China’s burgeoning space industry has seen significant advancements in recent years, with private companies playing an increasingly important role. One such company, Landspace, recently conducted a successful vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test as part of its ongoing efforts to develop reusable launch systems. This test represents a step forward in China’s private space endeavors, highlighting Landspace’s progress in reusable rocket technology, particularly in relation to its ZQ-2 rocket.

Landspace: A Rising Force in China’s Space Industry

Landspace, founded in 2015, is one of the first private companies in China to engage in space launch activities. With the support of China’s growing commercial space sector, the company has focused on developing competitive launch systems to meet the demands of both domestic and international markets. Landspace is particularly well-known for its ZQ-2 rocket, designed to compete with other international launch vehicles in delivering payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO).

The company’s recent achievement in VTVL technology signals its continued commitment to joining the global race in reusable rocket development, which has been pioneered by companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The Vertical Takeoff and Landing Test

In September 2024, Landspace successfully conducted a vertical takeoff and landing test using a prototype rocket. The VTVL test was designed to assess the rocket’s ability to launch, hover, and land back on a designated landing pad. Such tests are an essential part of the development of reusable rocket systems, which can dramatically reduce the cost of access to space by allowing multiple reuses of the same rocket hardware.

The test involved the use of advanced propulsion and guidance systems, allowing the rocket to stabilize and control its descent after a vertical takeoff. This achievement demonstrated the viability of Landspace’s reusability technology and put the company on track to eventually integrate reusable rockets into its commercial launch services.

Key Technologies Involved in VTVL

The success of the test relied on several key technologies. One of the most important components was the rocket’s propulsion system. Vertical takeoff and landing systems require precise control of thrust to achieve a soft landing. This is typically achieved through the use of variable throttle engines, which allow fine adjustments to be made to the amount of thrust being produced. The Landspace test employed this technology, allowing the rocket to reduce its speed as it approached the ground, ensuring a safe and controlled landing.

Another important aspect of the test was the guidance and control system. This system ensured that the rocket remained stable during flight and was able to accurately navigate back to the landing pad. Landspace’s engineers employed advanced algorithms to guide the rocket and ensure that it remained on course throughout the test.

The ZQ-2 Rocket: Landspace’s Flagship Launch Vehicle

The ZQ-2 rocket is Landspace’s primary launch vehicle, designed to meet the growing demand for medium-lift capabilities in both domestic and international markets. This rocket is part of Landspace’s effort to develop a reusable launch system, leveraging the knowledge gained from tests like the recent VTVL milestone.

Specifications and Capabilities

The ZQ-2 is a two-stage rocket powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen (methalox) engines. This choice of propellant places it in line with other modern rockets, such as SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn, which also use methane-based fuels. Methalox engines offer improved performance and efficiency over traditional rocket propellants while being more environmentally friendly.

With a height of approximately 49.5 meters and a diameter of 3.35 meters, the ZQ-2 is designed to carry payloads of up to 6,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Its payload capacity makes it suitable for a variety of missions, from satellite deployment to scientific experiments. The rocket’s modular design allows for flexibility in mission planning, enabling customers to select different configurations depending on their specific requirements.

Recent Achievements

In July 2023, Landspace achieved a significant milestone with the ZQ-2 rocket. It became the first methane-powered rocket to successfully reach orbit, launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This marked a global first for methane-fueled rockets, outpacing competitors such as SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn.

The rocket successfully delivered an object into a sun-synchronous orbit at an inclination of 97.3 degrees. While the first stage was not recovered, this mission represents a major achievement in Landspace’s path toward reusable rocket technology.

Future Plans

Landspace is now preparing for the next stage of development, aiming to enhance the ZQ-2’s capabilities with an upgraded second stage engine. The company plans to increase production to facilitate up to 12 launches per year by 2026. Additionally, work is underway on improving the reusability of the rocket by developing restartable engines.

Reusable Rockets and the Future of Space Launch

Reusable rockets are seen as key to reducing the cost of space exploration and satellite deployment. Traditional expendable rockets are used only once, with components typically falling back to Earth and becoming irrecoverable. Reusable systems, by contrast, are designed to return safely to Earth, where they can be refurbished and launched again.

The development of reusable rockets has the potential to significantly lower the cost per kilogram of launching payloads into space. This, in turn, could open up new markets for space services, allowing more frequent launches and enabling industries such as satellite-based telecommunications, Earth observation, and space tourism to flourish.

Landspace’s successful VTVL test and recent orbital achievement with the ZQ-2 places the company among a select group of launch providers working to achieve this goal. The company plans to continue refining its technology, with the eventual goal of offering fully reusable rockets capable of multiple launches.

China’s Growing Role in the Commercial Space Industry

Landspace’s achievements reflect a larger trend in China’s space industry. In recent years, China has moved to encourage private sector involvement in space activities, creating a more competitive environment for companies like Landspace to innovate and grow. This shift mirrors the development of the commercial space industry in other countries, where private companies have become key players in the space economy.

China has already deployed its own space station, the Tiangong, and continues to work on ambitious space exploration programs, including crewed lunar missions and Mars exploration. Private companies are seen as essential to meeting these goals, providing both the technological innovation and the competitive edge needed to succeed in the global space race.

Summary

Landspace’s recent vertical takeoff and landing test represents a significant milestone in the company’s development of reusable rocket technology. By successfully demonstrating the ability to launch and land a rocket vertically, Landspace has taken an important step towards creating a reusable launch system that could lower the cost of access to space. With the ZQ-2 rocket, Landspace is poised to compete in the growing market for medium-lift launch vehicles. As the company continues to refine its technology, it is helping shape the future of commercial spaceflight, contributing to China’s emerging role in the global space industry.