
Landspace, a Chinese launch startup, seems poised to conduct tests involving the launch and landing of rockets. On December 8, the company successfully deployed two satellites into orbit using its third Zhuque-2 methane-fueled rocket.
Landspace
Following this achievement, Landspace unveiled plans for a significant project—the development of a large stainless steel Zhuque-3 reusable rocket, with the goal of launching it into orbit for the first time in 2025.
In the immediate future, a preliminary step in this ambitious endeavor is anticipated, as satellite imagery indicates activity at a test stand located at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.
Landspace has taken measures to advance its progress by preparing an 11-foot-diameter (3.35 meters) test article. This test involves launching the article to an approximate height of 328 feet (100 meters) and attempting to achieve a controlled landing using variable thrust engines and landing legs, akin to the approach employed by SpaceX’s Falcon 9.