Science & Tech 19 August 2026
China Becomes First to Recover Orbital Rockets Using Two Methods
Why in the News?
Chinese private space company LandSpace successfully landed the first stage of its Zhuque-3 orbital rocket on land. This milestone marks China's first successful land-based recovery of an orbital rocket's first stage and makes China the first country to demonstrate orbital stage recovery using two distinct methods.
Key Features / Major Points:
Mission Execution: The 66-metre Zhuque-3 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, successfully placing the Honghu-3 internet satellite into orbit before landing vertically in Minqin county, Gansu province.
Two-Track Recovery Approach: In July, state-owned CASC recovered a Long March-10B booster using a sea-based net. Zhuque-3 achieved recovery using conventional landing legs on land, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 recovery model.
Rocket Specifications: Zhuque-3 features a stainless-steel body and is powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen. LandSpace aims for the booster to be reused up to 20 times.
Strategic Ambition: Reusable booster technology is crucial for China to rapidly deploy its massive mega-constellations such as Guowang and Qianfan, each planned to comprise over 10,000 satellites.
Static GK Facts:
LandSpace (LandSpace Technology Corporation):
Type: Chinese Private Aerospace Manufacturer
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Space Profile - China:
National Space Agency: China National Space Administration (CNSA)
Key Launch Centre: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (Gobi Desert)
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Which Chinese private space firm successfully conducted the land-based vertical recovery of the Zhuque-3 rocket stage?
Answer: LandSpace
What propellant mixture powers the Zhuque-3 reusable orbital rocket?
Answer: Liquid Methane and Liquid Oxygen