Key Takeaways
- China launched its first reusable, methane-fueled orbital rocket, the Zhuque-3, on December 3, 2025.
- The rocket successfully reached Low Earth Orbit, validating its stainless-steel two-stage design.
- A planned propulsive landing of the first stage failed after an engine issue triggered an explosion on descent.
- Developers at LandSpace say the mission still yielded critical engineering data for future attempts.
- Zhuque-3 uses nine TQ-12A methalox engines and aims to deliver up to 18.3 tons to LEO in reusable mode.
- The test puts China further into the global race for Falcon 9-style rocket reusability.
China’s private aerospace company LandSpace has completed a high-profile test flight that showcased major progress in reusable rocket technology while ending with a dramatic setback. The Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3), China’s first orbital-class reusable methane rocket, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 3 and achieved a clean ascent to Low Earth Orbit, fulfilling the mission’s primary objective.
The stainless-steel, methane-fueled rocket — conceptually similar in design to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship technologies — demonstrated strong performance during ascent. Its expendable second stage successfully delivered a mass simulator into orbit on the very first try, a milestone achievement for a debut flight.
However, the mission’s most anticipated portion, the first-stage recovery test, ended in failure. After separating from the upper stage, the booster executed a controlled descent and approached its landing zone. But in the final seconds, the rocket suffered what LandSpace described as an “abnormal combustion event.” Footage shared online shows the booster losing thrust and breaking apart, erupting into a fireball that scattered debris near the edge of the recovery area.
While the booster did not survive, LandSpace emphasized that the flight provided valuable data on re-entry dynamics, engine performance, and guidance systems. Engineers say these insights will directly support future recovery attempts as China races to master reusable launch technology.
The Zhuque-3 is built for repeat launches, powered by nine TQ-12A methalox engines, and stands roughly 66 meters tall. The final operational variant, ZQ-3E, is planned to deliver up to 18.3 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit while being recovered downrange. The rocket represents one of China’s most ambitious reusable launch designs to date and highlights the country’s expanding private space sector.
Although the maiden flight ended explosively, the successful orbital insertion and partial recovery test mark an important step for China as it intensifies efforts to compete with SpaceX and other global leaders in space launch technology.