First Operational Methane-Powered Rocket is Zhuque-2 Launcher

China’s private rocket manufacturer LandSpace successfully launched its modified Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket on Saturday the 17th of May from a dedicated pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, northwest China. The mission was the second flight of the methane-liquid oxygen enhanced Zhuque-2 (Vermillion Bird-2), or Zhuque-2E (ZQ-2E), which can carry 4,000 kg to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The first enhanced 47.3-meter-long Zhuque-2E flight took place in November 2024 and had a diameter of 3.35 meters. This second flight featured an expanded 4.2-meter-diameter composite payload fairing. The company also noted its first use of quasi-real-time wind correction trajectory design technology, claimed to be a domestic first.

There have now been five Zhuque-2 flights in all. The first, in December 2022, ended in failure, while the second, in July 2023, marked the first methane-fueled rocket to reach orbit globally. November 2024 saw a successful launch using the modified ZQ-2 Y1 variant. The upgraded ZQ-2E Y2 model features a dual-cryogenic liquid propellant system powered by liquid oxygen and methane, the latter being the primary component of natural gas. The latest model also benefits from enhanced engine thrust and the use of composite materials in its fairing, which reduces weight and improves efficiency and reliability.

The company is also making progress towards the first flight of the Zhuque-3, a much larger, stainless steel methalox launch vehicle. The two-stage Zhuque-3 will be 4.5 meters in diameter and have a total length of 76.6 meters, with a payload capacity of 21,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In April LandSpace completed an integration test and could move to a static fire test in June.

The successful launch of methane-powered rockets represents a significant milestone in the New Space economy, with private launch companies flourishing across the globe. Rather than viewing developments through the traditional Space Race competitive lens, the evolving landscape reveals a global ecosystem of launch providers. This perspective creates opportunities for international partnerships that benefit the entire space industry.

Image Credit: Landspace – Zhuque-2E lifts off from Jiuquan, May 17, 2025, carrying six satellites into orbit.