Reusable rockets have transitioned from experimental marvels to critical infrastructure in 2025, with the Chinese mainland emerging as a key player in this transformative era of space transport. December witnessed two landmark launches: LandSpace's Zhuque-3 and the state-backed Long March-12A successfully delivered satellites to orbit during their maiden missions, though both fell short of achieving full booster recovery.
Technical Hurdles and Strategic Leaps
Recovering orbital boosters remains a formidable challenge, requiring precise hypersonic re-entry navigation, heat resistance, and multi-stage engine reignitions. While SpaceX spent nearly a decade perfecting Falcon 9 landings, Chinese companies are accelerating progress by integrating recovery tests into initial flights. LandSpace's Zhuque-3, a 66-meter methane-oxygen rocket, reached controlled descent and engine reignition phases during its recent attempt—a significant step toward cost-effective reuse.
Economic and Competitive Landscape
LandSpace projects that achieving rapid reuse could lower launch costs to $3,000 per kilogram, matching Falcon 9's commercial benchmark. Global competition intensifies as Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket completed its second orbital reuse in November, while Japan's Honda and Indian startups explore novel recovery methods. Multiple Chinese reusable rockets are slated for upgraded tests in 2026, signaling a pivotal year for the industry.
