China’s Enhanced Zhuque-2 Rocket Successfully Launches Two Satellites

China’s Enhanced Zhuque-2 Rocket Successfully Launches Two Satellites

China’s modified Zhuque-2 (ZQ-2) methane-powered carrier rocket has achieved a milestone with its maiden flight. The rocket took off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwestern China’s Gobi Desert on Wednesday, successfully sending two test satellites into orbit.

Codenamed ZQ-2E Y1, the “E” in the name stands for “Enhanced,” indicating improvements over previous versions, while “Y1” signifies that this is the first iteration of the enhanced model. The launch demonstrates advancements in China’s private space sector and the capabilities of methane-powered rocket technology.

LandSpace, the developer of the ZQ-2 series, is a Chinese private space launch service provider that has previously launched three ZQ-2 rockets, coded Y1, Y2, and Y3. The successful maiden flight of the modified ZQ-2E Y1 adds to their growing portfolio of achievements in space launch technology.

The successful deployment of the two test satellites marks a significant step forward for LandSpace and China’s commercial space industry, highlighting the nation’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in space exploration and satellite deployment.

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China's modified Zhuque-2 methalox rocket completes maiden flight

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