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Key Information

LandSpace Technology Corporation
Simplified Chinese蓝箭航天空间科技股份有限公司
Traditional Chinese藍箭航天空間科技股份有限公司
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLánjiàn Hángtiān Kōngjiān Kējì Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàngōngsī
LandSpace
Simplified Chinese蓝箭航天
Traditional Chinese藍箭航天
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLánjiàn Hángtiān

LandSpace Technology Corporation (doing business as LandSpace)[4][5] is a Chinese commercial space launch provider based in Beijing.[6] It was founded in 2015 by Zhang Changwu.[6][7]

In July 2023, the company's Zhuque-2 rocket became the world's first methane-fueled launch vehicle to reach orbit after its successful second flight.[8][9] LandSpace plans to conduct three Zhuque-2 launches in 2024 and six in 2025.[10]

History

[edit]

Landspace Technology Corporation was established in 2015, after a Chinese government policy change in 2014 that allowed private capital into the space industry.[11] Since its founding, the company has established several aerospace infrastructure sites in Zhejiang, including a $1.5 billion medium and large-scale liquid rocket assembly and test plant in Jiaxing and an intelligent manufacturing base in Huzhou.[8]

LandSpace developed its first launch vehicle Zhuque-1, powered by solid-propellant motors. Zhuque-1 was launched on 27 October 2018, however the payload failed to reach orbit due to an issue with the third stage.[12][13] The company also developed the liquid-fueled Zhuque-2, which became the first methalox rocket in the world to reach orbit after a successful second flight on 12 July 2023.[14]

Launch vehicles

[edit]

Zhuque-1

[edit]
Zhuque-1

Zhuque-1 (ZQ-1, Chinese: 朱雀一号 or 朱雀·南太湖号), also known as LandSpace-1 or LS-1, is a 19-metre (62 ft) tall, three-stage solid-propellant rocket with a diameter of 1.35 m. It is likely based on the DF-26 missile's rocket motor.[15] Zhuque-1 has a takeoff mass of 27 t (27 long tons; 30 short tons), a thrust of 45 tf (99,000 lbf), and can carry 300 kg (660 lb) of payload into a 300 km (190 mi) low Earth orbit (LEO).[12]

The maiden flight of Zhuque-1 took place on 27 October 2018, from a mobile platform at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying the Weilai-1 satellite for China Central Television. Despite successful first and second stage firings and fairing separation, the payload failed to reach orbit due to a third-stage issue.[12][13] Zhuque-1 was the first Chinese private orbital rocket to attempt an orbital launch.[16]

Following the launch, reports emerged that the solid rocket motor manufacturer had ended its contract with LandSpace, casting doubt on the future of Zhuque-1.[15] Subsequently, LandSpace announced it would shift its focus to developing the methane-fueled Zhuque-2.[8]

Zhuque-2

[edit]
Main article: Zhuque-2

Zhuque-2 (ZQ-2) is a medium-sized liquid-fuelled rocket powered by liquid oxygen and methane capable of lifting 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) of payload into a 200 km (120 mi) LEO, or 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of payload into a 500 km (310 mi) sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).[6][9] The rocket was planned to be launched in 2020,[17] however by 2019 this had slipped to 2021,[11] and later to December 2022.[citation needed]

The first flight of Zhuque-2 occurred on 14 December 2022, but the launch vehicle failed to place its payload into orbit due to the failure of its second-stage vernier engines after the second-stage main engine shutdown. Nevertheless, with this maiden launch, Zhuque-2 became the first methane-fueled rocket to reach space. On 12 July 2023, the second flight was successful, making it the first methane-fueled launch vehicle in the world to reach orbit; this flight did not carry an active payload.[9][8] On 8 December 2023, the third Zhuque-2 mission successfully placed three satellites into a 433 by 461 kilometers sun-synchronous orbit.[10]

Zhuque-3

[edit]
Main article: Zhuque-3

Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) is an under-development, two-stage, medium-to-heavy launch vehicle made of stainless steel and powered by liquid methane fuel. Equipped with nine Tianque-12B engines, five of which can gimbal and four which cannot, the first stage is designed to be recoverable and reusable for up to twenty launches. The rocket will be 76.6 meters long, 4.5 meters in diameter, and have a liftoff weight of approximately 660 tonnes. Its planned payload capacity to low Earth orbit is about 21 tonnes in expendable mode, 18.3 tonnes when the first stage is recovered downrange, and 12.5 tonnes when the first stage returns to the launch site. The maiden flight of the rocket is planned for 2025,[10] aiming to achieve the milestone of first-stage recovery within the same year, and progressing towards reusability by 2026.

Launches

[edit]

Zhuque-1 launches

[edit]
Rocket & serial Flight number Date Payload Orbit Launch site Outcome Notes
Zhuque-1[12] Y1 27 October 2018,
08:00 UTC 		Weilai-1 ('Future-1') satellite LEO Jiuquan Failure 3 solid-fuel stages; 3rd stage anomaly.[13]

Zhuque-2 launches

[edit]
This section is an excerpt from Zhuque-2 § Launches.[edit]
Flight
No. 		Rocket, serial Date and
time (UTC) 		Payload Orbit Launch site Outcome
1 Zhuque-2 Y1 14 December 2022
08:30[18] 		Zhixing 1B
Various 		SSO Jiuquan, Site 96 Failure
Maiden Flight of Zhuque-2. Vernier engines failed during second-stage main-engine shutdown due to excessive forces damaging liquid-oxygen feed line.
First launch vehicle using liquid methane propellant to reach space (100 km altitude).
2 Zhuque-2 Y2 12 July 2023
01:00[19] 		No payload (Flight test) SSO Jiuquan, Site 96 Success
First launch vehicle using liquid methane propellant to reach orbit.
3 Zhuque-2 Y3 8 December 2023
23:39[20] 		Honghu-1
Honghu-2
Tianyi 33 		SSO Jiuquan, Site 96 Success
First methane launch vehicle to launch payloads into orbit. Last launch of Zhuque-2, Future launches will happen on upgraded Zhuque-2E.
4 Zhuque-2E Y1 27 November 2024
02:00[21] 		Guangchuan 01
Guangchuan 02 		LEO Jiuquan, Site 96 Success
Maiden flight of Zhuque-2E, featuring a second stage without vernier thrusters.
5 Zhuque-2E Y2 17 May 2025
04:12[22] 		Tianyi-29
Tianyi-34
Tianyi-35
Tianyi-42
Tianyi-45
Tianyi-46 		SSO Jiuquan, Site 96 Success
Second flight of Zhuque-2E.
6 Zhuque-2E Y3 15 August 2025
01:17 		GuangChuan × 4 SSO Jiuquan, Site 96 Failure
Third flight of Zhuque-2E. Failed to reach orbit due to unspecified issue with the second stage.[23]

Zhuque-3 launches

[edit]
This section is an excerpt from Zhuque-3 § Launches.[edit]
Flight
No. 		Rocket Serial No. Date/Time
(UTC) 		Payload Orbit Launch site Outcome Booster
Recovery
1 Zhuque-3 Y1 NET Q4 2025[24] Jiuquan TBD
First flight of Zhuque-3

Marketplace

[edit]

LandSpace is in competition with several other Chinese space rocket startups, among them LinkSpace, Galactic Energy, ExPace, i-Space, OneSpace, Deep Blue Aerospace, Space Pioneer, CAS Space, and Space Epoch.[25]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

LandSpace

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LandSpace Technology is a Chinese private company founded in 2015 by Zhang Changwu, specializing in the , development, and production of reusable liquid and liquid (LOX/LCH4) powered launch vehicles and engines, with a focus on providing cost-effective commercial space transportation services. As one of China's earliest private commercial firms, it has pioneered green propulsion technologies, achieving the world's first successful orbital launch of a -fueled via its (ZQ-2) vehicle in July 2023. The company, headquartered in with manufacturing bases in and , has rapidly advanced reusable capabilities, including the development of the TQ-12A cryogenic engine, which delivers 720 kN of thrust and supports vertical takeoff and landing () operations. Key milestones include the 2019 hot-fire test of its 80-ton LOX/LCH4 engine, the 2022 debut flight of , and subsequent orbital successes in 2023, such as the December launch deploying satellites into orbit. In 2024, LandSpace conducted extensive tests for its next-generation Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) , including a 200-second flight and 10-kilometer hops, demonstrating progress toward full reusability. In 2025, LandSpace continued its momentum with an upgraded rocket launch on May 17 that deployed six satellites, marking enhanced reliability in clean systems, an static-fire test for Zhuque-3, and the maiden orbital flight of Zhuque-3 on December 3, 2025, which successfully achieved orbital insertion with its second stage but failed in the first-stage recovery due to a braking issue during landing. The firm aims to become a world-class commercial enterprise, targeting three launches in 2024 and doubling that in 2025, while securing state-backed to accelerate reusable technology development and expand global partnerships. With over 1,000 properties and extensive hot-test experience exceeding 1,113,000 seconds, LandSpace positions itself as a leader in sustainable access, emphasizing medium- and large-scale vehicles for deployment and beyond.

History

Founding and Early Years

LandSpace Technology was established in June 2015 in , , by Zhang Changwu, a alumnus, as one of the country's earliest private enterprises focused on commercial space launch capabilities. The company's formation came in the wake of 's 2014 State Council policy reforms, particularly Document 60, which liberalized the space sector by permitting private investment and encouraging commercial participation to support national objectives in innovation and satellite deployment. This regulatory shift aligned LandSpace's mission with broader state goals of fostering a vibrant commercial to complement state-owned entities like the China Aerospace Science and Technology (CASC). From its inception, LandSpace prioritized the development of low-cost launch vehicles to enable affordable access to for commercial payloads, targeting small and medium satellites in response to growing domestic demand. Early strategic decisions emphasized building domestic expertise in rocket systems, including the establishment of infrastructure such as testing facilities in province to support independent R&D. The company secured initial investments, including an early-stage round in 2017 led by investors like Yi Sheng Yuan Investment Management, providing approximately $16 million to fund foundational operations and technology development. These funds helped align LandSpace with national space ambitions by enabling and talent recruitment from China's academic and state aerospace sectors. LandSpace initiated its first major project shortly after founding, focusing on the Zhuque-1 (ZQ-1), a three-stage designed for small orbital launches to demonstrate reliable ascent and payload delivery capabilities. This effort marked the company's entry into practical hardware development, with assembly and ground testing completed by mid-2018 at facilities in , emphasizing cost-effective solid propulsion to validate commercial launch viability. The project underscored LandSpace's commitment to iterative testing aligned with China's push for private sector contributions to goals.

Technological Shift and Milestones

In 2018, LandSpace pivoted from its initial focus on solid-propellant rockets to developing liquid methane-liquid oxygen (methalox) propulsion for the , driven by the propellant's advantages in enabling reusability and reducing operational costs compared to traditional fuels. This shift aligned with global trends toward cleaner, high-performance engines suitable for recoverable stages, positioning LandSpace to compete in the commercial space sector with more efficient and . A key element of this transition was the development of the methalox engine, a 80-ton-thrust-class powerplant designed for the Zhuque-2's first stage. LandSpace achieved significant milestones with the , including initial hot-fire tests in May 2019 and extended-duration firings reaching 400 seconds in late 2020, validating the engine's reliability and performance under operational conditions. These tests demonstrated the engine's ability to support reusable architectures through features like deep throttling and multiple ignitions, marking a breakthrough for private Chinese . To support accelerated engine and vehicle testing, LandSpace expanded its infrastructure with the construction of dedicated test stands at its space center in Province, completing the first phase by mid-2021. This facility enabled comprehensive ground validation of methalox systems, including integrated engine clusters, and facilitated the rapid iteration needed for orbital-class development. The 's maiden orbital attempt in December 2022 ended in failure due to an anomaly in the second-stage vernier engines, which shut down prematurely and prevented the vehicle from reaching orbital velocity. Following a thorough , LandSpace implemented targeted improvements, including enhanced engine controls and verified them through simulations, ground tests, and dedicated firings, culminating in the successful orbital launch in July 2023 that made the world's first methalox rocket to achieve orbit.

Recent Achievements and Challenges

In July 2023, LandSpace achieved a major milestone with the second flight of its rocket, which successfully reached and became the world's first methane-liquid oxygen (methalox) to do so. This success validated the company's proprietary Tianque-12 engines and positioned LandSpace as a leader in green propulsion technologies. Building on this, the third Zhuque-2 flight in December 2023 successfully deployed three satellites—Honghu-1, Honghu-2, and Tianyi-33—into a 460 km , marking the rocket's first operational mission and demonstrating enhanced reliability for commercial payloads. By May 2025, LandSpace further showcased improved performance with the fifth Zhuque-2 launch, which deployed six commercial satellites using an enhanced Zhuque-2E variant, highlighting the vehicle's maturing operational cadence and payload capacity. Looking ahead, LandSpace outlined ambitious expansion plans for 2024 and 2025, targeting three launches in 2024 and six in 2025 to scale production and meet growing demand for methalox-based orbital services. These efforts include reusability demonstrations, such as vertical tests conducted in early 2024 and preparations for an orbital launch-and-landing attempt later in 2025. Amid these advances, LandSpace faced regulatory and developmental challenges. In late July 2025, the company submitted preliminary filings to the for an on the Shanghai , navigating a complex approval process amid heightened scrutiny of commercial space firms. Concurrently, preparations for the Zhuque-3 reusable intensified, culminating in a successful first-stage static fire test in October 2025 at the , a critical step toward its . The Zhuque-3's maiden flight occurred on December 3, 2025, from the Dongfeng launch site, with mission goals including orbital insertion by the second stage and demonstration of first-stage reusability through recovery. The launch achieved partial success, with the second stage successfully entering orbit, but the first-stage recovery failed due to a braking issue during landing, preventing a successful touchdown despite progress to an 80 km re-entry altitude. No payloads were deployed, as the mission focused on demonstration objectives. This failure aligns with broader challenges in Chinese reusable rocket development, where experts have acknowledged significant technological gaps compared to SpaceX, which has achieved over 90% success rates in Falcon 9 booster recoveries. These differences stem from China's cautious, state-led approaches emphasizing strategic planning and safety, in contrast to SpaceX's rapid iteration model, though China is actively pursuing catch-up through commercial aerospace growth and increased launch frequency. As of January 2026, Zhuque-3 development continues toward full operational reusability, with ongoing analysis of the flight data to address integration challenges for its stainless-steel structure and nine-engine first stage.

Launch Vehicles

Zhuque-1

The Zhuque-1, also known as LandSpace-1 or LS-1, is a three-stage solid-propellant developed by LandSpace Technology Corporation as an early proof-of-concept vehicle for commercial space launches. Standing 19 tall with a of 1.35 , it features a non-reusable design optimized for suborbital missions, including validation and testing in upper atmospheric conditions. The rocket's structure incorporates lightweight composite materials for its , with each stage powered by independent solid rocket motors to enable sequential staging during ascent. In terms of performance, the Zhuque-1 has a liftoff mass of approximately 27 metric tons and generates a maximum of 45 metric tons from its first , enabling it to carry up to 300 kg of to a 300 km equivalent altitude or 200 kg to a 500 km under ideal conditions. However, its primary role was suborbital, focusing on reaching altitudes sufficient for scientific experiments rather than sustained orbital insertion. The solid propulsion system provides high thrust-to-weight ratios for rapid ascent but limits mission flexibility compared to liquid-fueled alternatives, as the motors cannot be throttled or shut down once ignited. Development of the Zhuque-1 began following LandSpace's founding in , with the project spanning from initial design in through ground testing and integration by 2018, aimed at demonstrating private-sector capabilities in China's emerging commercial . The timeline included subscale motor firings and structural qualifications in 2016–2017, culminating in preparations for a to validate the overall vehicle architecture. This effort marked LandSpace's transition from conceptual planning to hardware realization, serving as a foundational step before advancing to more advanced technologies. The single launch attempt in October 2018 fell short of orbital velocity, confirming the vehicle's suborbital performance.

Zhuque-2

The Zhuque-2 is a two-stage, liquid-fueled orbital developed by LandSpace, utilizing liquid (LCH4) and liquid (LOX) as propellants to enable efficient, scalable access to . Standing 49.5 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, it has a liftoff mass of approximately 219 tonnes and is designed for medium-lift missions. The rocket's capacity reaches 6,000 kg to a 200 km (LEO) and 4,000 kg to a 500 km (SSO), positioning it as a competitive option for deploying small to medium satellites in commercial constellations. Propulsion for the Zhuque-2 relies on the TQ-12 family of methalox engines, marking a significant advancement in China's private sector for high-performance, domestically produced liquid rocket technology. The first stage is powered by four sea-level TQ-12 engines, each delivering approximately 80 tonnes of vacuum thrust (around 785 kN), providing a total takeoff thrust of about 282 tonnes. The second stage employs a single vacuum-optimized TQ-12 variant with an expanded nozzle for improved efficiency in space, generating 80 tonnes of thrust to perform orbital insertion and payload deployment. These gas-generator cycle engines emphasize reliability and potential for future enhancements, with the TQ-12A upgrade incorporating features verified through multiple ignition tests to support reusability objectives. Development of the began in the late as part of LandSpace's pivot to methalox , culminating in its attempt on December 14, 2022, from the , which ended in failure due to an engine issue shortly after liftoff. The second flight on July 12, 2023, achieved success, making Zhuque-2 the world's first methalox rocket to reach orbit and validating the design for operational use. This was followed by several successful missions in 2023 and 2024, and ongoing operations into 2025. An enhanced variant, the Zhuque-2E, incorporates upgrades such as the TQ-12A engines and, in some configurations, a larger 4.2-meter composite fairing for improved accommodation. The Zhuque-2E debuted with a successful launch on November 27, 2024, deploying two satellites, followed by additional missions in 2025. Initially designed as an expendable to prioritize rapid deployment and cost reduction through methalox efficiency, the Zhuque-2 incorporates foundational elements for reusability, including engine designs capable of multiple restarts. In late 2023, LandSpace integrated deployable legs onto a first-stage test article—scaled to the rocket's 3.35-meter —for low-altitude recovery experiments, aiming to gather data for vertical techniques without pursuing full reusability on the baseline configuration at this stage. These efforts build toward broader recovery capabilities in LandSpace's portfolio while maintaining the Zhuque-2's role as a reliable, expendable workhorse for orbital missions.

Zhuque-3

The Zhuque-3 is a two-stage, under development by LandSpace, featuring a structure designed for partial reusability to reduce launch costs through rapid turnaround and recovery of the first stage. Standing approximately 66 meters tall with a of 4.5 meters, it has a liftoff of around 550,000 kilograms and is capable of delivering up to 21 metric tons to in expendable mode, or 18.3 metric tons with first-stage recovery. This design represents an evolution from the expendable , incorporating reusability elements to enhance efficiency and operational affordability. The first stage is powered by nine TQ-12A methalox engines, each producing about 80 tons of , providing a total sea-level exceeding 700 tons, while the second stage uses a single TQ-15 vacuum-optimized engine for orbital insertion. These engines, developed in-house by LandSpace, utilize a with and propellants, enabling cleaner burns and potential for multiple ignitions to support recovery maneuvers. Compared to the TQ-12 engines on earlier vehicles, the TQ-12A variant offers improved reliability for reusable operations, contributing to the rocket's goal of achieving higher thrust-to-weight ratios for vertical landings. Reusability is centered on the first stage, which employs for either return-to-launch-site (RTLS) or downrange recovery, targeting up to 12.5 metric tons to LEO in the most conservative reusable configuration. This approach aims to enable the booster to land autonomously with high precision, facilitating inspections and refurbishments for subsequent flights, with long-term objectives including 10 or more reuses per booster to drastically lower per-launch costs. LandSpace aims to significantly reduce launch costs through multiple reuses of the first stage, targeting a per-kilogram cost of within 20,000 yuan after 20 reuses. The maiden orbital flight, planned for late 2025, will demonstrate this capability, positioning Zhuque-3 as China's first privately developed reusable . Development progress includes successful subscale tests, including an initial 60-second low-altitude in January 2024 and a 200-second, 10-kilometer flight in September 2024, building confidence in the propulsion and control systems. In October 2025, LandSpace conducted a full-stack static fire test at the Dongfeng commercial site, igniting all nine first-stage engines for 45 seconds and validating integrated fueling and ignition sequences. These milestones pave the way for vertical assembly rehearsals and the inaugural launch campaign, with full reusability demonstrations expected in 2026.

Launches

Zhuque-1 Launches

The Zhuque-1 rocket conducted its maiden and only flight on October 27, 2018, from the in northwest . This launch marked the first orbital attempt by a privately developed Chinese rocket. The mission aimed to deploy the Weilai-1 , a small developed for to demonstrate imaging capabilities, into a . The three-stage, solid-propellant vehicle followed a nominal ascent profile for the first two stages, successfully separating and performing as designed to propel the upper stages toward . However, at approximately 402 seconds into the flight, an attitude control anomaly prevented separation of the third stage from the second, causing the vehicle to deviate from its trajectory and fail to achieve orbital insertion. The rocket reached an altitude sufficient to enter but ultimately followed a suborbital path, with the payload not deployed. Despite the overall failure to orbit, the launch was deemed a partial success for validating the performance of the first two stages and key subsystems, providing critical data on solid-propellant integration and . LandSpace reported that confirmed the ignition and burnout of the initial stages, highlighting reliable ground operations and launch at . The third-stage issue underscored challenges with attitude control in upper-stage separation, lessons that informed subsequent vehicle designs by emphasizing the need for more robust guidance systems. No recovery operations were attempted for the stages, as the focus remained on ascent validation rather than reusability at this early stage.

Zhuque-2 Launches

The launch campaign began with an inaugural attempt on December 14, 2022, from Launch Site 96A at the in China's Autonomous Region. The rocket lifted off successfully but experienced an anomaly leading to the premature shutdown of its second-stage engines at approximately 5 km/s , preventing it from achieving orbital insertion and resulting in mission failure. Following post-flight analysis and modifications, LandSpace conducted the second launch on July 12, 2023, again from . This flight marked a significant milestone as the world's first successful orbital launch of a methane-fueled , reaching a without a payload to validate the vehicle's performance. The mission demonstrated the reliability of the TQ-12A engines and the overall methalox propulsion system, paving the way for operational deployments. The third launch occurred on December 8, 2023, from the same site, successfully deploying three satellites—Honghu-1, Honghu-2, and TY-33—into a (SSO) at approximately 500 km altitude. This was the first operational mission for , confirming its capability to deliver multiple small payloads to precise orbital parameters and highlighting improvements in guidance and separation systems since the debut flight. The fourth launch, the debut of the Zhuque-2E variant, took place on November 27, 2024, from Site 96A. It successfully deployed the Guangchuan-01 and Guangchuan-02 satellites into , demonstrating improved with a larger and higher capacity for commercial missions. The fifth launch, Zhuque-2E Y2, occurred on May 17, 2025, from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Area at . This mission successfully deployed six satellites into a , marking the fourth overall success for the series and underscoring reliability through optimizations for higher capacity. The sixth launch, Zhuque-2E Y3, on August 15, 2025, from the same Dongfeng site, experienced an in-flight anomaly at around T+258 seconds due to a second-stage attitude control failure, resulting in the loss of four Xingwang test satellites intended for a . Post-flight analysis attributed the issue to a thrust system caused by electrical arcing, providing data for future improvements. All and Zhuque-2E launches to date have originated from facilities at the , leveraging its infrastructure for polar and SSO missions. As of November 2025, LandSpace had conducted two launches in 2025, falling short of its initial goal of six, with a return-to-flight for Zhuque-2E expected later in the year to support growing demand for deployments. This tempo reflects ongoing maturation in methalox launch technologies amid challenges like the recent failure.
Flight No.Date (UTC)Launch SitePayloadOutcome
1December 14, 2022 (Site 96A)None (test)Failure (second-stage engine shutdown)
2July 12, 2023 (Site 96A)None (test)Success (orbital insertion)
3December 8, 2023 (Site 96A)Honghu-1, Honghu-2, TY-33Success (SSO deployment)
4November 27, 2024 (Site 96A)Guangchuan-01, Guangchuan-02Success (orbital deployment)
5May 17, 2025Dongfeng at (Site 96A)Six unnamed satellitesSuccess (SSO deployment)
6August 15, 2025Dongfeng at (Site 96A)Four Xingwang test satellitesFailure (second-stage anomaly)

Zhuque-3 Launches

LandSpace's Zhuque-3 , a partially reusable medium-lift powered by and , conducted its on December 3, 2025, from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone at the . This launch marked a significant milestone in China's commercial space sector, demonstrating progress toward cost-effective reusability. The mission successfully achieved orbital insertion with the second stage, powered by a single vacuum-optimized Tianque-15A engine, reaching engine cut-off at T+8:29. LandSpace declared the mission a full success despite challenges in the first-stage recovery. The flight utilized a slightly shorter configuration than the full 76-meter version, with nine Tianque-12A engines on the first stage, each producing 83 tons of thrust. The first-stage recovery attempt was exploratory, emphasizing downrange booster recovery over 390 kilometers to a designated landing pad on the Chinese mainland, aligning with the rocket's stainless-steel construction for potential rapid turnaround. The booster executed a successful three-engine re-entry burn starting at T+6:11, lasting approximately 46 seconds, followed by a landing burn ignition at T+8:00. It achieved high-altitude attitude adjustment, engine ignition, and aerodynamic glide, with re-entry ignition occurring at about 80 kilometers altitude. However, an anomaly during the final landing phase caused a failure in the landing ignition, resulting in the booster impacting in a fireball just meters from the center of the landing zone. No specific payload was carried on this demo flight, though the Zhuque-3 is designed to deliver approximately 18 metric tons to a 500-kilometer in reusable mode, supporting applications such as constellation deployment for satellite internet. The upper stage performed nominal orbital delivery to . Preparatory tests, including a nine-engine static fire in October 2025 and hopper tests in 2024, had validated key systems prior to the launch. LandSpace's deputy chief designer, Dong Kai, described the outcome as "acceptable" and a "valuable test" with significant reference value, noting the re-entry ignition as a major step of progress. The company plans to achieve successful recovery in mid-2026 and aims to manufacture 10 rockets and 100 engines that year to increase launch frequency while adhering to safety regulations. Risks such as weather and regulatory approvals for recovery zones were mitigated through redundant systems, though the landing anomaly highlighted areas for further refinement in this pioneering reusable mission.

Business and Operations

Facilities and Infrastructure

LandSpace Technology Corporation maintains its headquarters in , where the primary focus is on activities, including the and system-level of liquid launch vehicles and main engines. This central hub supports the company's overall and operational capabilities in the commercial space sector. The company's production infrastructure includes a major manufacturing base in , Province, which opened in and serves as a key facility for the assembly and testing of medium- and large-scale liquid rockets. This $1.5 billion investment integrates advanced simulation, production, and testing capabilities to streamline rocket manufacturing processes. The plant enables efficient scaling of vehicle production to meet growing commercial demands. Testing operations are supported by dedicated facilities, including engine hot-fire stands located in Huzhou, , which house China's first commercial hot-fire test complex and a modal test tower for propulsion system validation. Additionally, LandSpace utilizes a suborbital test range in the Alxa League of for vehicle-level trials and infrastructure development. These sites facilitate comprehensive ground testing prior to flight operations. For launch capabilities, LandSpace accesses established sites such as the and the through coordination with Chinese state entities, allowing integration of its vehicles into national launch schedules. This partnership model provides essential infrastructure for orbital and suborbital missions while leveraging state-managed facilities.

Market Position and Competition

LandSpace has established a prominent position in China's burgeoning commercial space sector by securing contracts with domestic satellite firms for (SSO) deployments, including its inaugural commercial payloads launched between 2023 and 2025. Notable examples include the December 2023 mission, which deployed the Honghu-1/2 test and Tianyi-33 developed by Changguang Satellite Technology Co., marking the company's first operational orbital delivery of customer payloads. Subsequent missions in 2024 and 2025, such as the November 2024 Zhuque-2E debut and the May 2025 improved flight, carried additional commercial from firms like Spacety, further solidifying its role in supporting China's ambitions. By November , LandSpace had achieved four successful orbital launches with its family, positioning it as the leader among private Chinese companies in methalox technology and orbital insertions. This track record underscores its competitive edge in a market where liquid-fueled reusable systems are increasingly prioritized for and , amid China's commercial targeting a $344 billion valuation in . The company's focus on methalox engines has enabled reliable SSO missions, capturing a niche in small-to-medium deployments that aligns with the rapid growth of private operators. In the competitive landscape, LandSpace faces rivalry from fellow private launch providers such as i-Space, which has pursued hybrid and kerolox vehicles like the series for similar small-payload markets, and , a solid-fuel specialist with multiple Ceres-1 successes emphasizing rapid deployment. State-owned entities under the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), including the family, dominate overall launch capacity but often prioritize national missions over commercial flexibility. On the global stage, Chinese experts have acknowledged significant gaps in reusable rocket technology compared to SpaceX, which has achieved over 90% recovery success rates for its Falcon 9 boosters through rapid iteration, while Chinese efforts, including LandSpace's Zhuque-3 recovery attempt in December 2025, have encountered repeated failures due to a more cautious, state-led approach. Nonetheless, LandSpace differentiates itself through its early adoption of methalox for potential reusability—exemplified by Zhuque-3 development—and has benefited from the 2025 surge in private sector launches, where commercial providers conducted over a dozen orbital missions collectively, fostering a more dynamic ecosystem beyond state monopolies and supporting China's broader catch-up efforts in commercial aerospace growth.

Financial Developments

LandSpace secured early funding exceeding $100 million from sources by 2020, including significant investments from state-backed entities such as the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund and the SME Development Fund. In September 2020, the company raised $175 million in a Series C+ round led by Sequoia Capital , primarily to support the development of its methane-liquid oxygen . In December 2024, LandSpace received an additional 900 million yuan ($125 million) in state-backed funding from the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund to advance its reusable rocket programs. These funds marked a pivotal phase in LandSpace's growth, enabling the transition from suborbital testing with Zhuque-1 to orbital capabilities. Following the successful orbital launches of in 2023 and subsequent missions, LandSpace began generating revenue from commercial launch contracts, with the company reaching a revenue-generating stage by late 2024. These contracts, including deployments for operators, represented the firm's initial shift toward profitability, driven by the 's ability to deliver up to 4 metric tons to . While exact profit figures remain undisclosed, the revenue stream has been bolstered by multiple successful flights, positioning LandSpace as one of China's leading private launch providers. In July 2025, LandSpace filed regulatory documents for an on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's , aiming to list in early 2026 to fund expansion of its reusable rocket programs. This move aligns with broader economic strategies to attract institutional investors and scale operations amid China's growing commercial space sector. LandSpace's valuation was estimated at approximately 20 billion yuan (about $2.8 billion) in July 2025, reflecting investor confidence in its technological advancements. However, the company faces challenges, including risks from launch delays and test failures, such as the August 2025 failure of a variant flight test, which could impact future funding and operational timelines.

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