Beijing-based LandSpace Technology,
a leading private space company in China, is gearing up for a crucial
commercial test of its methane and liquid oxygen-fueled rocket, the Zhuque-2
carrier. Investors and rocket developers view methane as a potential
cost-cutting solution that could support reusable rockets in a more
environmentally friendly and efficient manner.
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| China's Landspace readies Launch with Methane Rocket |
The company announced on its Weibo social media account that the Zhuque-2 rocket has been moved to the launch area in the Gobi Desert, preparing for launch under the designation Y-3. While LandSpace did not specify a launch window, the rocket is set to lift off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia.
LandSpace's objective is to
demonstrate the feasibility of Zhuque-2 through a series of three test
launches, with the initial two being Y-1 and Y-2, according to a company
representative. If the Zhuque-2 proves successful, LandSpace plans to offer
approximately three launches in 2024 and aims to double that number in 2025.
The company, however, did not
disclose details regarding the launch date or the specifics of the satellites
to be carried by Y-3. Since 2014, when the Chinese government permitted private
investment in the space industry, numerous commercial space firms have emerged
in China, competing to provide satellite launches as an alternative to industry
leaders like SpaceX.
LandSpace, founded in 2015, was among the early and well-funded entrants into the Chinese space startup scene. In July, the company achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the world's first methane-liquid oxygen rocket, Zhuque-2 Y-2, surpassing U.S. competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Notably, LandSpace aims to tap into the increasing demand for rocket launches, particularly in low-Earth orbit, as an alternative to services like Musk's Starlink.
While LandSpace faced setbacks,
such as the failure of the Zhuque-2 Y-1 test rocket launch last year, the
company remains ambitious. It secured funding from notable investors, including
Sequoia Capital China (now HongShan), Chinese property developer Country
Garden's investment arm, and the state-backed China SME Development Fund.
The latest disclosed fundraising
round for LandSpace was in 2020, where it raised 1.2 billion yuan ($168.14
million). Despite financial challenges, the company has continued fundraising
efforts, with additional rounds of undisclosed sizes, according to the Chinese
company record tracking database Tianyancha.
Looking ahead, LandSpace has
signaled its commitment to reusable rocket development, with CEO Zhang Changwu
announcing plans to conduct a test launch of reusable rockets in the second
half of 2025. Meanwhile, rival OrienSpace, established in 2020, is set to
launch its first solid-fuel rocket, Gravity-1, in December.
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