Beijing-based startup LandSpace Technology Corp. achieved another milestone as it successfully launched its second rocket powered by methane-based fuel into space. The ZQ-2 rocket took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 7:39 a.m. on Saturday, according to the company's official statement.
This accomplishment follows LandSpace's previous achievement in July, when it became the first in the world to send a methane-fueled rocket into orbit, outshining competitors such as Elon Musk's SpaceX. The global space industry has been exploring methane-based fuel as an alternative to the currently used solid propellants, liquid hydrogen, and other fuels. Methane has the potential to be a cleaner and safer fuel option for rocket launches.
The ZQ-2 rocket's latest mission marked the first commercial launch for LandSpace, as it carried three domestically manufactured satellites onboard. After being transported to the launch site on December 1, the rocket awaited suitable launch conditions. The collaboration for this mission involved LandSpace and toy designer Pop Mart International Group Ltd., which had its logo appropriately displayed on the rocket's exterior. Pop Mart, a Hong Kong-listed company, operates numerous stores across mainland China and abroad.
LandSpace's future plans include the development of a reusable rocket, with a projected test flight scheduled for 2025. Zhang Changwu, the CEO of LandSpace, disclosed this information to local media outlet Yicai in July. This venture highlights the company's commitment to technological advancements and its ambition to establish a prominent position in the global space industry.
The successful launch of the ZQ-2 rocket by LandSpace Technology Corp. not only showcases China's progress in space exploration but also reaffirms the potential of methane-based fuel in the field. As LandSpace continues to innovate, it aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly space transportation systems, bringing us one step closer to future space exploration endeavors.