LandSpace achieves landmark Zhuque-3 rocket launch despite landing setback

Chinese commercial launch company LandSpace marked a significant achievement with the inaugural flight of its Zhuque-3 rocket, designed to be reusable and powered by methalox fuel. This vehicle, which stands approximately 66 meters tall, is comparable in scale to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. While LandSpace reported successful orbital insertion, the rocket’s first-stage booster fell short of a propulsive landing, impacting just a short distance from the intended landing zone.

The Zhuque-3, featuring a core diameter of 4.5 meters, boasts nine Tianque-12A engines that deliver a total thrust of 5,922 kN at sea level. The launch took place from Site 96 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, with the rocket following a south-easterly ascent. The launch trajectory appeared to be smooth, with main engine cut-off occurring 129 seconds after ignition and a successful stage separation following shortly thereafter.

The booster initiated a lengthy three-engine re-entry burn at around T+6:11, maintaining its trajectory for approximately 46 seconds. This extended burn time is notably conservative compared to typical re-entry maneuvers for similar rockets, indicating a cautious approach during this debut mission. At T+8:00, the same engines reignited for the terminal landing burn.

As the booster approached the newly constructed landing pad located 390 kilometers downrange, an anomaly caused it to miss the target by mere meters, resulting in a fireball upon impact. Despite the setback, LandSpace described the landing attempt as commendably close for a first-flight scenario, with images circulating on Chinese social media displaying scorch marks near the landing zone.

Meanwhile, the rocket’s second stage, powered by a single Tianque-15A engine optimized for vacuum use, successfully reached orbit, with engine cut-off occurring 8 minutes and 29 seconds post-launch. LandSpace subsequently affirmed that the mission had met all its objectives, despite earlier assumptions that the launch might carry a prototype reusable cargo spaceplane.

The Zhuque-3 launch marks just the beginning of a rising competition within the scope of Chinese reusable rockets. Upcoming projects include the Long March 12A, a similarly sized methalox vehicle targeting its first flight in December 2025 with plans for first-stage recovery. Additionally, the kerolox-powered Tianlong-3, resembling the Falcon 9, is expected to fly its maiden mission by 2026, although initial flights will be expendable. Another contender, Lijian-2, incorporates a unique design with three booster cores intended to land together, though significant advancements in recovery efforts are not anticipated before 2028.

With China having carried out 68 orbital launches in 2024, without reusing any first-stage boosters, the push for reusability becomes increasingly crucial. This contrasts sharply with the United States, where reusable systems like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 have allowed for a significantly higher launch cadence with fewer new stages built. The accelerating development of Chinese reusable vehicles represents a strategic shift, as both private enterprises and state-supported firms vie to improve their capabilities in this area.

As LandSpace comes close to a successful landing on its initial attempt, and with additional reusable rockets slated for flight in the near future, the year 2026 is poised to be pivotal in commercial space exploration, signaling a shift in the global space race toward excellent return on investment and frequent launches. China’s rapid progress in this domain highlights its growing ambition to establish itself as a significant player in international spaceflight.