American-designed cake, China's first realization!
According to global network reports, at the mainland Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Suzaku-2 Yao-2 liquid oxygen methane independently developed by Blue Arrow Aerospace was launched. Not only accurately entered the intended orbit, but also completed the launch mission. This is undoubtedly a great encouragement to China's space industry.
According to reports, the Suzaku-2 rocket is the world's first liquid oxygen methane rocket to enter a predetermined orbit. This breakthrough achievement marks a major breakthrough in the use of new low-cost liquid-propellant launch vehicles.
It is worth noting that in the current global space powers, the research and development of liquid oxygen methane engines is in full swing. Major space companies such as the United States, Europe, and Russia have begun to develop liquid oxygen methane rockets and have made some progress. But by contrast, China has made rapid progress in this regard.
But while the feat makes China extremely proud, it is not good news for Musk. You know, Musk's SpaceX company has always hoped to make breakthroughs in liquid oxygen and methane rockets, but unexpectedly, China took the lead in achieving it.
Musk boasted, but China took the lead
It is understood that just some time ago, NASA signed a series of cooperation agreements with Musk's SpaceX, including the Starlink project and the "return to the moon" mission. In this cooperation, SpaceX is not only responsible for providing Starlink program-related services for the US military, but also undertakes the important task of developing the Saturn V rocket in the US "Artemis" program.
But while SpaceX's Starlink program is ambitious, with plans to launch 32,000 satellites and has successfully launched thousands, the basis of the satellite and rocket technology it uses still comes from the 80s of the 20th century. In other words, although they are numerically strong, technological backwardness is undoubtedly a major factor limiting their development. The process of making the leap from this level of technology to a giant rocket fueled by methane is no mean feat.
The truth is brutal. SpaceX's methane-powered giant rocket has been unsuccessful, and explosions have occurred one after another, as if it were a large-scale fireworks display held for a high-priced global audience. But while SpaceX was struggling with failures and setbacks, a little-known Chinese private company completed the launch of a liquid oxygen methane rocket, which undoubtedly made Musk difficult to accept. Foreign media also reported that this is a major blow for Musk.
Musk had firmly believed that China's space technology, especially that of private companies, had at least a decade of technological gap with SpaceX. But reality taught him a hard lesson. The pace of development of Chinese aviation technology is approaching an astonishing rate, even exceeding his expectations. This not only makes Musk, but also the world re-examine China's strength and power in the field of aviation. Potential.
US media apologize: China's aerospace industry is growing rapidly
Over the past decade, China has made huge leaps in space technology. While this progress cannot be said to completely surpass the United States, at least in many key areas, China has succeeded in closing the technological gap with the United States. In some ways, China has even led and surpassed the United States.
Taking the Beidou navigation satellite as an example, it is an excellent example of independent research and development and successful operation of the mainland. The system not only solves pressing navigation problems in the country, but also plays an important role in safeguarding national security.
In addition, China has also innovated and developed the Tiangong space station. Although the scale may not be as large as the ISS project, China's Tiangong has shown technical advantages over the ISS in many technical details. To some extent, this reflects China's strength and potential in the field of space.
In addition, when the United States launched the low-orbit Starlink project to seize market share, China followed suit with the Starnet project. On top of that, the satellites launched by China operate in ultra-low orbits, surpassing the United States in technology and performance. This once again confirms China's competitiveness in the aerospace field.
In the face of China's rapid progress, the American media could not help but marvel. China and the United States have obviously entered the era of "double power" competition, and former space powers such as Russia, Europe, and Japan have all taken a back seat. It can be seen that the competition in the aerospace field is no longer "one company fighting alone", but has become a "Sino-US showdown". This not only poses a huge challenge to China, but also gives China an opportunity to show its strength and wisdom.