According to the latest Rocket Report from Ars Technica, China is eyeing SpaceX's Raptor 3 engine, a next-generation methane-fueled design that powers the Starship system. This interest points to a broader strategic push by Beijing to close the gap in advanced rocket propulsion, potentially through reverse engineering or licensed production.
The same report highlights that SpaceX is set for a major Starship test, though details remain scarce. A brief quote — 'I can tell you SpaceX has already gone captive' — adds intrigue, likely referring to a captive-carry phase where the vehicle is tested while still attached to a launch mount. If true, this would be a critical step before a full flight attempt.
The two threads together underscore a familiar pattern: SpaceX's technological lead keeps drawing global attention, while its own test cadence accelerates. For business watchers, the key question is whether China's interest translates into real competition, or merely signals the difficulty of catching up.