|

Zhuque-2 Y3 is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Dec 9. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

Zhuque-2 Y3, the world's first liquid oxygen-methane rocket to achieve consecutive orbital launches, was launched on Dec 9 by LandSpace, a private aerospace company.

The rocket, which was assembled and tested at the Jiaxing LandSpace Center, recently carried three commercial satellites into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Zhuque-2 is a medium-sized liquid rocket that uses liquid oxygen and methane as propellants. It has a length of 49.5 meters, a diameter of 3.35 meters, a mass of 219 metric tons, and a thrust of 268 tons. It is the first of its kind in the world and has a high degree of technical maturity and reliability.

Jin Tai, an associate professor at Zhejiang University, praised the launch as a milestone for liquid oxygen-methane rockets. Dai Zheng, general manager of LandSpace's rocket development department, said that the launch provided valuable data and experience for the future improvement and enhancement of the rocket.

The Jiaxing LandSpace Center, which started construction in 2019, is a top-notch aerospace industry base that integrates design simulation, testing, detection, and intelligent manufacturing.

On July 12, the Zhuque-2 Y2 rocket assembled by the center was launched and became the world’s first liquid oxygen-methane rocket to enter orbit.

The center aims to produce 12 and launch six Zhuque-2 rockets per year by 2025 and help LandSpace to become a leader in commercial space launches.

The Jiaxing Port Area, where the center is located, plans to attract more aerospace projects and build a domestic aerospace hub. It is expected to achieve an industrial output of over 80 billion yuan ($11.14 billion) and a total import and export value of over 10 billion yuan by 2025, contributing to the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.