24/7 Space News
ROCKET SCIENCE
China's LandSpace achieves new feat with Zhuque-3's Vertical Recovery Test
Screen grab from the test flight.
China's LandSpace achieves new feat with Zhuque-3's Vertical Recovery Test
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 22, 2024

In a significant advancement for China's burgeoning space sector, the Zhuque-3 reusable rocket has successfully completed its first vertical return technology test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This achievement marks a crucial step forward for the maiden flight of the country's first stainless steel liquid carrier rocket, heralding a new era of cost-efficient and environmentally conscious space exploration.

Developed by LandSpace, a leading figure in China's private rocket industry, Zhuque-3's recent test verified several critical components essential for reusable rocket technology. The test demonstrated the effective vertical recovery of the rocket at low altitude and low speed, a harmonious match between its control system and engine thrust adjustment performance, and the robustness of its guidance and control algorithm.

With a diameter of 4.5 meters, Zhuque-3 stands out for its use of liquid oxygen-methane as propellant-a relatively novel choice in rocket fuels known for its efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This propellant type has been gaining attention in the space industry for its potential to reshape how rockets are fueled. Zhuque-3's first stage is designed for at least 20 reuses, a notable feature that aligns with the global trend towards sustainable space technology.

The rocket's storage tank, made from high-strength stainless steel, is not just a testament to durability but also a strategic choice that significantly lowers launch costs. Estimates suggest that using Zhuque-3 could reduce launch expenses by 80 to 90 percent compared to traditional single-use rockets. This cost reduction is vital for making space access more affordable and frequent.

The predecessor to Zhuque-3, the Zhuque-2, already made headlines as the world's first liquid oxygen-methane rocket to reach orbit, underscoring China's commitment to pioneering new, low-cost liquid propellants for launch vehicles.

Zhang Changwu, CEO of LandSpace, emphasizes the advantages of the stainless steel rocket body. Its resistance to high temperatures and durability are key to its potential for multiple returns and reuses, mirroring the efficiency we see in commercial aviation. Notably, the first-stage engine of Zhuque-3 can be inspected and refueled without being detached from the rocket after recovery, streamlining the turnaround process for subsequent launches.

The success of Zhuque-3's vertical return test is more than just a milestone for LandSpace; it represents a significant leap forward in the global space industry's pursuit of sustainable and cost-effective space travel. As private companies and national agencies alike push the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration, innovations like those demonstrated by Zhuque-3 will be critical in shaping the future of humanity's ventures beyond Earth.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

Related Links
LandSpace Technology Corporation
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
Rocket maker working on medium-lift model
Beijing (XNA) Jan 15, 2024
CAS Space, a Beijing-based rocket maker owned by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is working on the development of its new carrier rocket, Kinetica 2, and plans to conduct the new type's maiden flight in 2025, according to the company. The Kinetica 2 is a medium-lift, liquid-fuel rocket and the second launch vehicle developed by CAS Space, following the Kinetica 1, formerly known as ZK 1A. Yang Haoliang, vice-president of CAS Space, said on Friday that the 53-meter model will consist of a mu ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Sierra Space unveils full-scale prototype of expandable space station structure

Salad in space? New study says it's not a healthy choice

Ax-3 Crew Joins Expedition 70 in Space Station for Dual Operations and Research

ESA's Marcus Wandtembarks on historic Muninn Mission aboard ISS

ROCKET SCIENCE
CAS Space achieves new milestone with Kinetica 1 Y3 launch deploying 5 satellites

Spain's PLD Space Selected for European Institutional Space Launch Contracts

China's LandSpace achieves new feat with Zhuque-3's Vertical Recovery Test

Equatorial Launch Australia unveils advanced horizontal integration facility

ROCKET SCIENCE
NASA helicopter's mission ends after three years on Mars

New Year, New images from Perseverance on Mars

Polka Dots and Sunbeams: Sol 4078

Buried water ice at the Martian equator

ROCKET SCIENCE
Shenzhou 18 and 19 crews undertake intensive training for next missions

Tianzhou 6 burns up safely reentering Earth

Yan Hongsen's future dreams as 'Rocket Boy'

China's Tianzhou 7 docks with Tiangong Space Station

ROCKET SCIENCE
Eutelsat OneWeb and Paratus South Africa join forces to enhance satellite connectivity in South Africa

Into the Starfield

Booz Allen Ventures Invests in Albedo's groundbreaking VLEO satellite technology

Sidus ships LizzieSat to Vandenberg for upcoming SpaceX launch

ROCKET SCIENCE
Unibap to Supply Advanced Data Handling Computer for NASA's HyTI-2 ACMES Mission

Redwire joins forces with Blue Origin on Blue Ring Space Mobility Platform

GMV Enhances German Space Surveillance Capabilities with Advanced SST Software

New, portable antenna could help restore communication after disasters

ROCKET SCIENCE
Shallow soda lakes show promise as cradles of life on Earth

NASA's Hubble Finds Water Vapor in Small Exoplanet's Atmosphere

New Insights into Earth's Earliest Life Forms Discovered in Palaeoarchaean Rock Samples

Revolutionizing Chemistry: Over 4 Billion Early-Life Reactions Simulated via Blockchain

ROCKET SCIENCE
New images reveal what Neptune and Uranus really look like

Researchers reveal true colors of Neptune, Uranus

The PI's Perspective: The Long Game

Webb rings in the holidays with the ringed planet Uranus

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.