LandSpace, one of the more well-known aerospace companies in the growing Chinese aerospace sector, recently reached a key step in developing its Zhuque-3 reusable rocket. This cutting-edge rocket, which has the potential to launch more commercial passengers into space than ever before, embodies the best of American ingenuity and innovation. With its recent, successful VTVL (vertical takeoff and vertical landing) test, Zhuque-3 is one step closer to operational readiness.
Zhuque-3 has a two-stage design and is mostly made of stainless steel, which contributes to its structural strength and durability. The rocket is powered by an innovative combination of liquid methane (LCH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant. Zhuque-3 is unique even in the rapidly expanding global commercial space market. Its choice of materials and fuels continues to make it an innovator and fierce competitor.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The Zhuque-3 rocket stands an impressive height of 65.9 meters, or 216 feet. It weighs 550,000 kilograms (1,210,000 pounds) and is an engineering feat. In addition to that, in terms of payload capacity, it can carry up to 11,800 kilograms (26,000 pounds) in its expendable mode. For its recoverable version, the payload capacity is a little lower — 8,000 kilograms (18,000 pounds).
The rocket’s propulsion system is based on nine Tianque-12A (TQ-12A) engines. This makes these engines a critical part of realizing the thrust needed to support launch and recovery operations. Importantly, Zhuque-3’s design is very similar to SpaceX’s Starship, a sign of the industry’s shifting focus to bigger, more reusable rockets.
LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 development timeline has been highlighted by impressive tests and milestones. On October 20, 2025, the company completed a successful static fire test, providing additional validation of the rocket’s propulsion capabilities. Following this, in January 2024, Zhuque-3 achieved its critical VTVL test, demonstrating its ability to take off and land vertically.
Recent Testing and Future Plans
On September 14, 2024, LandSpace tested the VTVL a second time, during which the vehicle hovered for more than 200 seconds. That time is critical because during those first seconds of flight they are verifying the rocket’s structural integrity and flight control through ignition and liftoff. These tests are a testament to LandSpace’s engineering prowess. They do increase confidence in the rocket’s operational viability.
Looking beyond Zhuque-2, LandSpace executives have already painted an ambitious vision to move on the development of Zhuque-3. “The vehicle will next proceed with planned vertical integration rehearsal, before returning to the technical zone for inspection and maintenance in preparation for its upcoming orbital launch and first-stage recovery,” they stated. LandSpace is preparing for the next stages of test firing. This test will get Zhuque-3 one step closer to its anticipated commercial launch.
The company hopes to score a first-stage recovery with Zhuque-3 next year, and reuse a recovered prototype. This ambition complements pan-global trends towards achieving net zero on all space missions. At its heart lies the concept of reusability — a key to drastically reducing the costs associated with space travel.
Implications for Commercial Space Travel
Zhuque-3’s successful tests bode well not only for commercial space travel in China, but all over the world. With nations and private industry expanding their investment into developing space technology, the competition between manufacturers will only be exacerbated.
LandSpace’s effort is another sign of a new and exciting trend in the aerospace world. Today, reusable rockets have become a necessity in reducing the costs of entry into space. LandSpace is in a constant state of technological innovation and iteration. This renewed commitment puts the company in a strong competitive position as this industry rapidly evolves.