Zhuque-3 (LandSpace)
The Zhuque-3 is a reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by LandSpace (established in 2015). It undertook its inaugural launch on 12/03/2025.
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.
Zhuque-3 Specifications
| Alias | ZQ-3 |
|---|---|
| Length | 76.6 m |
| Diameter | 4.5 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 660 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 9000 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 21300 kg |
Zhuque-3 Launch Record
| Total Launches | 2 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 2 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 2 |
Zhuque-3 Landing Record
| Attempted Landings | 2 |
|---|---|
| Successful Landings | 1 |
| Failed Landings | 1 |
| Consecutive Successful Landings | 1 |
| Fastest Turnaround | 258 days 19 hrs 35 min 20 sec |
Manufacturer
Founder: Zhang Changwu
LandSpace is a Chinese private space launch company based in Beijing. It was founded in 2015 by Tsinghua University alumni Zhang Changwu.