Demo Flight
Zhuque-3
LandSpace
Mission
Demo Flight
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
First test launch of LandSpace’s ZQ-3 rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.
Location
Launch Area 96B
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Area 96B has witnessed the launch of 1 rockets, including 1 orbital launch attempts. While Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 277 rocket launches.
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
Rocket
LandSpace Zhuque-3
Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by Chinese private company LandSpace. The rocket is built using stainless steel and shares the same series of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines as in the currently active ZQ-2E rocket.
The first stage uses 9 TQ-12 engines (initially the TQ-12A, then upgraded TQ-12B) while the second stage uses 1 TQ-15 engine (TQ-15A, then TQ-15B).
On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.
Landing
Core ZQ-3 F1
The Zhuque-3 first stage booster executed its re-entry burn normally, but the landing burn was abnormal and the booster crashed next to its downrange landing pad on its landing attempt. Booster ZQ-3 F1 last launched 12/03/2025 and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. First stage booster used on the 1st flight of LandSpace's Zhuque-3 rocket. Booster attempted to land downrange on its dedicated landing pad, but impacted the edge of the pad following an abnormal landing burn.
Zhuque-3 Landing Site - ZQ-3 LZ
Landing site for first stage boosters of LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 rocket at Minqin County, Gansu Province, China.
Vertical Landing - VL
Vertical landing using engines
Agency
LandSpace
LandSpace is a Chinese private space launch company based in Beijing. It was founded in 2015 by Tsinghua University alumni Zhang Changwu.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Zhuque-3 launch scheduled?
The LandSpace Zhuque-3 launch carrying the Demo Flight mission was scheduled for:
.
Where did the Zhuque-3 launch from?
The LandSpace Zhuque-3 rocket launched from Launch Area 96B at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
What rocket was used for the Demo Flight mission?
The Demo Flight mission launched aboard a LandSpace Zhuque-3 rocket. Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by Chinese private company LandSpace. The rocket is built using stainless steel and shares the same series of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines as in the currently active ZQ-2E rocket. <br> <br>The first stage uses 9 TQ-12 engines (initially the TQ-12A, then upgraded TQ-12B) while the second stage uses 1 TQ-15 engine (TQ-15A, then TQ-15B). <br> <br>On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the Zhuque-3 booster attempt a landing?
Yes, the Zhuque-3 first stage booster attempted a Vertical Landing at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows LandSpace to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Zhuque-3 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
