Landspace is preparing for a second attempt at catching an orbital booster, according to airspace closure notices indicating a launch scheduled from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone at Jiuquan spaceport in northwest China. The startup launched its first Zhuque-3 rocket in December 2025 in a milestone for Chinese rocket reusability efforts, though the first stage exploded during its final powered descent after the second stage successfully reached orbit.
Zhuque-3 Rocket Capabilities and Static Fire Testing
The Zhuque-3 is a 216-foot stainless steel rocket powered by methane-liquid oxygen engines, capable of sending 18,300 kilograms of payload to low Earth orbit, according to company specifications. Ahead of the upcoming flight, Landspace’s Zhuque-3 Y2 reusable launch vehicle completed a static fire test on June 29 at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone, comprehensively verifying system operations. “All systems operated normally, and test data and results met expectations, validating the correctness and coordination of system operations and laying a solid foundation for upcoming flight missions,” Landspace stated in a post that day on the social media platform X.
China Orbital Booster Recovery and Landing Methods
The upcoming launch marks China’s fourth orbital booster recovery attempt, following a sequence of recent flights. According to mission records, the first attempt was the Zhuque-3 launch in December 2025, and the second was the debut days later of the Long March 12A, which also reached orbit with a first-stage recovery attempt ending in flames. The third try used the Long March 10B on July 10 and was successful, making China just the second country to land an orbital booster using a vessel equipped with a net-capture system. For its expected second attempt, Landspace will use powered descent and landing legs similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, rather than a net-capture system.
Did You Know?
Landspace’s Zhuque-3 shares similar capabilities with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, standing 216 feet tall and utilizing methane-liquid oxygen propulsion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Landspace Zhuque-3 launch scheduled?
Airspace closure notices indicate the launch is scheduled for around 7:45 p.m. EDT on Aug. 10 from the Jiuquan spaceport.
What recovery method will Landspace use for the Zhuque-3?
Landspace will use a powered descent and landing legs, differing from the net-capture system used by the Long March 10B.
How much payload can the Zhuque-3 carry to orbit?
The stainless steel rocket can send 40,350 pounds to low Earth orbit.
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