China's aerospace sector reached a new milestone on December 3, 2025, as the Zhuque-3 Y1 reusable rocket successfully entered orbit during its inaugural flight from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone. The launch marks a significant leap forward in the Chinese mainland's pursuit of cost-effective space exploration capabilities.
Developed by private aerospace firm LandSpace, the two-stage liquid oxygen-methane rocket completed its planned flight with the second stage precisely entering its preset orbit. Standing 66.1 meters tall with a 4.5-meter diameter core and 5.2-meter fairing, the Zhuque-3 represents China's growing expertise in reusable launch vehicle technology designed for high-frequency missions.
"This achievement demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable space infrastructure," stated a LandSpace spokesperson. The rocket's methane-based propulsion system and modular design position it as a competitive solution for commercial satellite deployments and future lunar missions.
The successful test comes as global demand for affordable launch services surges, with analysts predicting the Zhuque-3 could capture 15-20% of the Asian commercial satellite market by 2026. Its reusability features align with China's strategic space industry roadmap released earlier this year, which prioritizes reducing launch costs by 40% before 2030.
