In world first, China’s LandSpace methane rocket sends satellites into orbit
- The private firm’s Zhuque 2 Y-3 lifts off from northern China with three satellites on board, ‘pioneering a new stage’ for the technology
- Company expects to be able to more than double its payload capacity with some improvements
The Zhuque 2 Y-3, developed by Beijing-based private aerospace company LandSpace, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 7.39am, according to state news agency Xinhua.
The rocket sent three satellites – Honghu, Honghu 2, and TY-33 – into planned orbit, the report said.
LandSpace said the launch “pioneered a new stage for the commercialisation of launching liquid-powered rockets in China” and proved the technology’s reliability and stability.
“We will continuously create highly reliable, cost-effective, and high-capacity commercial launch rocket products,” the company said.
“The key to achieving true industrialisation and commercialisation of liquid rockets is to realise low-cost, large-scale manufacturing and delivery of rockets and ensure continuous and stable launch success.”