#Gravitas U.S. Officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America's long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks. 

China Builds 500+ Spy Satellites as U.S. Space Lead Shrinks  | GRAVITAS 

China is set to debut new rockets with advanced capabilities in 2025, including new variants of its Long March series and commercial launch vehicles. These new projects aim to support China&rsquo;s growing space ambitions that include space station cargo missions, mega-constellation satellite projects and commercial contracts.
<h2>New Long March Rockets</h2>
The Long March 8A is expected to launch on January 19. It has been developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
It features a more powerful second-stage rocket and a larger payload, increasing its capacity to a 700-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) from 5,000 to 7,000 kgs.
The Long March 12A, a reusable variant of the expendable Long March 12, is also under development. It may incorporate methane-liquid oxygen engines and is scheduled for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test in January 2025.
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<h2>Commercial Rockets</h2>
Several Chinese private companies are preparing new rockets to compete in the space sector. They include:
<ul>
<li>Zhuque-3: Landspace plans the first orbital launch of this rocket, with payload capacities ranging from 12,500 to 21,000 kilograms depending on recovery options.</li>
<li>Tianlong-3: Space Pioneer aims to launch this rocket, benchmarked against SpaceX&rsquo;s Falcon 9, following an earlier testing mishap.</li>
<li>Pallas-1 and Ceres-2: Galactic Energy is developing these rockets, designed for reusability and increased payload capacities.</li>
<li>Nebula-1: Deep Blue Aerospace plans to launch and recover this two-stage rocket with 3D-printed engines.</li>
<li>Kinetica-2: CAS Space is preparing this reusable kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket to support low-cost space station cargo services.</li>
<li>Hyperbola-3: iSpace is transitioning to kerolox rocket after setbacks with its Hyperbola-1.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Implications</h2>
These new rocket projects aim to enhance China&rsquo;s presence in space, increase launch rates, and lower costs.
While the Chinese domestic space market is competitive, these developments are expected to support national space projects and potentially attract international payloads leading to higher revenue from the space sector.
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & tech: China's space sector is preparing for significant advancements by focusing on the development of reusable rockets to enhance launch efficiency.

China is set to debut new rockets with advanced capabilities in 2025, including new variants of its Long March series and commercial launch vehicles. These new projects aim to support China’s growing space ambitions that include space station cargo missions, mega-constellation satellite projects and commercial contracts. New Long March Rockets The Long March 8A is expected to launch on January 19. It has been developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). It features a more powerful second-stage rocket and a larger payload, increasing its capacity to a 700-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) from 5,000 to 7,000 kgs. The Long March 12A, a reusable variant of the expendable Long March 12, is also under development. It may incorporate methane-liquid oxygen engines and is scheduled for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test in January 2025. Also read: Sunita Williams witnesses 16 New Year sunrises. Science explains how Commercial Rockets Several Chinese private companies are preparing new rockets to compete in the space sector. They include: Zhuque-3: Landspace plans the first orbital launch of this rocket, with payload capacities ranging from 12,500 to 21,000 kilograms depending on recovery options. Tianlong-3: Space Pioneer aims to launch this rocket, benchmarked against SpaceX’s Falcon 9, following an earlier testing mishap. Pallas-1 and Ceres-2: Galactic Energy is developing these rockets, designed for reusability and increased payload capacities. Nebula-1: Deep Blue Aerospace plans to launch and recover this two-stage rocket with 3D-printed engines. Kinetica-2: CAS Space is preparing this reusable kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket to support low-cost space station cargo services. Hyperbola-3: iSpace is transitioning to kerolox rocket after setbacks with its Hyperbola-1. Also read: NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success Implications These new rocket projects aim to enhance China’s presence in space, increase launch rates, and lower costs. While the Chinese domestic space market is competitive, these developments are expected to support national space projects and potentially attract international payloads leading to higher revenue from the space sector. (With inputs from agencies)

China to introduce advanced Long March and commercial rockets in 2025

China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily.

<h2>The next gen spacecraft</h2>

According to Yang, the new spacecraft will be utilised for crewed lunar missions, the construction of China's space station, and deep-space exploration.&nbsp;

"In the future, a new generation of spacecraft will be used on crewed lunar missions, to build our space station and for deep-space exploration," he said.

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The initial flights of the spacecraft are projected to occur between 2027 and 2028. In 2020, China conducted a test launch using a boilerplate version of the spacecraft to loft space station modules. The return capsule from this test has been put on public display.

<h2>Taikonauts on the moon</h2>

China's plan to put 'Taikonauts' or Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030 is a driving force behind the development of this new spacecraft.

As per Space.com, the spacecraft will feature partial reusability, and a new rocket, known as the Long March 10, which is currently being developed to facilitate its launch.

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The deep-space variant of the spacecraft will have the capacity to carry three astronauts into lunar transfer orbit, while a low Earth orbit version will be capable of transporting four to seven astronauts to China's recently completed Tiangong space station.

Currently, China employs the Shenzhou spacecraft to send up to three astronauts to low Earth orbit. Yang Liwei himself became China's first astronaut in orbit during the Shenzhou 5 mission in 2003.

At present, the crew of Shenzhou 16 is stationed aboard the Tiangong space station. The three astronauts arrived at the station on May 30 and were expected to stay for approximately six months.

China's advancements in space exploration and its plans for crewed lunar missions demonstrate the country's commitment to expanding its presence in space. The development of a next-generation spacecraft can be&nbsp;a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program, and help position the nation as a key player in future lunar and deep-space exploration endeavours.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily.

China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily. The next gen spacecraft According to Yang, the new spacecraft will be utilised for crewed lunar missions, the construction of China's space station, and deep-space exploration. "In the future, a new generation of spacecraft will be used on crewed lunar missions, to build our space station and for deep-space exploration," he said. Also read | Mysterious stellar object emitting a five-minute pulse every 22 minutes leaves scientists puzzled The initial flights of the spacecraft are projected to occur between 2027 and 2028. In 2020, China conducted a test launch using a boilerplate version of the spacecraft to loft space station modules. The return capsule from this test has been put on public display. Taikonauts on the moon China's plan to put 'Taikonauts' or Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030 is a driving force behind the development of this new spacecraft. As per Space.com, the spacecraft will feature partial reusability, and a new rocket, known as the Long March 10, which is currently being developed to facilitate its launch. Also read | NASA's Hubble telescope spots stunning 'cloud of space rocks' made from asteroid-smashing DART mission The deep-space variant of the spacecraft will have the capacity to carry three astronauts into lunar transfer orbit, while a low Earth orbit version will be capable of transporting four to seven astronauts to China's recently completed Tiangong space station. Currently, China employs the Shenzhou spacecraft to send up to three astronauts to low Earth orbit. Yang Liwei himself became China's first astronaut in orbit during the Shenzhou 5 mission in 2003. At present, the crew of Shenzhou 16 is stationed aboard the Tiangong space station. The three astronauts arrived at the station on May 30 and were expected to stay for approximately six months. China's advancements in space exploration and its plans for crewed lunar missions demonstrate the country's commitment to expanding its presence in space. The development of a next-generation spacecraft can be a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program, and help position the nation as a key player in future lunar and deep-space exploration endeavours. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China ambitious space programme will send taikonauts to Moon with new gen spacecraft

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying,&nbsp;"Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson.

In an interview with&nbsp;Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage.

Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

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In response, Liu said:&nbsp;"China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain."

Nelson, the top&nbsp;NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first.

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"It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research."

As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases.

He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/we-better-watch-out-nasa-chief-says-us-china-locked-in-space-race-as-mission-moon-heats-up-548854">‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up</a>

Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions.

As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole.

Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast."&nbsp;

However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground.

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson. In an interview with Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' In response, Liu said: "China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain." Nelson, the top NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first. Also read | India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official "It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research." As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases. He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas. Also read | ‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions. As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole. Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast." However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources

Three Chinese astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after 183 days in space, state television reported, completing the country's longest crewed space mission to date. Here are ten things you should know.

10 things about China's recent space mission