The Zhuque-2 rocket, which was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, successfully finished its intended flight.
China’s state media reported that a private Chinese company had successfully launched the first methane-liquid oxygen space rocket into orbit.
The Zhuque-2 rocket, which was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, successfully finished its intended flight.
A tiny rocket, the Zhuque-2 can carry only about 100 kilogrammes of payload. It is noteworthy, though, as it is the first rocket to use methane as a main propellant. Compared to conventional rocket fuels like kerosene or liquid hydrogen, methane is a cleaner and more effective fuel. Additionally, because it is simpler to produce, it might be more economical.
China’s methane-liquid oxygen space rocket, Zhuque-2 launch marks a significant milestone in its space program, putting the country ahead of rivals in developing methane-fueled rockets.
This could significantly impact space exploration, making it more affordable and sustainable. Launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia, the rocket completed its flight mission according to the procedure.
LandSpace, a Beijing-based company that was among the first in China’s commercial space sector, successfully launched the Zhuque-2 on its second attempt, defeating US competitors in the process. This launch could pave the way for the next generation of launch vehicles, which are thought to be less polluting, safer, cheaper, and a suitable propellant for reusable rockets.
The Zhuqu-2’s initial launch attempt in December had been unsuccessful.
News of LandSpace’s successful launch put China ahead of rivals like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin in the race to develop methane-powered spacecraft on the same day that China announced plans to send two rockets to the moon by 2030.
The spacecraft that will land on the moon will be carried by one of the two planned rockets, and the astronauts will be transported by the other, according to Chinese state media.
According to state media on Wednesday, both rockets will reach the moon’s orbit and, following a successful docking, the Chinese astronauts will board the lunar lander before descending to the moon’s surface.