China's commercial space sector achieved a critical milestone as LandSpace successfully completed a groundbreaking engine cluster test for its reusable Zhuque-3 rocket, accelerating progress toward its planned 2025 maiden flight. The trial marks a leap forward in reusable rocket technology that could dramatically reduce space launch costs while boosting China's commercial space capabilities.
Conducted at the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone near Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the 45-second test featured nine liquid oxygen-methane engines generating 7,542 kN of thrust – the largest automated engine cluster test of its kind in China to date. LandSpace confirmed the trial replicated actual flight conditions with unprecedented accuracy, validating critical systems from propellant loading to programmed shutdown sequences.
The stainless steel-clad Zhuque-3 stands 66 meters tall with a 4.5-meter diameter, designed for at least 20 reuses through aircraft-like maintenance processes. Company engineers emphasize its potential to slash launch costs by 80-90% compared to disposable rockets while supporting multiple satellite deployments per mission.
This development signals growing momentum in China's commercial space industry, with reusable rockets poised to reshape global satellite launch economics. Market analysts suggest the technology could create new opportunities in low-Earth orbit infrastructure development and space-based internet services.
