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The space race continues to heat up with exciting developments in launch technologies. Among the major players in this revolution, China stands out for its ambitious efforts to master reusable rocket technology. One such effort involves the Longxing-2, a single-stage rocket that recently completed a test flight aimed at proving the feasibility of reusing launchers.
However, mystery still hangs over the results of this test, as no official announcement has been made. Meanwhile, other players like Rocket Lab and SpaceX continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in space. This article will explore these developments and their implications for the future of space exploration.
China's mysterious attempt with Longxing-2
China recently undertook a daring test flight with its Longxing-2 rocket, which was launched from the Haiyang Dongfang spaceport in Shandong province on January 19, 2025. The main objective of this flight was to test reusable rocket technologyan area in which SpaceX has already proven itself with its Falcon 9. However, unlike SpaceX, the Chinese authorities have not yet announced the results of the test, leaving doubt about its success.
The Longxing-2 was expected to reach an altitude of 75 kilometers before carrying out a controlled atmospheric reentry and splashdown in the Yellow Sea. These maneuvers are crucial to demonstrating the rocket's recovery and reuse capability, a critical step toward reducing launch costs. However, the official silence surrounding this event raises questions. Amateur footage showed the rocket's takeoff and ascent with no apparent anomaliesbut the video stops before he descends, adding an extra layer of mystery.
China's strategy with the Longxing-2 could be compared to that of SpaceX, which successfully reused its rockets to significantly reduce orbiting costs. China's policy of secrecy could indicate technical challenges or a cautious approach in information management. This initiative nevertheless shows China's commitment to becoming a leader in the field of space launch technologies.
Rocket Lab and fire detection satellites
As China makes waves with its attempts to reuse rockets, Rocket Lab has announced an equally innovative mission. The company plans to launch eight fire detection satellites on behalf of German startup OroraTech. These satellites will be deployed by Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle, marking a turning point in global wildfire monitoring.
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OroraTech's satellites are equipped with thermal infrared cameras for continuous fire monitoring. This technology will enable faster and more efficient response to firesthus protecting forests, infrastructure and populations. The rapid launch of these satellites underscores Rocket Lab's commitment to meeting the urgent needs of environmental monitoring.
This project is part of a broader framework of natural disaster management by space means. Although this mission is not directly related to the Southern California fire crisis, it highlights the potential of space-based technologies to improve emergency management. OroraTech plans to expand its constellation to 100 satellites by 2028, which could revolutionize the way we monitor and respond to fires across the world.
Cooperation between the United States and Norway
In parallel with technological developments, the United States signed an agreement with Norway to allow the export of American space equipment to that country. This agreement, known as the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), guarantees the protection of American space technologies exported for launches in Norway.
@spatiale.news On January 21, 2025, at 3:01 a.m. UTC (4:01 a.m. CET), the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) marked a key milestone in its space program by successfully launching the Longxing-2 or Long March 12A prototype. The latter was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology (SAST) in collaboration with the commercial company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ). The rocket is equipped with three engines running on liquid oxygen and methane, each providing thrust of 70 tons. During this test, Longxing-2 reached an altitude of 75 km and was scheduled to make a controlled landing to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This operation aimed to demonstrate mastery of vertical takeoff and landing technologies (VTVL, Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing). However, reports suggest that a failure may have occurred, although official confirmation is still pending. Despite this possible incident, these ambitious initiatives are part of the preparation for the first flight of a reusable carrier rocket, with a diameter of four meters, planned for 2025. ✂️: Spatiale.News ????: #CASC #espace #space # spatial #spatial #actuality #actu #news #info #information #mission #rocket #rocket #satellite #cosmos #spatialenews #science #universe #earth #terre #technology #technology #exploration #2025
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This collaboration opens new doors for US and Norwegian companies, including the potential use of the Andøya launch base, located above the Arctic Circle. Although no US companies have yet announced concrete plans for launches from Andøya, this agreement could encourage future collaborations in communications, navigation and space reconnaissance.
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The partnership with Norway is part of a series of similar agreements signed with other countries, such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. These alliances strengthen international cooperation in the space sector and can stimulate innovation and economic development through joint initiatives. This strategy highlights the importance of international alliances to overcome the technical and financial challenges linked to the conquest of space.
The Leros 4 engines and the lunar conquest
On the space propulsion front, Firefly Aerospace successfully fired the Leros 4 engine on its Blue Ghost lunar lander. This engine, developed by Nammo UK, represents a significant advancement in rocket engine technology thanks to its increased thrust and proven reliability.
The Leros 4 engine, used for the first time in space, offers approximately 294 pounds of thrust, nearly double that of previous engines in the Leros line. This increase in power is particularly well suited to interplanetary missions, particularly for lunar landings where precise control of descent is crucial. Firefly plans to use this engine to reach the Moon for a planned landing in March.
This technological success illustrates the potential of Leros engines for future space missions, whether intended for lunar exploration or beyond. Nammo UK continues to develop innovative solutions to meet the growing needs of space missions, strengthening its leading position in the propulsion technology sector.
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SpaceX's regulatory challenges
SpaceX, meanwhile, finds itself facing regulatory challenges with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposing more than $633,000 in fines for alleged launch license violations. This development raises questions about the relationship between the commercial space industry and government regulators.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, criticized the FAA's slowness in processing applications for launch licenses for the Starship megarocket. These delays are often due to environmental concerns rather than public safety issues. Musk's close relationship with the Trump administration has fueled speculation that the FAA may take a more lenient approach toward SpaceX, although there is no concrete evidence of this preferential treatment yet.
Despite regulatory challenges, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space technology, as evidenced by the recent launch of 27 second-generation Starlink satellites. This performance highlights SpaceX's ability to innovate and adapt to the growing demands of the global space market.
In conclusion, the global space industry is booming with technological developments and international initiatives that are redefining our understanding of space exploration. China, Rocket Lab, the United States and SpaceX, among others, are contributing to this dynamic by innovating and collaborating to overcome space challenges. These advances beg the question: How will these continued efforts shape humanity's future in space?
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