CaliToday (30/12/2025): For years, the commercial space sector has been a one-man show dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. However, the monopoly is facing its most credible challenge yet from a Beijing-based startup that is unapologetically modeling its trajectory after the American giant.
Zhuque-3: A Milestone Despite the Setback
Earlier this month, LandSpace Technology made history as the first private Chinese firm to attempt a vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test for its reusable rocket, the Zhuque-3. While the test ended in a technical failure, the event sent shockwaves through the industry.
LandSpace’s ambition is clear: to become the global "Number Two" in low-cost, reusable launches. By mastering the art of returning the first-stage engine to Earth, LandSpace aims to slash launch costs, mirroring the breakthrough that made the Falcon 9 a household name.
Technological "DNA": Methalox and Stainless Steel
The Zhuque-3 is not just a replica; it is a hybrid of SpaceX’s most successful innovations. The rocket utilizes two key features that Musk has championed:
- Stainless Steel Hull: Chosen for its durability and extreme heat resistance during reentry.
- Methalox Engines: Liquid methane and oxygen propulsion, which burns cleaner and is more efficient for rapid reusability than traditional kerosene.
- The Musk Reaction: "Starship is on Another Level"
Elon Musk has certainly taken notice. Commenting on the design of the Zhuque-3, Musk observed that the Chinese rocket appears to have "borrowed" several elements from the Starship prototype particularly its material choice and applied them to a framework similar in size and function to the Falcon 9.
While acknowledging the progress, Musk remained defiant on social media. "It’s a good step for them," he noted, "but Starship is in another league entirely." Musk’s focus remains on Mars-scale heavy lifting, while LandSpace focuses on dominating the commercial satellite market.
The Financial Frontier: A Battle of IPOs
The rivalry is moving from the launchpad to the stock market. LandSpace is currently preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to fuel its massive R&D costs. This comes at a time when SpaceX is reportedly considering an IPO for its Starlink satellite division, or even the parent company itself, to maintain its lead.
For LandSpace, the capital is essential. The startup is a key player in Beijing’s strategic plan to deploy a 10,000-satellite constellation over the next decade—a direct competitor to Starlink’s global internet dominance.