In a significant milestone for China’s commercial space industry, LandSpace, a leading commercial rocket company, successfully completed a 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) “jump test” on Wednesday. The test marks a crucial step forward in the development of the company’s ZQ-3 reusable rocket.
The test flight was conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, lasting a total of 200.7 seconds. During the flight, LandSpace achieved the country’s first in-flight ignition during the descent stage, showcasing advanced capabilities in reusable rocket technology.
The successful VTVL test demonstrates LandSpace’s growing expertise in rocket reusability, a key factor in reducing the cost of access to space. The ZQ-3 rocket is anticipated to play a pivotal role in China’s commercial launch sector, offering reliable and cost-effective launch services for both domestic and international customers.
This achievement not only highlights the rapid progress of China’s private space companies but also contributes to the nation’s broader ambitions in space exploration and technological innovation. The advancements made by LandSpace are expected to accelerate the development of reusable launch vehicles, enhancing China’s competitiveness in the global space industry.
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China's commercial rocket company completes 10-km VTVL 'jump test'
cgtn.com
