The $50 million throwaway problem

五千万美元的浪费问题

Round Table China

2026-07-15

21 分钟
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单集简介 ...

A rocket booster costs tens of millions of dollars. For decades, the industry has been throwing them away after a single launch. China just proved there's another way, and the ripple effects could change who gets to space and how often. / Would you send your doggy to doggy daycare (14:32)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu
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单集文稿 ...

  • Discussion keeps the world turning.

  • This is Roundtable.

  • You're tuned in to Roundtable.

  • I'm Steve Hatherly today with Xing Yu and Yuxin.

  • Coming up, imagine throwing away a piece of equipment worth around $50 million after just one use.

  • You would never do that.

  • But that's essentially how the space industry has operated for decades.

  • China, though, thinks it has found a better way and today will explain

  • why that could reshape the future of space exploration.

  • After that, drop the kids off at school, pick up the dog from kindergarten.

  • That is happening in Shanghai.

  • It's everyone's reality these days.

  • Urban pet owners are treating their puppies like toddlers with full days of structured play,

  • fresh snacks and scheduled naps.

  • It sounds cute because it is but underneath something bigger is happening young chinese

  • consumers are spending more on their pets than ever not out of obligation but love.

  • Today, we'll ask, when did a dog stop being a pet and start being a member of the family?

  • And what does that say about us?

  • Our podcast listeners, that's you, can find us at Roundtable China on Apple Podcasts.

  • And don't forget that we love to hear from you as well.