The global race for reusable spaceflight has a formidable new contender. China has just taken a massive leap forward with the successful static engine firing of the ZhuQue-3 (Zhuque-3), a heavy-lift rocket developed by the private aerospace firm LandSpace. This milestone, conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, signals that China is rapidly closing the gap in the commercial launch sector.
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| The Chinese company LandSpace conducts a static fire test with its reusable Zhuque-3 rocket on Oct. 20, 2025. (Image credit: Landspace) |
From Development to Flight Readiness
The static fire test is a high-stakes ground rehearsal where the rocket's engines are ignited at full power while the vehicle remains anchored to the launch pad. For the ZhuQue-3, this test confirms the transition from the experimental phase to final flight preparation.
According to LandSpace, the vehicle will now undergo vertical integration rehearsals and final inspections before its highly anticipated inaugural orbital launch and first-stage recovery attempt.
Technical Breakdown: Methane, Steel, and Reusability
Standing at 66 meters (217 feet) tall, the ZhuQue-3 is a two-stage rocket engineered for the modern era of space exploration. Its design choices reflect a clear focus on cost-efficiency and sustainability:
- Stainless Steel Construction: Like SpaceX’s Starship, the ZhuQue-3 utilizes a stainless steel airframe, which is durable and better suited for the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry.
- Methalox Propulsion: The rocket is powered by nine Tianque-12A engines developed in-house. These engines burn a combination of liquid methane and liquid oxygen (LOX). Methalox is widely considered the "holy grail" of reusable fuels because it burns cleaner, reducing the maintenance required between flights.
- Payload Capacity: The ZhuQue-3 can deliver approximately 18,300 kilograms (40,350 pounds) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This puts it in the same ballpark as the legendary SpaceX Falcon 9.
The "Chinese Falcon 9"?
The industry has been quick to note the similarities between the ZhuQue-3 and SpaceX’s workhorse, the Falcon 9. Both feature a reusable first stage and a cluster of nine engines. However, LandSpace is pushing the envelope by using methane—a fuel SpaceX only recently adopted for its next-gen Starship Raptor engines—while the Falcon 9 still relies on rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1).
LandSpace is no stranger to "world firsts." In July 2023, their ZhuQue-2 became the first methane-powered rocket in history to reach Earth orbit, beating global giants to the punch.
Why This Matters for Commercial Space
Lowering the "cost-per-kilogram" is the primary goal of the private space industry. By mastering vertical landing and engine reusability, LandSpace aims to dramatically increase launch frequency while slashing overhead.
If the upcoming orbital flight and recovery are successful, it will not only reshape China’s domestic launch capabilities but also offer a competitive alternative in the international commercial satellite market.
NexFuture’s Take: The Reusable Revolution is Global
At NexFuture, we’ve been tracking the evolution of "Stellar Engines" and reusable tech for years. The ZhuQue-3 isn't just a rocket; it is proof that the monopoly on reusable spaceflight is over. As private Chinese companies like LandSpace accelerate their development cycles, the "Next Tech Future" of space exploration will be defined by rapid iteration and global competition.
Stay tuned to NexFuture.net as we follow the ZhuQue-3 toward its first orbital attempt.
The Anh.
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