerospace department. Reusable rockets play a key role in China's space efforts and also bring new opportunities for the global development of the space industry, he said.

CALT plans to develop modules that can be used in all three rocket configurations in two phases. The first-stage modules will include a shared first stage, a non-reusable second stage, and a hydrogen-oxygen-powered third stage. These will assemble into a basic 10-meter diameter heavy-lift rocket, with a payload capacity of at least 100 tons to low Earth orbit and a payload capacity of at least 50 tons to lunar transfer orbit. The three-stage rocket , with its high speed and orbital altitude, is suitable for deep space missions such as exploring Mars or asteroids.

The modular design allows each missile section to be developed, produced, and tested independently.

In the second phase, CALT will develop a multi-adaptive second stage and build a fully reusable two-stage rocket. This type of rocket is expected to reduce costs, increase efficiency and scale of space transportation. It will be aimed at near-Earth missions, supporting satellite networks and building infrastructure.

Modular design allows individual missile components to be developed, produced, tested independently and combined according to different mission requirements. Developing common modules ensures that common components and technologies can be used across different missile types, reducing costs and maintenance difficulties.

CALT also noted that the new heavy-lift rockets will integrate multiple intelligent systems, advanced materials and environmentally friendly technologies. " Intelligent technology will enhance reliability and safety by monitoring flight data in real time and predicting potential problems ," Wang said.