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The Zhuque-2 rocket, named after the Chinese word for vermillion, successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday. The rocket, powered by methane, reached orbit for the first time, surpassing its potential competitors from the United States. This achievement signifies China’s commitment to develop a more powerful spacecraft for lunar missions and manned expeditions. The 164-foot Zhuque-2 rocket, built by Landspace, a private Chinese company, demonstrated the nation’s pursuit of space exploration.
The U.S. Space Force confirmed that the rocket upper stage was in orbit, circling the Earth along a polar flight path inclined at 97.3 degrees on the Equator. It maintained altitudes between 270 and 287 miles. The success of the launch marks a significant milestone for China’s space program.
This successful launch follows a previous attempt in December 2022, where the Zhuque-2 rocket encountered failure, resulting in the loss of several satellites. However, this time, the launch displayed the distinctive bluish color of burning methane. The Zhuque-2 rocket utilizes four engines with a combined thrust of 268 metric tons. The use of methane as a propellant demonstrates China’s focus on developing more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and safer rocket technology.
The Chinese state media has indicated that a more powerful rocket using methane could be employed for future lunar missions, enabling spacecraft to land on the moon. Additionally, a sister ship is being developed to transport Chinese astronauts, showcasing China’s ambitions in manned space exploration.
This achievement is even more remarkable when considering previous failed attempts by various companies to use methane as a propellant. Competitors, such as SpaceX, ULA Vulcan, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Rocket Lab’s Neutron, and Relativity Space’s Terran R, have all aimed to utilize a combination of methane and oxygen in their rockets.
In April, a different type of Chinese rocket successfully flew using a kerosene variety derived from coal, a notable deviation from the commonly used oil-derived kerosene. This diversification in propellant options highlights China’s innovative approach to rocket development and signifies their commitment to advancing space exploration technology.
