US intel officials “concerned” China will soon master reusable launch

The US intelligence officials have expressed concerns about China's advancements in developing reusable launch vehicles. According to the officials, China's current space launch capabilities are limited, and they need to have on-orbit refueling to maintain frequent access to space. The officials highlighted that China's reliance on expendable launch vehicles, which are used once and then discarded, is a significant constraint. In contrast, the US has been using reusable launch systems, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, which can be refurbished and reused, allowing for more frequent space missions. The officials emphasized that China's pursuit of reusable launch technology is crucial for its long-term space ambitions, as it would enable the country to launch payloads more cost-effectively and respond to emerging threats or opportunities in space more rapidly. The concerns raised by the US intelligence community underline the strategic importance of the race for reusable launch capabilities in the global space landscape.