China’s space industry has taken a giant leap forward with the successful static fire test of Landspace’s Zhuque-3 reusable rocket. This nine-engine marvel represents a direct challenge to SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space sector and signals China’s determination to become a major player in reusable launch technology.
Landspace’s breakthrough in reusable rocket technology
On June 18, 2025, Chinese private space company Landspace achieved a significant milestone when all nine Tianque-12A engines on the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket ignited sequentially during a static fire test. The engines, powered by methane and liquid oxygen propellants, generated an impressive 7,542 kilonewtons of thrust over a 45-second duration.
This achievement places Landspace at the forefront of China’s emerging private space sector. The company has overcome previous setbacks, including the 2018 failure of Zhuque-1, to position itself as a serious contender in the global space race. In 2023, Landspace made history when Zhuque-2 became the world’s first methane-oxygen powered rocket to reach orbit, establishing the company’s technical credentials.
The Zhuque-3, named after the vermilion bird in Chinese mythology, stands 66 meters tall with a mass of 570 tons. Its design philosophy clearly draws inspiration from SpaceX’s Falcon 9, with nine engines arranged in a similar configuration and a focus on reusability to reduce launch costs.
Landspace’s Chief Technology Officer, Wei Zhang, explained: “Our proprietary Tianque-12A engine represents years of research and development in methane propulsion technology. The successful static fire test validates our approach and brings us one step closer to our first orbital launch attempt.”
Technical specifications and mission timeline
The Zhuque-3 rocket features several key technical innovations that set it apart from its predecessors and underscore China’s growing sophistication in space technology:
- Nine Tianque-12A methane-oxygen engines on the first stage
- Reusable first stage designed for vertical landing
- Payload capacity of approximately 18 tons to low Earth orbit
- Advanced avionics and guidance systems for precision control
- Composite materials for weight reduction and structural integrity
Landspace has scheduled the inaugural orbital launch of Zhuque-3 for the third quarter of 2025. This mission will include deploying a prototype of the Haolong reusable cargo spacecraft, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute, demonstrating Landspace’s ambition to create a fully integrated space transportation system.
Earlier this year, Landspace successfully conducted a 10-kilometer altitude test flight, proving their capability to master first-stage recovery technologies. This methodical approach to testing reflects the company’s commitment to reliability and safety.
| Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Zhuque-1 Launch Failure | October 2018 | Initial setback for Landspace |
| Zhuque-2 Orbital Success | July 2023 | First methane-oxygen rocket to reach orbit |
| 10km Test Flight | February 2025 | Demonstration of recovery capabilities |
| Static Fire Test | June 2025 | Validation of nine-engine configuration |
| Planned Orbital Launch | Q3 2025 | First orbital mission with prototype cargo spacecraft |
Global implications for the space industry
The emergence of Landspace and other Chinese private space companies like Space Pioneer represents a significant shift in the global space landscape. These developments have prompted experts worldwide to reassess their understanding of China’s space capabilities and potential impact on international space markets.
Dr. Jonathan Reynolds, an aerospace analyst at the International Space Policy Institute, notes: “What we’re witnessing is the rapid maturation of China’s commercial space sector. The Zhuque-3 demonstrates that Chinese companies are not merely replicating existing technologies but innovating in areas like methane propulsion and reusability.”
The implications extend beyond technology to economics and geopolitics. SpaceX has dominated the commercial launch market for years, but Chinese companies offering competitive launch services could reshape the industry dynamics. This competition might ultimately benefit satellite operators and space agencies through lower launch costs and increased access to space.
However, the risks associated with static fire tests remain significant, as evidenced by recent incidents involving both SpaceX and Space Pioneer. In 2024, Space Pioneer experienced an unplanned liftoff during what was supposed to be a static test, resulting in the rocket crashing into a nearby mountain. These incidents highlight the challenging nature of rocket development and the importance of rigorous safety protocols.
As Landspace prepares for its historic launch later this year, the space industry watches with anticipation. Whether Zhuque-3 succeeds or fails in its initial orbital attempt, its development marks a pivotal moment in the evolving story of global space exploration and commercialization.
