The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket, a methane-powered rocket developed by LandSpace Technology, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch six satellites into orbit, in China.
The Zhuque-2E Y2 mission is more than just a successful satellite launch—it is a clear signal that China’s private space sector is advancing rapidly, with the technological prowess and vision to compete on the global stage. With methane propulsion and reusability on the horizon, LandSpace is shaping the future of low-cost, sustainable access to orbit.
China’s Zhuque-2E Y2 Rocket Marks Milestone with Methane-Powered Launch
In a significant leap for China’s commercial aerospace sector, the Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket—developed by private aerospace firm LandSpace Technology—successfully launched six satellites into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This mission marks a milestone not only for China but for global space innovation, as the rocket is powered by methane and liquid oxygen, a cleaner and increasingly favored propellant in next-generation spaceflight.
Methane-fueled rockets represent a transformative trend in aerospace engineering. Compared to traditional kerosene-based fuels, methane burns cleaner, produces less soot, and allows for easier engine reuse—critical factors for lowering costs and increasing the frequency of launches. The Zhuque-2 series is among the first operational rockets in the world to adopt this technology, aligning LandSpace with leading-edge players like SpaceX, whose Starship system also uses methane-based propulsion.
The Zhuque-2E Y2’s use of sub-cooled liquid methane enhances engine performance by increasing fuel density, enabling more efficient combustion and higher thrust. This engineering upgrade reflects LandSpace’s ambitions to make the rocket both more powerful and reusable—a key objective for future commercial launch markets.
Payload and Mission Goals
The Zhuque-2E Y2 carried six satellites into sun-synchronous orbit, including a synthetic aperture radar satellite, two multispectral imaging satellites, and three scientific research satellites. Developed primarily by Spacety, a Chinese commercial satellite company, the payload is intended for applications ranging from environmental monitoring and mineral exploration to infrastructure planning and disaster assessment.
LandSpace’s Growing Role
Founded in 2015, LandSpace is one of China’s earliest and most prominent private space companies. The firm’s focus on methane-powered propulsion has set it apart from other domestic competitors, many of whom still rely on conventional fuels. The success of the Zhuque-2E Y2 mission is LandSpace’s fifth in the Zhuque-2 program and a critical demonstration of its technical maturity.
Later this year, the company plans to attempt the first reusable version of the Zhuque-2 series, aiming to vertically land the booster stage in a maneuver similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. If successful, this would place LandSpace among a select few companies globally capable of reusing orbital-class rockets.
Implications for the Space Industry
The Zhuque-2E Y2’s successful flight solidifies China’s role in the growing market for methane-fueled rockets. It also represents a broader shift toward environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient launch systems in commercial spaceflight. As the demand for satellite deployment and space services grows worldwide, rockets like Zhuque-2E will play an increasingly vital role in enabling access to space for both public and private entities.