When Chinese space officials first introduced their ambitious plans for a super heavy lift rocket nearly ten years ago, they believed they were paving the way for their space ambitions. The original design of the Long March 9 seemed traditional—with three stages and conventional solid motors. However, as the space industry rapidly evolved, particularly with the pioneering reusable rocket technology from SpaceX, China had to rethink and adjust its approach.

Fast forward to today, and the Long March 9 has undergone significant revisions, now showcasing a design strikingly similar to SpaceX's renowned Starship. At a recent airshow in Zhuhai, officials revealed this newly envisioned rocket, now boasting a fully reusable first stage powered by an impressive 30 YF-215 engines, each capable of producing a thrust of around 200 tons. To put this into perspective, SpaceX's Starship utilizes 33 Raptor engines with slightly more power, reflecting a closely watched competition in rocket design.

What makes the Long March 9 even more intriguing is its configuration—an upper stage that mirrors the Starship’s, complete with strategically placed flaps. China has ambitious plans to conduct the inaugural flight of this rocket by the year 2033, marking a pivotal step in its long-term lunar aspirations.

The momentum doesn't stop there. Last week, a Chinese startup named Cosmoleap teased plans for a fully reusable "Leap" rocket, aiming to implement the innovative catch-and-release technique famously leveraged by SpaceX. Animated videos demonstrated their vision, signaling that China's burgeoning space industry is eager to adopt and adapt proven strategies from its Western counterpart.

However, it's essential to recognize that China has had a history of adopting ideas and technology from Western competitors—a tactic not rare in the global arena. This growing synthesis of ideas illustrates China's earnest pursuit to catch up in the global space race, particularly as it aligns its rocket development goals with emerging technologies from leaders like SpaceX.

As the second space race unfolds, attention is shifting to the lucrative lunar South Pole, where nations are eyeing potential water ice deposits. The real competition is not merely about who lands on the Moon first but about who can sustain a long-term presence there. Currently, while China is relying on the conventional Long March 10 for initial lunar missions, the reusable Long March 9 is expected to facilitate more extensive lunar operations in the near future.

While the U.S. continues to invest heavily in the expensive Space Launch System, many are beginning to speculate whether this approach will hinder NASA's competitiveness against the rapidly advancing Chinese space program. Ironically, the U.S. has the upper hand with SpaceX's Starship already flying, but China is making strides with its revolutionary Long March 9 design.

As both superpowers gear up for lunar expeditions, the clock is ticking. Who will emerge as the dominant force in space exploration—the nation that reaches the Moon first or the one that establishes a sustainable lunar presence? One thing is clear: the race is far from over, and China's ambitious plans may soon change the rules of the game in the quest for lunar supremacy!