Full Breakdown
China's Zhuque-3 Rocket Set for Historic Orbital Launch and Landing Attempt
11/28/2025, 1:58:50 PM
Overview of the Launch Attempt
Chinese commercial launch firm Landspace is preparing for a significant milestone in its space endeavors with the upcoming launch of its Zhuque-3 rocket. Scheduled for a launch window between 11:00 p.m. Eastern on November 28 and 1:00 a.m. on November 29 (0400-0600 UTC, or 12:00-2:00 p.m. Beijing time), this event will mark China's first attempt to recover a first stage following an orbital launch. The launch will take place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, with a downrange landing site located approximately 390 kilometers southeast in Minqin County, Gansu province.
Technical Specifications and Objectives
The Zhuque-3 is a two-stage rocket, measuring 66 meters tall and weighing around 570 metric tons at liftoff. It is powered by nine Tianque-12A methane-liquid oxygen engines and has a payload capacity of 21,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) when expendable, or up to 18,300 kilograms when the first stage is recovered. This capability positions it competitively alongside SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The mission aims to deliver a prototype of the reusable Haolong cargo spacecraft, which is part of a broader initiative for low-cost cargo delivery to China's Tiangong space station.
Background and Context
Landspace's journey in the space sector began after China opened its space industry to private investment in 2014. The company attempted its first orbital launch with the solid propellant Zhuque-1 in October 2018, which was unsuccessful. However, it later achieved success with the Zhuque-2, the first methane-fueled rocket to reach orbit in July 2023. The Zhuque-3 launch has faced delays due to other missions, including the crewed Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-22 missions, which were impacted by technical issues and debris incidents.
Competition and Industry Implications
The Zhuque-3 is one of three rockets vying for the title of China's first reusable rocket, alongside the state-owned Long March 12A and Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3. All three rockets are intended to support China's ambitious satellite megaconstellation projects and enhance the country's capabilities in low-cost, rapid-turnaround missions. The competition is heightened by the potential for state-owned contractors to influence which rocket achieves the historic first landing.
Criticism and Opposition
Some industry insiders have expressed concerns regarding the internal dynamics that may affect the launch order of these rockets. A Beijing-based rocket engineer noted that there are "internal considerations" influencing which rocket should achieve the first landing, suggesting that state-owned entities may leverage their influence to secure this milestone.
Official Statements & Responses
Landspace has confirmed that it conducted a successful 10-kilometer-altitude launch and landing test with a first stage in September 2022. The company has also shared updates on social media, showcasing the Zhuque-3 on the launch pad and its readiness for the upcoming attempt.
What's Next
As the launch window approaches, all eyes will be on Landspace and the Zhuque-3 rocket. The outcome of this mission could significantly impact China's commercial space sector and its ambitions in reusable rocket technology.
