Beijing, China - Chinese aerospace startup Cosmoleap has secured a major funding round to develop a revolutionary rocket designed to feature a unique “chopstick” recovery system. This innovation in the Chinese space sector aims to make rocket launches more sustainable and cost-effective, potentially reducing dependence on traditional expendable launch methods. The funding, led by both domestic and international investors, marks a notable step in China's rapidly evolving private space industry and could give Cosmoleap an edge in a competitive global market.
Excerpt from an animation produced by Cosmoleap, a Chinese company, showing the Yueqian rocket being recovered on the ground by a mechanical arm system similar to SpaceX's Mechazilla. Credit: Cosmoleap
Funding Secured from Major Investors
Cosmoleap announced it had raised approximately $50 million in a Series B funding round, drawing capital from prominent venture capital firms, technology conglomerates, and private investors. Among the backers were Horizon Capital and Shenzhen-based high-tech firm Starpath Ventures, each of which emphasized the potential of Cosmoleap’s ambitious plans to reshape reusable launch systems.
In an official statement, Cosmoleap’s CEO, Liang Wei, said, “This investment reflects the growing confidence in China’s space startups to innovate and compete globally. Our chopstick recovery system is a first in China and a leap toward sustainable space operations. With this funding, we aim to make the dream of a fully reusable rocket a reality.”
The Chopstick Recovery System: SpaceX’s Approach
Cosmoleap’s “chopstick” recovery system is an innovative approach inspired by SpaceX’s recent breakthroughs in reusable rocket technology, specifically the landing and recovery mechanisms used on its Starship rocket. In this design, instead of relying solely on complex retro-propulsion systems for a soft landing, Cosmoleap’s rocket employs extended mechanical arms—nicknamed “chopsticks”—that catch the descending rocket stage as it returns to Earth.
Mounted on a tower near the launch pad, the arms are designed to secure the rocket at a precise moment as it descends. This concept, while untested on an operational scale in China, promises significant advantages in reusability and safety by reducing reliance on a landing platform or barge.
Cosmoleap’s Chief Technology Officer, Han Xiaoming, described the technology as “a way to enhance the safety and precision of stage recovery while lowering the complexity and fuel requirements.” According to Han, the system is intended to allow Cosmoleap to recover and relaunch rockets with minimal refurbishment, potentially cutting launch costs by up to 40%.
The Need for Reusable Rockets in China’s Private Sector
Cosmoleap’s chopstick recovery system responds to the rising demand for cost-effective, reusable rockets within China’s private space industry. As China’s ambitions for space exploration and commercial satellite deployment expand, private companies are finding new ways to support state-led efforts while building commercially viable solutions. With over 50 small and medium-sized launch companies in China vying for domestic and international contracts, the push for reusable technology is stronger than ever.
Experts note that the introduction of such systems could make Chinese rockets more competitive on the international stage. “Reusability is no longer optional in the space industry; it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Wang Lei, a space policy researcher at Tsinghua University. “China’s private companies are innovating rapidly to meet global standards, and Cosmoleap’s approach reflects the creativity we’re seeing across the sector.”
Launch Timeline and Future Prospects
Cosmoleap intends to launch its prototype rocket featuring the chopstick system as early as 2025, with plans for subsequent missions and testing phases before a full-scale commercial rollout. If successful, Cosmoleap’s technology could significantly alter the economics of China’s launch industry and offer an alternative to conventional expendable rockets.
Cosmoleap has also hinted at future collaboration opportunities with international companies and government agencies interested in the technology. This approach aligns with recent changes in China’s regulatory landscape, where private companies are increasingly encouraged to form global partnerships to leverage technology and expertise.
Cosmoleap’s chopstick recovery system is expected to spark attention from international launch providers, particularly those in the United States and Europe. As Chinese firms move closer to the capabilities of Western companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab, industry insiders anticipate a wave of technological cross-pollination that could lead to new developments in rocket recovery and reusable technology worldwide.
The system could also influence Chinese rivals in the private sector, such as Galactic Research and Skyreach Aerospace, which are exploring different methods of rocket recovery. Cosmoleap’s innovation puts competitive pressure on these firms to develop similarly efficient solutions or risk losing market share in the burgeoning market for small satellite and commercial payload launches.
Despite its potential, Cosmoleap faces considerable challenges. Successfully implementing a “chopstick” recovery system will require extensive testing, and any failure could set back both the company’s technological timeline and investor confidence. Additionally, adapting such a system to handle various payloads and rocket configurations will necessitate extensive engineering and innovation.
While international space observers are optimistic, they note that other firms, including SpaceX, have encountered hurdles in achieving high reuse rates. “Rocket recovery systems are notoriously difficult to execute in practice,” said Dr. James Chen, a space engineering professor at MIT. “Cosmoleap is attempting something ambitious, but if they pull it off, they could become a major player in a relatively short period.”
Cosmoleap’s funding and ambitious plans for a “chopstick” recovery system mark a bold new chapter for China’s private space sector. With aspirations to lead in reusable launch technology, the company is poised to redefine the economics of space travel within China and potentially globally. If Cosmoleap can bring its vision to fruition, it will further accelerate China's position in the international space race, fostering both innovation and competition across the industry.
Add comment
Comments