Landspace Prepares for Maiden Launch of Reusable Methane-Powered Rocket
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Chinese aerospace firm Landspace is gearing up for the inaugural flight of its Zhuque-3 rocket, a next-generation launch vehicle powered by methane and designed for reusability. The company aims to conduct the debut mission before the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in China’s burgeoning private space sector. The Zhuque-3 will stand 76 meters tall and feature stainless-steel construction, with the capability to carry up to 21 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) in its expendable configuration. However, when configured for reusability—allowing the first stage to land and be refurbished—its payload capacity drops to 18.3 tons. Landspace claims this rocket will be the first of its kind in China to achieve full reusability, a feat currently dominated by SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Methane-fueled engines, like those on Zhuque-3, are gaining traction in the industry due to their efficiency, cleaner combustion, and potential for cost-effective reusability. Competitors such as SpaceX’s Starship and Relativity Space’s Terran R are also betting on methane propulsion, signaling a broader shift in launch technology. Landspace has already made strides with its Zhuque-2, becoming the first company globally to successfully launch a methane-powered rocket to orbit in 2023. The upcoming Zhuque-3 mission will further test the company’s ambitions in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and rapid reusability. Industry analysts suggest that if successful, Landspace could position itself as a key player in the global commercial launch market, offering a competitive alternative to Western providers. However, challenges remain, including perfecting landing accuracy and ensuring rapid turnaround times between flights.
