Chinese launch firm Cosmoleap has secured more than $14 million in funding for the “chopstick clamp” tower recovery capability with the Yueqian rocket. Funding sources include:
- Shenergy Chengyi, a Shanghai-based state-owned enterprise focusing on innovative investments
- Tiangchuang Capital, an investment firm with a focus on emerging technologies
- Venture capital firm Baiyan Fund
- Legen Capital, a venture capital firm supporting technological advancements
- and investor Zhang Chao
The “chopstick clamp” tower recovery capability is similar (if not exactly like) to the capability recently demonstrated by SpaceX’s Starship system. This announcement coincides with China’s central government designation of commercial space as a strategic emerging sector with high priority.
Similarities in the modeled approach between the Yueqian “chopstick clamp” tower recovery and SpaceX’s Starship recovery suggest that industry espionage may play a role in enabling a flight demonstration in either 2025 or 2026. As SpaceX currently holds a large market share for commercial launch capability, it is likely that industry espionage may have been facilitated by an advance persistent threat attack by Chinese state actors. Cyber espionage of commercial space launch companies may also provide an avenue for increasing Chinese access and influence within the space sector. Prospective Chinese commercial space offerors like Landspace, Galactic Energy, Space Pioneer, iSpace, Deep Blue Aerospace, CAS Space, and Expace could become contenders within the reusable space launch market and expand Chinese national influence in space.
Article Link: https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-cosmoleap-secures-funding-for-rocket-featuring-chopstick-recovery-system/