China’s Starship challenger Long March-12 rocket set for 75km VTVL test

Get ready to witness history as China takes a giant leap toward rocket reusability! The Long March-12A reusable rocket by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) is set to conduct its 75-km VTVL (Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing) test flight from the iconic Haitang Dongfang Spaceport, China’s sea launch hub in Shandong Province. This marks a major milestone in the nation’s pursuit of cutting-edge space technology! 🏗️ On Its Way to Haiyang Incredible drone footage shows the SAST test article being transported for the highly-anticipated hop test. While this mission will end with a controlled soft sea splashdown (no landing legs this time), it sets the stage for future barge landings, drawing comparisons to the game-changing SpaceX Starship program. Could this be China’s answer to Elon Musk’s reusable rocket revolution? 🌊 The Mission Launching from the coastline, the Long March-12A will climb to an altitude of 75 kilometers before executing a precise descent and soft touchdown in the ocean. While not landing on a barge just yet, this test showcases China’s determination to master VTVL technology, paving the way for a fully reusable rocket system. 💡 Why It Matters This test is a huge leap for China’s space program, as it demonstrates their growing capabilities in reusable spaceflight. With the Long March-12A’s design, China is positioning itself as a potential challenger to SpaceX, fueling global excitement about the future of competitive space exploration. 🎥 Exclusive Drone View Don’t miss the breathtaking aerial footage of the Long March-12A test article as it heads to the launch site, accompanied by speculation from social media experts about its design and capabilities. Will this test prove China’s readiness to challenge the giants of reusable spaceflight? Tune in for live coverage of the launch and splashdown – it’s gonna be epic! #LongMarch12A #chianspace #Longxing2