A Chinese private company has successfully launched the world’s first methane-liquid oxygen space rocket into orbit, according to China’s state media. The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region and successfully completed its mission. This achievement puts China ahead of its US rivals, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, in developing environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and reusable launch vehicles.
The launch marks a significant milestone for LandSpace, a Beijing-based firm and one of the early players in China’s commercial space sector. It’s worth noting that LandSpace had previously faced a setback in December with the first launch attempt of the Zhuque-2.
In addition to this successful launch, China announced its plans to send two rockets to the moon by 2030. Chinese state media reported that one of the rockets will carry a spacecraft for lunar surface landing, while the other will transport astronauts.
Overcoming the challenge of developing a heavy-duty rocket capable of sending both astronauts and a moon lander probe into space, China aims to achieve a successful docking in the moon’s orbit.
Once accomplished, Chinese astronauts will descend onto the moon’s surface, conduct scientific tasks, and collect samples. Upon completion, the lander will transport the astronauts back to the orbiting spacecraft for their return to Earth.
China’s previous lunar mission in 2020 successfully brought back samples from the moon on an uncrewed mission, making China the third nation to achieve this feat after the United States and the Soviet Union.
LandSpace’s methane-liquid oxygen rocket stands out for its superior characteristics, including its reduced environmental impact, enhanced safety, lower cost, and viability as a propellant for reusable rockets. By utilizing this technology, China aims to lead the way in the development of advanced space vehicles fueled by methane.
Overall, China’s recent accomplishments in space exploration and the successful launch of the Zhuque-2 rocket demonstrate its commitment to innovation and advancement in the commercial space industry.