Updates on Chinese Space Missions: ZhuQue-3 Shifts Position, Tianlong-3 Receives Engine Upgrades, and Successful Launches of Chang Zheng Rockets
China’s Startup Aerospace Companies Making Strides in the Space Race
China’s burgeoning aerospace industry is making significant progress, with several startup companies launching rockets and developing innovative technologies. Two key players in this space race are LandSpace and Deep Blue Aerospace, both of which are advancing their respective rocket programs. Additionally, the Chang Zheng family of rockets continues to soar with multiple successful launches in recent weeks.
LandSpace, a Chinese private space launch company, recently announced that its ZhuQue-3 rocket development is progressing faster than expected. The company’s chief engineer revealed that the first launch is now scheduled for mid-2025, earlier than initially planned. What sets ZhuQue-3 apart is its ability to recover its first stage during the maiden flight. With a payload capacity of 18.3 tonnes to low-Earth orbit (LEO), or 12.5 tonnes with a return-to-launch-site profile, LandSpace aims to significantly reduce the cost of carrying payloads compared to its current launch vehicle, ZhuQue-2.
A notable development by LandSpace is the manufacturing of stainless steel rocket bodies for ZhuQue-3. Images shared on social media show the assembly process, which bears similarities to SpaceX’s Starship construction. While these may be test rings rather than the full-sized rocket structure, they signify the company’s progress towards building the new rocket.
Satellite images of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center suggest that LandSpace is also making strides in constructing a dedicated launch pad for ZhuQue-3. The company confirmed this on social media, highlighting the need for separate facilities due to significant differences between ZhuQue-2 and ZhuQue-3 rockets. While ZhuQue-2 continues to operate, the focus remains on developing the reusable ZhuQue-3 rocket for future launches.
Deep Blue Aerospace, another Chinese startup, is inching closer to its first orbital launch with the Xingyun-1 (Nebula-1) rocket. The company has conducted a series of successful static fire and hop tests, gradually increasing the altitude with each test. The upcoming flight test will utilize a larger vehicle with actual engines intended for orbital launches. Success in this flight will pave the way for the first orbital launch with recovery of the first stage, projected to occur in late 2024. Deep Blue Aerospace is also working on the development of the Xingyun-2 kerolox rocket, which is set to launch in late 2025.
In addition to these startup companies, Tianlong-3, developed by Space Pioneer, is another promising rocket in China’s private commercial launch market. With a capacity to lift up to 17 tonnes to low-Earth orbit and 14 tonnes to Sun-synchronous orbit, Tianlong-3 aims to be partially reusable, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Its first stage is powered by nine Tianhuo-12 engines, surpassing the liftoff power of Falcon 9. Test-firing of the engines is scheduled for this month, with a summer launch anticipated.
Amidst the progress made by these startup companies, the Chang Zheng family of rockets continues to demonstrate China’s capabilities in space. The Chang Zheng 6A rocket recently launched the Yunhai 3-02 satellite for ocean, environmental, atmospheric, and spatial parameter research. Equipped with two YF-100 RP-1 engines and additional solid rocket boosters, the Chang Zheng 6A can lift up to 4,500 kg into a 700-km Sun-synchronous orbit.
Two other launches include the Chang Zheng 2D rockets carrying the Yaogan 42-01 and SuperView Neo 3-01 satellites. Yaogan satellites are classified military satellites used for reconnaissance purposes or technology development. Meanwhile, SuperView Neo 3-01 is a commercial Earth observation satellite featuring a high-resolution imaging payload and a 130-km-wide imaging scope.
China’s startup aerospace companies are making remarkable strides in the space industry, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. With their ambitious goals, these companies aim to reduce the cost of space travel and enhance the accessibility of space for various purposes. As China continues to invest in its space program, it’s poised to become a major player in the global space race.
