China's private space startup LandSpace Technology successfully launched a methane-powered rocket carrying six satellites into orbit on Saturday, underscoring its commitment to using cleaner, cost-effective fuel in its pursuit of reusable rocket technology.
The Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket lifted off at 12:12 p.m. local time (0412 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. This marked the fifth mission in the Zhuque-2 series, according to a statement from the Beijing-based company, reports Reuters.
LandSpace made history in July 2023 by becoming the first company in the world to successfully launch a rocket powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen—beating out U.S. space giants like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Methane has gained traction in recent years as a promising rocket fuel due to its lower cost, reduced environmental impact, and suitability for reusable launch vehicles.
The company has steadily increased the Zhuque-2’s payload capacity to meet growing demand in China’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector.
The first successful methane-powered launch in 2023 was a test flight without real payloads, but a follow-up in December delivered three satellites into orbit. Saturday’s launch carried twice that number.
Saturday’s mission also featured a technological upgrade: both the liquid oxygen and methane propellants were supercooled below their boiling points, a technique that increases thrust and overall performance. It was the first time LandSpace implemented this cryogenic propellant system.
LandSpace is now focusing on reusable rocket technology, a path pioneered by SpaceX to significantly cut launch costs.
CEO and founder Zhang Changwu said the company aims to conduct its first test launch of a reusable rocket in the second half of 2025. The latest enhancements to the Zhuque-2 series are intended to support this goal.
Since China opened its space sector to private investment in 2014, a wave of commercial space firms has emerged. LandSpace, founded in 2015, is among the earliest and most well-funded. Backers include HongShan (formerly Sequoia Capital China), Country Garden’s investment arm, and the state-backed China SME Development Fund.
In December, LandSpace secured 900 million yuan ($120 million) from a state-owned fund focused on advanced manufacturing. Previously, in 2020, it raised 1.2 billion yuan ($170 million), according to Chinese corporate records.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
