Beijing-based space company LandSpace has completed a major test of its Zhuque-3 rocket, marking a significant step forward in China’s rapidly developing commercial space sector. The stainless steel liquid propellant rocket produced an impressive 900 tons of thrust, making it one of the most powerful rockets ever developed by a private Chinese company. On September 4, 2024, the Zhuque-3 completed a critical vertical takeoff and landing test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, reaching an altitude of 6.21 miles (10 km).

This test flight lasted 200 seconds, during which the rocket demonstrated a successful engine reignition sequence — a critical phase for rocket recovery during descent. The flight tested key technologies including ascent, engine shutdown, power-off glide, in-flight engine restart, and soft landing. According to Dai Zheng, the leader of the Zhuque-3 project, this test confirmed the functionality of in-flight engine cutoff and restart, joint guidance, and precise landing, thus laying a solid foundation for reusable rocket launches.

LandSpace’s Journey Toward Reusability

LandSpace, founded in 2015, initially struggled to reach orbit with its Zhuque-1 rocket but has since made strides with its Zhuque-2 and Zhuque-3 rockets. The company’s decision to focus on liquid oxygen-methane propellant engines has allowed them to join a global race toward low-cost, reusable rockets, much like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

The Zhuque-3 uses advanced Tianque engines, specifically the TQ-12B engines on its first stage and a TQ-15B vacuum engine on the second stage. These engines are not only powerful but are also designed for reusability, with the goal of recovering and reusing the first stage up to 20 times. The rocket’s stainless steel airframe contributes to its strength and durability, a design choice inspired by SpaceX’s Starship.

In addition to the September test, LandSpace has successfully conducted other vertical takeoff and landing tests, further verifying the technology needed for reusable rockets. This includes a flight test in January 2024, where key components such as the rocket’s guidance and control systems were fine-tuned. These developments are critical as the company moves toward its goal of conducting orbital launches in 2025.

Implications for China’s Space Ambitions

LandSpace’s progress signals a broader push within China’s space sector toward reusable rocket technology. While state-owned enterprises like the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) continue to dominate, companies like LandSpace are advancing China’s commercial space capabilities. Zhuque-3 is also being seen as a competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, although LandSpace admits they have work to do to match SpaceX’s technological advancements.

China’s space plans also involve the development of megaconstellations, such as the G60/Thousand Sails and Guowang projects. These constellations will likely rely on reusable rockets like Zhuque-3 to lower costs and increase launch frequencies. With these advancements, China hopes to phase out its aging Long March hypergolic rockets in favor of more efficient, environmentally friendly alternatives.

As China continues to develop reusable rocket technology, companies like LandSpace are positioning themselves to play a key role in the global commercial space industry, with plans for even more ambitious missions in the near future.

image Credit : Landscape

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