China’s private space company LandSpace successfully launched an upgraded methane-powered rocket on Saturday. The rocket carried six satellites into orbit, marking a key step in the company’s push for cheaper and cleaner rocket fuel, as well as reusable rocket technology.
The Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket took off at 12:12 p.m. (0412 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This was the fifth flight for the Zhuque-2 series, according to the company’s statement.
LandSpace became the first company in the world to launch a methane-liquid oxygen rocket in July 2023. This achievement put it ahead of U.S. competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin in developing methane rocket technology.
Interest in methane-powered rockets has grown in recent years because methane is cleaner, safer, and cheaper than traditional rocket fuels. It is also well-suited for reusable rockets, which help lower launch costs.
China’s commercial space industry is growing rapidly, and demand for satellite launches is increasing. LandSpace has upgraded its rocket to carry more payload, supporting the country’s goal to build satellite constellations that could compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The company’s first methane-powered launch did not carry satellites, but by December 2023, it successfully launched three satellites. Saturday’s launch carried six satellites, mostly from the Chinese company Spacety, also known as Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute.
The satellites included a radar satellite, two multispectral satellites, and three scientific experiment satellites. These satellites weighed between 20 kilograms and 300 kilograms. The scientific satellites will support China’s deep-space exploration goals. The multispectral satellites will help with environmental monitoring and detecting mineral deposits. The radar satellite can take images day and night and see through clouds and rain. It can also detect very small surface shifts, useful for monitoring urban development, transportation, and energy infrastructure.
Spacety has faced sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department since January 2023. The U.S. accused the company of supplying radar satellite images used by Russian forces in Ukraine. Spacety denies these allegations, stating its products are only for commercial and civilian use.
Reusable rockets have been shown to reduce launch costs significantly. LandSpace’s founder and CEO said the company is working on reusable rocket technology and plans a test launch in the second half of 2025. The latest Zhuque-2 model features technical improvements that increase engine thrust by chilling both liquid oxygen and methane below their boiling points.
China’s commercial space sector has expanded quickly since 2014, when private investment was allowed. LandSpace, founded in 2015, is one of the earliest and best-funded companies in this field. It has received investments from venture capital firms like HongShan, real estate developer Country Garden, and the state-backed China SME Development Fund. The company raised 900 million yuan ($120 million) from a state manufacturing fund in December and 1.2 billion yuan ($170 million) in 2020.
LandSpace’s progress shows growing strength in China’s commercial space industry. With new methane rocket technology and plans for reusable rockets, LandSpace aims to compete globally. China’s expanding satellite networks may soon challenge existing leaders like SpaceX’s Starlink, pushing forward innovation and reducing costs in space technology.
