Global Rocket Race: Japan, China, and SpaceX Lead Space Innovations Amid Rising Competition

July 11, 2025
Global Rocket Race: Japan, China, and SpaceX Lead Space Innovations Amid Rising Competition
  • Japan's Interstellar Technologies has raised approximately 8.9 billion yen, or about $61.8 million, to advance its Zero rocket development, with plans for a debut flight in 2027 and ambitions to expand into satellite communications similar to SpaceX.

  • Chinese company Orienspace is nearing the debut of its Gravity-2 rocket, expected in late 2025 after successful engine testing, positioning itself in the medium-lift market.

  • The Rocket Report highlights key industry developments, including SpaceX's plans to produce its own propellant and ongoing advancements in rocket technology worldwide.

  • The European Space Agency has selected five startups for potential funding of up to 169 million euros to develop alternatives to Arianespace, with Isar Aerospace being the most well-funded.

  • Senator Dick Durbin criticized Texas's efforts to relocate the space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian, citing financial concerns.

  • China is progressing on its Long March 10 rocket, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, with its launch pad nearing completion.

  • Amid a decline in launch activity, Russia's Progress supply ship successfully delivered cargo to the ISS, maintaining its space operations.

  • Cameron County, Texas, approved SpaceX's construction of an air separator facility to enhance propellant supply efficiency for Starship launches.

  • United Launch Alliance is stacking its third Vulcan rocket, a major step toward its first operational flight with military payloads.

  • On July 15, 2025, NASA and Russia commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz mission, celebrating a historic collaboration in human spaceflight despite current geopolitical tensions.

  • In Dubai, LEAP 71 and Aspire Space are partnering to develop a reusable rocket using AI technology, with a projected cost exceeding $1 billion.

  • South Korean company Innospace is advancing toward launching its Hanbit-Nano rocket, having successfully tested its second stage engine and targeting a launch by the end of 2025.

Summary based on 1 source


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