On May 17, 2025, at 12:12 local time, China's LandSpace successfully launched its Zhuque-2E rocket, placing six commercial satellites into low Earth orbit. This marks the fourth successful mission for the company, often referred to as the 'Chinese SpaceX.' The Zhuque-2E, powered by methane, demonstrates China's growing capabilities in affordable and reusable space access.
The rocket features four Tianque-12 engines in its first stage and an advanced Tianque-15A vacuum engine in the second stage. With a length of 47.3 meters and a launch mass of 219,000 kg, it can carry up to 6,000 kg to low Earth orbit. LandSpace is also developing the Zhuque-3, a larger reusable rocket aiming to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9.