The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) unveiled revised plans for its Long March 9 super‑heavy rocket, opting for a slimmer, staged‑combustion kerolox core flanked by two methalox boosters. The redesign trims lift capacity from 150 tons to 125 tons in low‑Earth orbit but slashes development complexity and cost.
Officials described the change as “mission‑focused pragmatism,” noting that the updated LM‑9 retains enough margin to support China’s 2033 crewed Moon landing goal. By standardizing 10‑meter‑diameter tanks and using common engines between stages, CASC expects to shorten manufacturing flow by nearly two years.
The announcement arrived alongside a $4.8 billion budget allocation for lunar surface infrastructure, including a modular habitat and pressurized rover. International observers see the streamlined LM‑9 as a signal China is accelerating timelines to join—or surpass—NASA’s Artemis program in deep‑space milestones.