What surprises and expectations will China's manned space program have in 2025? Take a sneak peek at the highlightsThis year, Zhuque-3 plans to carry out three launch missions and complete the first-level recovery test, including the launch of the "GW" constellation and providing capacity support for the commercial cargo spacecraft of the space station. At present, all pre-launch preparations are progressing smoothly.He Bin said: "In the next two years, Zhuque-2 and Zhuque-3 will gradually switch from the research and development mode to the operation mode, and will successively enter the steady operation stage. In 2025, Zhuque-2 is expected to deliver 6 launches, which can provide a carrying capacity of 24 tons in the 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit; Zhuque-3 will carry out its first flight launch in the third quarter of this year, and plans to carry out 3 flight missions this year, which can provide a capacity of about 60 tons. At present, Zhuque-3 has begun to enter the relevant process of power system test run."
This is the same as https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=62426.0.
It is said this will be launched on August 15, though I am n doubt...
Quote from: mikezang on 08/09/2025 10:05 amIt is said this will be launched on August 15, though I am n doubt...I suggest to post no dubious rumours in this forum. They are useless.
The second ZQ-3's first stage is almost completed.
ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Reusable Launch Vehicle Enters Final Preparations for Maiden FlightFrom October 18 to 20, 2025, ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Y1 reusable launch vehicle successfully completed the first phase of its maiden flight campaign — full-scale propellant loading rehearsal and static fire test at the No. 2 launch pad for LOX–methane rockets in the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone.The vehicle will next proceed with planned vertical integration rehearsal, before returning to the technical zone for inspection and maintenance in preparation for its upcoming orbital launch and first-stage recovery.ZQ-3’s maiden flight campaign consists of two phases:Phase I:- Propellant loading rehearsal- Static fire test- Post-test maintenancePhase II:- Main objective: Orbital launch- Attempt first-stage recoveryThis test campaign covered the full operational sequence. Including horizontal transportation and erection, fully subcooled propellant loading, integrated ground test launch and control procedures, ignition and hold-down verification of nine TianQue-12A (TQ-12A) engines, and propellant detanking. The test campaign comprehensively validating the rationality of the launch process and the compatibility between the vahicle and the ground systems.Officially initiated in August 2023, ZhuQue-3 is a large, reusable liquid-fueled launch vehicle independently developed by LandSpace for large-scale constellation deployment missions.The vehicle features a 4.5-meter body diameter, a 5.2-meter fairing, an overall length of 66.1 meters, and a liftoff mass over 570 tons, delivering over 750 tons of liftoff thrust.Constructed primarily from stainless steel, the first stage is equipped with nine TianQue-12A LOX–methane engines and includes an RCS system, grid fins, and landing legs required for stage recovery — enabling precise autonomous return, soft landing, and reuse.LandSpace upholds flight safety and system reliability as top priorities, maintaining a pragmatic and steady pace toward innovation. Following the successful full-system static fire test of first-stage propulsion system in June this year, this phase marks the final major ground verification prior to maiden launch.We will now analyze test data, refine procedures and contingency plans, and move forward with the second-phase operations in a safe and orderly manner — striving for a fully successful launch and recovery, and taking a solid step toward the engineering and large-scale application of reusable launch vehicles.ZQ-3 Maiden Flight Mission Dual Emblems — “Land to Infinity”The twin emblems of the ZQ-3 maiden flight mission draw inspiration from its dual test objectives — launch and recovery. The first emblem, “Departure,” symbolizes liftoff and embodies the aspiration to reach the skies. The second, “Return,” represents the planned first-stage landing in the recovery site, signifying the 1st stage’s return to Earth.Together, the two emblems form a complete narrative of ZQ-3 Y1’s journey — from reaching for the stars to coming home to the land. They reflect LandSpace’s enduring spirit of courage and perseverance in pushing the boundaries of reusable spaceflight.
On November 9th, Jiemian News exclusively learned from the industry chain that China's reusable rocket "Zhuque-3" will make its maiden flight in mid-to-late November.Currently, the Zhuque-3 has entered the critical preparation stage for its maiden flight. Recently, the maiden flight successfully completed fueling and static fire tests, laying the groundwork for a formal orbital launch and first-stage recovery.
LandSpace's Zhuque-3 rocket launch date is set for November 29th.The launch date for LandSpace's Zhuque-3 rocket has been confirmed, and several travel agencies have begun accepting reservations for on-site viewing of the launch of China's first reusable rocket, with costs estimated at over 3,000 yuan.
Blue Arrow Aerospace Suzaku 3 will make its first flight on November 29Kechuang Board DailyThe reporter learned that the first flight plan of Beijing Blue Arrow Aerospace Zhuque-3 launch vehicle has entered the final preparation stage, and it is planned to make its first flight this Saturday, November 29.Previously, Musk continuously posted comments on Zhuque 3 on the social platform X, not only affirming its technical potential, but also emphasizing the gap with his own rocket.
The NOTAM for Zhuque-3 or Zhuque-2E from Jiuquan?
Here we go. Zhuque-3 set for launch and booster recovery attempt between 0352-0609 UTC Saturday (Nov. 29) (~11 pm Eastern Friday, Nov. 28).
It is said this will be delayed because strong wind though NOTAM still active at the moment.
Space Intelligence@SpaceIntel101Orbital Launch no. 276 of 2025 🇨🇳🚀Demo flight | Landspace | December 01 | 0352 UTC
It seems like this is due to improper paint application on the landing pad.
According to Landspace’s exclusive all-media reporting partner @空天逐梦, they have already withdrawn from the landing site, and the first flight of ZQ-3 has been postponed indefinitely.The video also suggests the order of the maiden flights of 12A and ZQ-3 remains undecided.
https://twitter.com/PhazzeeYeehaw/status/1994647879248408791QuoteIt seems like this is due to improper paint application on the landing pad.QuoteAccording to Landspace’s exclusive all-media reporting partner @空天逐梦, they have already withdrawn from the landing site, and the first flight of ZQ-3 has been postponed indefinitely.The video also suggests the order of the maiden flights of 12A and ZQ-3 remains undecided.https://twitter.com/PhazzeeYeehaw/status/1994649793055105054
The only repainting they will have to do will be to change the name of the pad to "China's second rocket recovery site", when SAST lands before them
Quote from: TheKutKu on 11/30/2025 02:09 amThe only repainting they will have to do will be to change the name of the pad to "China's second rocket recovery site", when SAST lands before them After a bit of re-chiseling first I'm afraid. By the way, do we know where they plan to land the CZ-12A stage?
So, this is going to next year?
In the next few days, ZQ-3, our reusable launch vehicle, will perform its first orbital launch and recovery test flight. This is a major milestone as we work to bring space closer and make the world a better place.And here’s more good news—three other new launch vehicles from China are also set to make their first launches this December.December is going to be massive for the aerospace industry!I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproUnder 12 hours until the launch window opens for @LandSpace_Tech's Zhuque-3.Launch is currently scheduled for 04:00 UTC (12:00 China Standard Time). Booster landing is planned for T+08:30.
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproThe sun has risen at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, and @LandSpace_Tech could be just 2.5 hours away from launching - and landing - the Zhuque-3 for the first time.Latest reports indicate T-0 at 04:00 UTC (12:00L)📷 @LandSpace_Tech
This is probably the most I've ever been interested in a Chinese space launch. I assume there isn't any chance of a live stream?
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuAfter the launch stream. T+30min of the launch. via https://view.inews.qq.com/k/RLV2025120306143600
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproZQ-3: Visual confirmation that Prop Load is underway on Zhuque-3!Stage 1 Oxygen load starts many hours before launch. Stage 2 Oxygen & Both Stages Methane starts much closer to launch, as these are subcooled for better performance.
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproZhuque-3's flight profile sees an ascent burn, a re-entry burn, and a landing burn. This apparent landing burn failure indicates that it successfully completed those first 2 burns without issue... but that's just rumour.
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproZQ-3: Visual confirmation that they were REALLY close. Huge congratulations to @LandSpace_Tech - if it survived re-ignition, it would've landed bang on.
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuThe ZQ-3 orbital launch is a success
Max Evans@_MaxQ_Update: all was not wellIn all fairness, the booster looked to be in decent shape following the reentry phase of flight and in control just before the time of RUD, unsure of the accuracy compared to the LZ. Reigniting your engines for landing is one of the most difficult problems to solve on an orbital-class booster, in particular with tank pressurization and prop slosh being of major concerns (as we saw during New Glenn’s first flight). Lots to learn from!
Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle launched into orbitChina's Aerospace December 3, 2025 06:45On December 3, the Zhuque-3 Y1 launch vehicle was launched in the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone. The mission was completed according to the procedures, and the rocket entered the scheduled orbit in the second stage.Zhuque-3 is a new generation of low-cost, large-capacity, high-frequency, reusable liquid oxygen methane launch vehicle independently developed by Blue Arrow Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd.The Zhuque-3 Yao 1 launch vehicle adopts a single-core stage and two-stage series configuration, with a diameter of 4.5 meters for the first and second stage arrow body, a diameter of 5.2 meters for the fairing, and a total arrow length of 66.1 meters.The power system is based on the Tianxi series liquid oxygen methane engine independently developed by Blue Arrow Aerospace.The first stage of the rocket is equipped with a reaction control system, a grid rudder and landing legs, which can be vertically returned for recycling and reuse after the orbital launch is completed.At the same time as this mission, the first-stage rocket recovery verification was carried out, but abnormal combustion occurred during the process, and the soft landing on the recovery site was not achieved. The recovery test failed. The specific reasons are being further analyzed and investigated.Although this mission did not achieve the scheduled first-stage recovery goal of the rocket, it tested the correctness and rationality of the whole process plan of the Suzaku-3 launch vehicle test, launch and flight, the matching of the various system interfaces, and obtained key engineering data in the real flight state of the rocket, which laid an important foundation for subsequent launch services and reliable recovery and reuse of sub-stages.It is reported that the R&D team will carry out a comprehensive review of the test process and technical zeroing as soon as possible, make every effort to identify the cause of the failure, continuously optimize the recovery plan, and continue to promote reusable verification in subsequent tasks.
Slow-mo of the landing burn, The center engine was ignited & vectoring. They are fairly close.
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuZQ-3 pics when lift-off
Confirmed lift off at 120220
The apparent liftoff time (sadly neither Xinhua nor LandSpace's articles have listed it) - 04:02:20 UTC:https://twitter.com/raz_liu/status/1996067683700486555QuoteConfirmed lift off at 120220
Here is the ZQ-3 Y1 Flight Profile for Orbital Mission and First Stage Recovery System Verification TestZQ-3 Y1 Orbital Mission Flight ProfileT-0s, Lift-offT+129s, S1 Main Engine Cutoff (MECO)T+134s, S1/S2 Stage SeparationT+138s, S2 First Engine Start (SES-1)T+324s, Fairing JettisonT+499s, S2 First Engine Cutoff (SECO-1), Orbit InsertionT+1899s S2 Second Engine Start (SES-2)T+1916s, S2 Second Engine Engine Cutoff (SECO-2)T+1980s, Terminal Velocity Correction EndT+2010s, Passivation StartT+3025s, Passivation EndFor ZQ-3 Y1 First Stage Recovery System Verification TestT+134s, S1/S2 Stage SeparationT+371s, Re-entry Burn StartT+417s, Re-entry Burn CutOffT+480s, Landing Burn StartT+491s, Landing Burn End, Outer Landing Engines CutoffT+510s, Tounchdown, Center Landing Engine Cutoff
Impressive And just the third CH4-powered vehicle worldwide to reach a useable orbit, the second for the same company!
Do we know if the second stage was equipped with any evaluation (non-separable) payload?
ZhuQue-3 Y1 Reusable Launch Vehicle Successfully Completes Orbital MissionOn December 3, 2025, 12:00 p.m. (UTC+8), ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Y1 launch vehicle lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone, successfully completing its flight mission with successfully orbit insertion.The ZQ-3 is a new-generation, low-cost, high-capacity, high-frequency, reusable LOX/methane launch vehicle independently developed by LandSpace for large-scale satellite constellation missions. The ZQ-3 Y1 features a single-core two-stage tandem configuration, with a diameter of 4.5 meters for both stages, a 5.2-meter diameter fairing, and a total length of 66.1 meters. It has a takeoff mass of 560 tons and a takeoff thrust of 7,542 kN. The propulsion system is based on LandSpace's proprietary TianQue (TQ) series LOX/methane engines, with nine TQ-12A engines in the first stage and one TQ-15A vacuum engine for the second stage. After stage separation, the ZQ-3's first stage is designed to perform vertical recovery landings, with a planned reuse capability of at least 20 times. In its operational phase, the vehicle will offer a Low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity of no less than 18 tons with down-range recovery, enabling efficient multi-satellite deployment for internet constellations and China’s future space programs.During the flight, all critical events—including lift-off, stage separation, S2 first Engine Start (SES-1), fairing jettison, S2 First Engine Cutoff (SECO-1), S2 coasting, and the S2 Second Engine Start (SES-2)—were executed as planned, demonstrating stable and reliable performance.In parallel, this mission carried out a flight verification test of the first stage recovery system. According to telemetry data, an anomaly occurred after the first stage initiated its landing burn, preventing a soft landing on the designated recovery pad. The stage debris came down near the edge of the recovery pad, and the recovery test was unsuccessful. The specific cause is under further investigation.The ZhuQue-3 launch vehicle completed its maiden flight with all primary mission events performed nominally. The first stage flight was normal, stage separation performed as planned, and the fairing jettison and first stage landed precisely within the designated area. The second stage performed normally and achieved the target orbit, marking a complete success of the orbital launch mission.During the first stage recovery system verification test, engines thrust throttling operated normally, attitude control remained stable, and the down range recovery trajectory was nominal. An anomaly occurred as the first stage approached the designated recovery zone. No personnel safety issues occurred. China’s first rocket recovery attempt achieved its expected technical objectives.We extend our sincere gratitude to people around the world for your attention and support. LandSpace is committed to becoming a trusted partner in the global commercial space sector and to contributing to the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of all humankind!Land Your Dream In Space, For Everyone.- From LandSpace Launch Complex, Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone
"Landspace released a promotional video, but missed half a second of the first-stage flight sequence at 00:53.Based on the commonly used speed-altitude curves in China, the left side uses 50 km/h and 500 m/s as units for altitude and speed, respectively.Then the first-stage shutdown speed is approximately 1700 m/s. This speed is much lower than the F9's 2200-2700 m/s and the NG's first two flights at approximately 2000 m/s. However, the ballistic peak of the first-stage powered phase at 134 seconds is close to 120 km, significantly higher than the F9's 155-second first-stage powered phase. This indicates that the ZQ3 uses a lofted ballistic trajectory to reduce the first-stage range to meet the 390 km downrange requirement, but this results in a steeper reentry phase, requiring a longer reentry ignition.Before reentry ignition, the velocity was approximately 1550-1600 m/s. After braking, the velocity was around 750-800 m/s, indicating the rocket decelerated by about 800 m/s. It then accelerated to 850 m/s before air resistance exceeded gravity, causing the rocket to begin its terminal descent. This is a normal phenomenon. Taking the NG-2 as an example, the NG-2 started at 2043 m/s during reentry ignition braking, ended at 1436 m/s, and then further accelerated to 1454 m/s during descent before air resistance exceeded gravity, leading to deceleration. This is also normal and consistent with our earlier point that the steep trajectory and excessive weight of the first stage necessitate a longer reentry ignition time and greater fuel consumption, most likely due to all five swaying engines working together to decelerate as quickly as possible.The telemetry data for the landing phase is minimal. If the slight change in slope at the end of this line does indeed originate from landing ignition, it suggests that due to its greater weight, landing ignition likely began in the supersonic/transonic range, unlike the F9 which ignites at approximately Mach 0.7-0.9. The presence of transonic speeds at this altitude indicates the rocket needed rapid deceleration in the subsequent phase. It's possible that landing ignition involved igniting one engine first, then activating the remaining four to decelerate as quickly as possible, before shutting down the outer four and relying on the center engine for landing.
Quote from: eeergo on 12/03/2025 11:22 amImpressive And just the third CH4-powered vehicle worldwide to reach a useable orbit, the second for the same company!It's the 4th or 5th, depending on your definition of "useable orbit".
Quote from: envy887 on 12/03/2025 01:38 pmQuote from: eeergo on 12/03/2025 11:22 amImpressive And just the third CH4-powered vehicle worldwide to reach a useable orbit, the second for the same company!It's the 4th or 5th, depending on your definition of "useable orbit". How come?Zhuque-2New GlennI don't count Starship because endoatmospheric or negative perigees are not "useable" orbits. Still, I fail to understand how you could reach a 5th even counting it.
Quote from: eeergo on 12/03/2025 07:44 pmQuote from: envy887 on 12/03/2025 01:38 pmQuote from: eeergo on 12/03/2025 11:22 amImpressive And just the third CH4-powered vehicle worldwide to reach a useable orbit, the second for the same company!It's the 4th or 5th, depending on your definition of "useable orbit". How come?Zhuque-2New GlennI don't count Starship because endoatmospheric or negative perigees are not "useable" orbits. Still, I fail to understand how you could reach a 5th even counting it.Vulcan
It appears that the rocket is always targeting the landing zone, unlike F9 or Glen that targets a location away from the landing area and adjusts once everything is determined to be operating correctly.
🏳️🌈Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13·1hAfter achieving orbit, the ZhuQue-3 second stage performed an in-space relight test and passivation to demonstrate it’s capable of changing its orbit. This orbit with low perigee should also make it come back in very short order rather than stay up there for months or years.
Andrew Jones@AJ_FIAs for the Zhuque-3 second stage, that has now been catalogued by US Space Force in a 142 by 1,402-kilometre orbit inclined by 57 degrees. That wouldn't be a useful orbit, but that perigee means it's going to reenter the atmosphere in the near future and not be a menace in LEO. x.com/AJ_FI/status/1…
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuClose-up footage when ZQ-3' lift-off. Clipped from https://bilibili.com/video/BV1c124B8EhZ/?share_source=copy_web&vd_source=c649671173d149a9f4cedbe9debb25bc. Via SpaceLens
Ryan Caton@dpoddolphinproZQ-3: Of everything that can be destroyed during a rocket launch, a Landing Pad is the easiest to repair - it's literally a slab of concrete.That being said, it looks remarkably clear. The booster appears to have lithobraked into the adjacent road.
Confirmed that the square landing pad is the one for ZQ3. (Most noticeable is the cluster in the top left) Looks like the debris impacted the road.
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuPreliminary analysis by the amatures who has the landing footage say, The center engine was lighted and ok. Plume was not right when outer engines was lighted after 2.5s. The soft heat shield may got punctured when reentry. Possible heat damage of the engine bay structure.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/12/a-little-known-chinese-company-nearly-landed-a-rocket-from-space-on-its-first-try/Try next time to post an article in this format:A spectacular explosion shows China is close to obtaining reusable rockets“China’s first rocket recovery attempt achieved its expected technical objectives.”Stephen Clark – Dec 3, 2025 9:40 AM
Analyzing the landing images one by one, there were no issues with attitude control, the engines, or the pipelines. Finally, during the ignition phase, the velocity was normal. The center engine ignited successfully, and within 2.5 seconds, engines AE and AF (lateral) ignited sequentially. However, the direction of the engine flames during ignition was incorrect, leading to speculation that there might be deformation in the engine mounting frame (engine bay). The engine heat shield skirt on the Zhuque-3 is flexible; it's possible that it ruptured during the re-entry phase, allowing flames to enter the frame and cause thermal deformation. A similar incident was documented on March 3, 2025, during the return of a Falcon 9 Block 5.LandSpace did an excellent job this time—the areas most prone to problems had none. Situations like the heat shield skirt cannot be easily simulated; it truly takes repeated testing to ultimately understand the actual temperatures, vibrations, and outlet pressures experienced during re-entry.
Aerospace Tianma's robust support ensures the successful launch of the Zhuque-3 Y1 carrier rocket into orbit.
In this mission, the first and second stage interstage section (diameter Φ4500mm, height 5570mm), manufactured by Jiutian Xingge (R.Space), operated stably and reliably, contributing a solid and stable force to the success of the launch mission.
Landspace has shared onboard footage of the reentry and landing attempt:
Interesting the contrast in the reentry burn between the Falcon (kerolox) and the Zhuque (methalox). You get the same "Eye of Sauron" effect, but it is almost transparent. You can see the shock front way out in front of the rocket.
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liu·According to an interview of the ZQ-3's chief engineer. The have retrieved the data from the black-box & together with the telemetry data. They have enough data to figure out what went wrong. Waiting for the official report. via https://weibo.com/7340734455/Qibx2lxnT
The CE say they will keep trying to land the first stage of the Y2 & Y3' flights.
https://twitter.com/raz_liu/status/1999680471631036841QuoteAce of Razgriz@raz_liu·According to an interview of the ZQ-3's chief engineer. The have retrieved the data from the black-box & together with the telemetry data. They have enough data to figure out what went wrong. Waiting for the official report. via https://weibo.com/7340734455/Qibx2lxnTQuoteThe CE say they will keep trying to land the first stage of the Y2 & Y3' flights.
[Chief Designer of Zhuque-3 Explains Details of First-Stage Recovery Verification on Zhuque-3's Maiden Flight] On December 3, the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle, developed by LandSpace, successfully completed its maiden flight. The second-stage rocket successfully entered orbit, but the first-stage rocket recovery failed. This marks the first time in China that a first-stage recovery of an orbital-class launch vehicle has been attempted. Recently, a CCTV reporter conducted an exclusive interview with Zhang Xiaodong, the chief designer of the Zhuque-3, revealing for the first time key technical details of the Zhuque-3 recovery verification.At noon on December 3, the Zhuque-3 ignited and lifted off. After approximately 133 seconds of flight, the first-stage rocket separated and conducted vertical recovery technology flight verification as planned.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Rocket: "When we approached the highest point, the grid fins opened, then we re-entered the atmosphere. Then, the three re-entry engines ignited. This was the deceleration from 80 kilometers to 40 kilometers before entering the atmospheric phase. At the time, I thought it was quite perfect."Zhang Xiaodong explained that the rocket's first stage underwent the most challenging phase for reusable rockets: the supersonic reentry aerodynamic glide. Simultaneously, the rocket achieved high-precision guidance and control towards the landing site during both the reentry ignition and aerodynamic glide phases. Unfortunately, a few kilometers above the ground, during the engine's final ignition, an abnormal combustion occurred, preventing a soft landing.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Rocket: "For the second ignition, we adopted a relatively conservative design, believing there wouldn't be a major problem. However, the issue still arose in the final stage."Although a soft landing wasn't achieved, Zhang Xiaodong told reporters that the Zhuque-3's recovery validated a significant amount of rocket reusability technology. The data accumulated during the flight laid a solid foundation for subsequent model iterations and improvements, exploring a feasible path for my country to achieve first-stage rocket recovery.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Rocket: "The data is extremely important. We learned where we had excessive margins and where the design was inadequate." This is one of the advantages of reusable rockets. After this flight, we can continue to perform reusable flights in the next two or three missions. Upon return, besides further enriching the database, we can also see in-situ where parts were burned or where the design was too demanding, allowing us to reduce weight and optimize to improve rocket performance.▲A close-up look at the Zhuque-3 launch vehicleAlthough the Zhuque-3 failed to successfully recover its first stage, its maiden flight was successfully completed. The Zhuque-3 achieved many domestic "firsts," such as the first integrated application of a nine-engine parallel liquid oxygen-methane propulsion system, the first stainless steel rocket body, and the first high-precision return flight verification of an orbital-stage reusable launch vehicle. So what does the Zhuque-3 rocket look like? Before its maiden flight, reporters conducted an exclusive close-up look.CCTV reporter Cui Xia: The Zhuque-3 is 66 meters high and 4.5 meters in diameter. The entire rocket body is made of stainless steel. It is also currently China's first reusable launch vehicle.Zhang Xiaodong, chief designer of the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle, explained: "Stainless steel was chosen because it's suitable for large-scale production and has good reusability. The launch tower is currently 90 meters high, and the rocket will be further lengthened in the future to increase its carrying capacity. The engine's thrust will be expanded from 80 tons to 100 tons, ultimately achieving a takeoff thrust of 900 tons."During descent, the rocket needs to deploy its landing legs to land on the launch pad. Above the landing legs are leading-edge extensions (LES), used to provide lift during reentry. The four fins on top are grid fins used to adjust the rocket's attitude during atmospheric reentry glide.Regarding the Zhuque-3's carrying capacity, Zhang Xiaodong explained that the rocket's current state is an intermediate version. Its single-use carrying capacity is approximately 13-14 tons, while reusable versions can reach 10 tons, depending on the specific orbit.▲Zhuque-3: A Stainless Steel Rocket Burning "Natural Gas"The most striking feature of the Zhuque-3 is its stainless steel body and liquid oxygen/methane fuel. This power and structural combination is a first in China and lays the foundation for the rocket's reusability. Why choose this combination?Entering LandSpace's assembly and testing facility, the massive body of the Zhuque-3 comes into view. Its most striking feature is its unpainted stainless steel body, a stark contrast to the white-painted rockets we are familiar with.Choosing stainless steel is the first distinctive feature of the Zhuque-3.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Launch Vehicle: We chose stainless steel because it is more robust and durable, maintaining excellent performance even after repeated cycles of force and heat shock.Stainless steel has a natural advantage in this regard: high strength, good heat resistance, excellent structural lifespan, and lower raw material costs ensure the rocket's reusability and economic viability.The second key choice for the Zhuque-3 is its fuel. The Zhuque-3 chose liquid oxygen/methane.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Launch Vehicle: Methane is the liquefied natural gas we use for cooking at home. Once the gas valve is turned off, there's practically no residue because its combustion products are only carbon dioxide and water.Methane has a simpler composition, resulting in more complete and cleaner combustion. More importantly, methane's cooling properties and ignition characteristics are more suitable for reuse; it's easy to ignite, providing an inherent advantage for multiple reliable ignitions during reentry.Zhang Xiaodong, Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 Reusable Launch Vehicle: From its ease of use and its five key characteristics, methane is the preferred propellant for next-generation reusable launch vehicles.▲Why Develop Reusable Rockets?Not only domestically, but also internationally, reusable rockets are considered the mainstream for future development. At the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the China National Space Administration organized the development of a liquid oxygen-methane reusable launch vehicle. So what are reusable rockets, and why develop them?As the name suggests, reusable rockets, as opposed to scalable rockets, are rockets that, after completing their planned launch mission, can return to Earth, either wholly or partially, and land safely. After maintenance and refueling, they can be launched again.Compared to scalable rockets, reusable rockets incorporate four key technologies: accurate landing, stable landing, durability, and rapid repair. In recent years, my country has begun constructing its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation. The constellation of tens of thousands of satellites has placed demands on rocket launch frequency and cost.Yang Yuguang, Chairman of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation, stated: "The massive LEO internet access service constellation requires us to have the capability to send hundreds or even thousands of tons of satellites into orbit annually. Therefore, this creates a very urgent need to reduce launch costs, which is the most important driving force behind China's development of reusable rockets."Reusable rockets are one of the important development directions for future space exploration. Achieving goals such as low cost and high efficiency requires overcoming many technical challenges. To accelerate the development of high-performance, low-cost, and high-frequency reusable launch vehicles, at the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) organized the development of a liquid oxygen-methane reusable launch vehicle. For the first time, commercial space companies such as LandSpace were included as the main contractors, innovating the R&D support model and meticulously organizing the project to promote the development of reusable launch vehicle technology in my country. After several years of development, the rocket has entered the "second-stage orbit insertion, first-stage recovery" testing phase.Yang Yuguang, Chairman of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation, stated: "Successful recovery is only the first step. We must then achieve successful reuse and ensure cost reduction throughout the entire chain. Only when our launch costs are reduced will it bring a revolutionary impact to our space industry." (CCTV)
Quote[Chief Designer of Zhuque-3 Explains Details of First-Stage Recovery Verification on Zhuque-3's Maiden Flight] On a few kilometers above the ground, during the engine's final ignition, an abnormal combustion occurred, preventing a soft landing.
[Chief Designer of Zhuque-3 Explains Details of First-Stage Recovery Verification on Zhuque-3's Maiden Flight] On a few kilometers above the ground, during the engine's final ignition, an abnormal combustion occurred, preventing a soft landing.
Visiting Zhuque-3 Y1 impact site.The next launch and recovery attempt is planned for the first half of 2026.
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuClose-up footage of the ZQ-3 Y1's first stage final moment. via 影视飓风
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuThe engine bay seems intact. Explosion above the engine bay?
WLR2678🌌@WLR_2678Close-up showing the ZQ-3 Y1 Stage 1's engine section and the tanks coming apart in the final moment🫡
Ace of Razgriz@raz_liuWalk through of the ZQ-3 landing site & debris field. They were prepare to reuse the stage in 6 months if a good recovery. Via 空天逐梦
EU SST closely monitors upcoming re-entry of space object ZQ-3 R/BThe EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) Operations Centres are actively monitoring the re-entry into Earth's atmosphere of the space object ZQ-3 R/B, the second stage of a launch vehicle that could have a dummy payload attached. The EU SST network of contributing sensors is closely following the object to refine the re-entry window, which is currently estimated to be on 30 January at 10:32 UTC, with an uncertainty of ±3 hours.Due to its inclination of approximately 56.94 degrees, the object can re-enter within a latitude band of ±57 degrees, covering a vast area of the Earth's surface, although most of it is ocean or uninhabited. The Italian Operations Centre, responsible for the EU SST Re-entry Analysis service, is working to narrow down the possible re-entry location and time. As the re-entry approaches, the predictions will become more accurate, but uncertainties remain due to the object's uncontrolled nature.The EU SST contributing sensors are playing a crucial role in observing the object and providing data for analysis. This data is being used to produce the best possible estimation for the expected re-entry location and time. A ground track for the re-entry window is being continuously updated, and the current window will be refined as more data becomes available.he ZQ-3 R/B is quite a sizable object deserving careful monitoring, with an estimated total mass of 11 tonnes and an estimated length of 12-13 m. Its maiden launch on 3 December 2025 seemingly included a dummy payload, which could have remained attached to the second stage of the launcher. The object has been decaying since then, apparently uncontrolled.As the re-entry approaches, the EU SST Operations Centres will continue to update their predictions and provide the latest information. This article will be updated accordingly, reflecting the latest developments in the monitoring of the ZQ-3 R/B's re-entry.
