Meet Cosmoleap: The Chinese Startup Revolutionizing Rocket Recovery with a Unique 'Chopstick' System
Spacenews•1 month ago•
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Meet Cosmoleap: The Chinese Startup Revolutionizing Rocket Recovery with a Unique 'Chopstick' System

Space Technology
cosmoleap
rocket
spacex
funding
china
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Summary:

  • Cosmoleap secures over 100 million yuan for rocket development.

  • Plans to test the Yueqian rocket by 2025 or 2026.

  • Innovative 'chopstick-style' recovery system inspired by SpaceX.

  • Targets payload capacity of 10,460 kg to 1,000 km altitude.

  • Competing in a growing market alongside Landspace and Galactic Energy.

Chinese Launch Startup Secures Major Funding

Cosmoleap, a Chinese launch firm, has successfully secured over 100 million yuan for the development of its Yueqian reusable rocket and a novel recovery system inspired by SpaceX.

Cosmoleap Rocket Animation Framegrab from a Cosmoleap animation detailing its rocket and launch and recovery tower plans. Credit: Cosmoleap

On November 1, Cosmoleap announced funding exceeding $14 million from various investors including Shenergy Chengyi, Tiangchuang Capital, and Legend Capital. Founded in March 2024, Cosmoleap aims to create a reliable, cost-effective reusable launch vehicle to support satellite Internet construction in China.

Upcoming Goals and Features

The company plans to conduct a test flight of the Yueqian rocket in 2025 or 2026. The rocket will utilize a chopstick-style landing method, a technique recently demonstrated by SpaceX.

Key specifications for the Yueqian rocket include:

  • Diameter: 4.0 meters
  • Length: 75 meters
  • Payload capacity: 10,460 kg (expendable) or 6,280 kg (when the first stage is recovered) to a 1,000 km altitude orbit.

Additionally, Cosmoleap is developing a larger 126-meter-long rocket capable of carrying 100 tons to orbit when expendable, or 36 tons when reused, with a target first launch around 2030.

Competitive Landscape

Cosmoleap enters a competitive field alongside established entities like Landspace, Galactic Energy, and Space Pioneer. Investors believe that Cosmoleap can leverage the commercial space supply chain built between 2015-2030, taking advantage of its latecomer status.

Government Support for Commercial Space

China's government has identified commercial space as a strategic sector, promoting the development of space companies and clusters. Cosmoleap's representative recently presented at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, highlighting their commitment to the sector.

| Company | Rocket Name | Rocket Type | Key Features/Notes | |----------------|--------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | iSpace | Hyperbola-3 | Methane-liquid oxygen | Payload capacity of 8,500 kg to LEO; first flight planned for 2025. | | Landspace | Zhuque-3 | Methalox | Payload capacity up to 21,000 kg to LEO. First flight planned for 2025. | | Galactic Energy | Pallas-1 | Kerosene-liquid oxygen | Payload capacity of 5,000 kg to LEO. | | Cosmoleap | Leap | Methalox | 10,460 kg to 1,000 km when expendable; features a “chopstick-style” recovery system; first flight in 2025 or 2026. |

Non-exhaustive list of planned Chinese reusable rockets (Credit: Andrew Jones/SpaceNews).

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