tech
A spectacular explosion shows China is close to obtaining reusable rockets
“China’s first rocket recovery attempt achieved its expected technical objectives.”
TL;DR
- LandSpace successfully launched its new Zhuque-3 rocket, powered by nine methane-fueled engines.
- The rocket reached its target orbit, marking a success for the orbital launch mission.
- The first stage booster, designed for recovery and reuse, failed during its landing burn, resulting in a crash.
- An anomaly occurred after the booster initiated its landing burn, preventing a soft landing.
- The crash landing is considered an auspicious result for a first attempt, with the booster appearing to survive reentry.
- The Zhuque-3 is China's first rocket with a design for recovery and reuse.
- China aims to develop reusable rockets to compete with the US launch industry and support satellite constellations.
- Several other Chinese companies are also developing reusable rockets, including the Long March 12A.