Chinese Startup ‘Copying’ SpaceX’s Rocket Chopstick Capture Secures Funding

Chinese rocket startup Cosmoleap, officially known as Beijing Dahang Transition Technology Company, has raised over 100 million yuan (about $14 million) to develop a reusable rocket system named Yueqian.

Cosmoleap’s first major project, the Yueqian rocket, is intended to support satellite internet infrastructure—a mission strikingly similar to SpaceX’s Starship deployments for Starlink satellites. Cosmoleap’s recent funding round saw substantial backing from firms including Shenergy Chengyi, Tiangchuang Capital, and Legend Capital, showcasing investor confidence in the startup’s expertise despite its young age.

The Yueqian rocket has sparked conversation and debate online due to its similarities with SpaceX’s iconic Super Heavy booster and its “chopstick” capture landing. Cosmoleap’s animated concept footage shows the Yueqian booster performing a controlled descent and using mechanical arms to catch itself—an approach SpaceX pioneered with its Super Heavy booster in October 2023. Online comments have noted this resemblance, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) pointing out that “even the deluge [system looks the same].”

While Yueqian’s design echoes SpaceX’s innovations, the scale and mission differ. At 246 feet (75 meters) tall, the Yueqian rocket is notably smaller than SpaceX’s 397-foot (121-meter) Starship. The Yueqian is designed to carry up to 23,060 pounds (10,460 kg) to low Earth orbit (LEO) in expendable mode, while the payload capacity drops to 13,845 pounds (6,280 kg) when the first stage is recovered.

Yet, Cosmoleap’s long-term plans are even more ambitious. The company has set its sights on a much larger rocket that would stand at 413 feet (126 meters) tall—surpassing Starship in height.

Expected to launch in 2030, this larger rocket is projected to carry a massive 100 tons to LEO in expendable mode and 36 tons in reusable mode. If Cosmoleap achieves this, it would be responsible for developing the world’s tallest rocket.