深蓝航天 Deep Blue Limited – Deep Blue AerospaceLandspace One of sixty Chinese private space Carrier Rocket Companies in China-People’s Republic of China… As many of sixty plus Private Rocket Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. was established in 2017. The company is mainly a high-tech aerospace enterprise that focuses on the direction of liquid recovery and reusable launch vehicles and provides users with commercial launch services. Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. At the same time, the company has rocket general and liquid engine R&D centers in Yizhuang, Beijing and Xi’an, Shaanxi, respectively, and a rocket power system test base in Tongchuan, Shaanxi…..
[Zhuque-3 Reusable Launch Vehicle Launched into Orbit]
On December 3, the Zhuque-3 Y1 launch vehicle was launched from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone Inner Mongolia, China, People’s Republic of China , successfully completing its flight mission according to procedure. The second stage of the rocket entered its predetermined orbit.
The Zhuque-3 is a new generation of low-cost, high-capacity, high-frequency, reusable liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicle independently developed by LandSpace Technology Co., Ltd. The Zhuque-3 Y1 launch vehicle adopts a single-core, two-stage tandem configuration. The first and second stages have a diameter of 4.5 meters, the fairing diameter is 5.2 meters, and the overall length is 66.1 meters. The propulsion system is based on LandSpace’s independently developed Tianque series liquid oxygen-methane engine. The first stage is equipped with a reaction control system, grid fins, and landing legs, enabling vertical return and reuse after orbital launch.
This mission also included a first-stage recovery verification test, but an abnormal combustion occurred during the process, failing to achieve a soft landing on the recovery site. The recovery test failed, and the specific cause is under further analysis and investigation.
Although this mission did not achieve the planned goal of recovering the first stage of the rocket, it verified the correctness and rationality of the entire process of testing, launching, and flying the Zhuque-3 carrier rocket, as well as the compatibility of the interfaces of various systems. It also obtained key engineering data under actual flight conditions, laying an important foundation for subsequent launch services and reliable, reusable stage recovery.
It is reported that the research and development team will conduct a comprehensive review and technical re-evaluation of this test process as soon as possible, thoroughly investigate the cause of the failure, continuously optimize the recovery plan, and continue to promote reusability verification in subsequent missions.
[#Zhuque-3# Reusable Launch Vehicle Launched into Orbit]
On December 3, the Zhuque-3 Y1 launch vehicle was launched from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone and successfully completed its flight mission. The second stage of the rocket entered its predetermined orbit. The Zhuque-3 is a new generation of low-cost, high-capacity, high-frequency, reusable liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicle independently developed by LandSpace Technology Co., Ltd. The Zhuque-3 Y1 launch vehicle adopts a single-core, two-stage tandem configuration. The first and second stages have a diameter of 4.5 meters, the fairing diameter is 5.2 meters, and the overall length is 66.1 meters. The propulsion system is based on LandSpace’s independently developed Tianque series liquid oxygen-methane engine.
The first stage is equipped with a reaction control system, grid fins, and landing legs, enabling vertical return and reuse after orbital launch. This mission also included a first-stage recovery verification test, but an abnormal combustion occurred during the process, failing to achieve a soft landing on the recovery site. The recovery test failed, and the specific cause is under further analysis and investigation. Although this mission did not achieve the intended goal of recovering the first stage of the rocket, it verified the correctness and rationality of the entire process plan for the testing, launch, and flight of the Zhuque-3 launch vehicle, as well as the compatibility of the interfaces of various systems. It also obtained key engineering data under actual flight conditions, laying an important foundation for subsequent launch services and reliable, reusable stage recovery. It is understood that the research and development team will conduct a comprehensive review and technical re-evaluation of this test process as soon as possible, thoroughly investigate the cause of the failure, continuously optimize the recovery plan, and continue to promote reusability verification in subsequent missions.
深蓝航天 Deep Blue Limited – Deep Blue AerospaceLandspace One of sixty Chinese private space Carrier Rocket Companies in China-People’s Republic of China… As many of sixty plus Private Rocket Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. was established in 2017. The company is mainly a high-tech aerospace enterprise that focuses on the direction of liquid recovery and reusable launch vehicles and provides users with commercial launch services. Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. At the same time, the company has rocket general and liquid engine R&D centers in Yizhuang, Beijing and Xi’an, Shaanxi, respectively, and a rocket power system test base in Tongchuan, Shaanxi…..
The Zhuque-3 (YY1) carrier rocket is expected to make its maiden flight at the Blue Arrow Aerospace Liquid Oxygen Methane Launch Pad 2 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center as early as 12:00 Beijing time on December 3, 2025. Following this, the first stage of the rocket will attempt its first orbital recovery. As a reusable large liquid oxygen methane carrier rocket developed by a private commercial rocket company, it has attracted considerable attention due to a combination of factors. How should we view the Zhuque-3 and its maiden flight?
Representative of China’s reusable liquid oxygen-methane rocket
In the global space industry, with the in-depth development of Earth orbit resources and the advancement of space technology, the number and quality of planned spacecraft launches are rapidly increasing, while the launch opportunities provided by launch vehicles, especially large launch vehicles, are limited. Following the implementation of space engineering plans exemplified by giant low-Earth orbit satellite constellations, a huge number of constellation satellites are queuing for launch, exacerbating the contradiction of too many satellites and too few launch vehicles. This urgently necessitates large launch vehicles to provide low-cost launch services, making large reusable liquid oxygen-methane rockets one of the optimal choices.
Founded in June 2015, LandSpace is one of China’s earliest private commercial rocket companies, aiming to develop reusable rockets, benchmarking against SpaceX. Leveraging its late-mover advantage, LandSpace skipped the liquid oxygen/kerosene route in its liquid rocket development, opting directly for the superior liquid oxygen/methane route. LandSpace first developed the expendable liquid rocket “Zhuque-2,” and then built the large, reusable methane rocket “Zhuque-3” based on the main propulsion technology of “Zhuque-2.”
In the long run, among reusable rockets, the liquid oxygen-methane propulsion route is a superior overall choice compared to the liquid oxygen-kerosene propulsion route. While methane, as its propellant, offers some cost advantages, its greatest advantage lies in the time cost advantage regarding the reusability interval. Because the coking and carbon buildup after methane combustion is extremely minimal, recovery and maintenance costs are lower. More importantly, its recovery and reuse cycle is shorter, enabling immediate reuse upon recovery. A single rocket module can achieve a higher frequency of launches, further driving down launch costs.
As one of the earliest private commercial rocket companies in China to explore liquid oxygen-methane propulsion, LandSpace was also one of the first companies in China to plan and develop reusable liquid oxygen-methane rockets. Its flagship, the “Zhuque-3,” has become a representative of China’s reusable liquid oxygen-methane rockets. After the improved version of the “Zhuque-3” enters operation, it will gradually meet the launch requirements of “large payload capacity, high frequency, and low cost,” and will ultimately become the mainstay model of China’s commercial launch vehicles.
Condition after the test firing of the “Tianque-12A” nozzle inside
One of China’s earliest rockets to achieve orbital recovery.
For half a century after the successful launch of the world’s first artificial Earth satellite, major spacefaring nations primarily developed expendable launch vehicles. Later, due to increased launch demands and technological advancements, reusable rockets became an option. As early as the late 20th century, China closely monitored the development of reusable launch vehicles globally. In the early 21st century, China began exploring reusable rocket technologies and made appropriate progress in tackling key technologies for reusable launch vehicles. Today, with SpaceX having successfully pioneered the reusable rocket route, developing reusable rockets has become an inevitable trend.
Starting in the 2020s, based on the previous technological accumulation, China successively launched the development of multiple types of reusable rockets. State-owned aerospace enterprises and commercial aerospace enterprises made progress at the same time. In terms of development progress, “Zhuque-3” is one of the most advanced reusable models.
Currently, at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Experimental Zone of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, four types of liquid-fueled launch vehicles built to reusable standards have entered the site for their maiden flights, including Tianbing Technology’s “Tianlong-3”, CAS Aerospace’s “Lijian-2”, the Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology’s “Long March 12A” and “Zhuque-3”. Among them, the first stage of “Long March 12A” and “Zhuque-3” has the capability to attempt orbital recovery.
In 2024, at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Experimental Zone, the “Zhuque-3” VTVL-1 recovery test rocket successfully completed a 350-meter low-altitude vertical takeoff and landing flight test (January 19, 2024) and a 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing flight test (September 11, 2024). On June 23, 2024, at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Experimental Zone, the “Long March 12A” Longxing-2 test rocket successfully completed a 12-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing flight test. On January 19, 2025, the Longxing-2 test rocket conducted China’s first 75-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing flight test, aiming to achieve sea splashdown recovery. The next goal for both types of rockets is to achieve orbital insertion and recovery.
The Long March 12A reusable liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicle
Orbital-level recovery is an extremely challenging technical project, involving high-altitude, high-speed, high-precision, and long-range target practice. Taking the recovery of the Falcon 9 low Earth orbit (LEO) launch mission as an example, the horizontal distance between the recovery ship and the launch pad is 300 kilometers. After the first and second stages separate, the first stage falls at an altitude of over 100 kilometers and a speed of approximately 2,000 meters per second (the Chinese high-speed speed limit is approximately 33 meters per second). Four minutes after the start of descent, the first stage needs to land quickly and precisely on the deck of the recovery ship, which is only a few tens of meters wide, with the landing deviation controlled within 10 meters, equivalent to the precision of threading a needle 100 meters long.
To achieve rocket recovery, the rocket engine needs to have multiple ignition capabilities (three ignitions are required for recovery in the flight area, including takeoff ignition), deep thrust variation capabilities (adjustment range greater than 50%–100%), and precise thrust adjustment capabilities (control accuracy reaching 0.5% of rated thrust). Only in this way can a large velocity reduction (from approximately 2000 m/s to 1 m/s) be completed quickly and accurately. Simultaneously, to achieve high-precision target acquisition, the first stage needs to be equipped with a high-level guidance, navigation, and control system (GNC), including: guidance section: flight control computer; navigation section: inertial measurement unit (gyroscope, accelerometer); control section: attitude control system, grid fins, ultimately controlling the rocket’s first stage to precisely adjust its attitude and land smoothly according to the designed flight trajectory.
It’s true that Zhuque-3 can drive the industrial chain, but not in the way shown in the picture. Aside from the few companies that have invested, who would dare to buy it? I can only say you’re incredibly brave.
Comparison of parameters between the basic and improved versions of “Zhuque-3”
It is expected that the Long March 12A will conduct its maiden flight into orbit and recover its first stage in December 2025. As a reusable methane rocket that will also make its maiden flight at the same time, the Zhuque-3 will become one of the earliest rockets in China to achieve orbital stage recovery. If successful, it is expected to become China’s first rocket to achieve orbital recovery, which will be a landmark event in the history of China’s launch vehicle development, signifying that China’s launch vehicles have begun to leap from single-use to reusable.
The distance between a successful maiden flight and achieving full capability is more than “one kilometer”.
The “Zhuque-3” rocket’s maiden flight was conducted on the basic model. Compared to the improved version, the basic model has a smaller takeoff mass, lower altitude, and smaller payload capacity. The basic model has a total height of 66.1 meters, a takeoff mass of approximately 570 tons, a takeoff thrust of approximately 770 tons, a low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity of 11.8 tons in non-recoverable state, a payload coefficient of 2.1%, and a LEO payload capacity of 8 tons upon recovery. In recoverable state, the basic “Zhuque-3” rocket’s payload capacity is only equivalent to that of the “Long March 8,” while in non-recoverable state, its payload capacity is only equivalent to that of the “Long March 8A” and “Long March 12.”
It is evident that the “Zhuque-3” basic model is only a transitional version of this series of rockets, with the main goal of achieving continuous and stable orbital launch and recovery and reuse capabilities. Referring to the development path of “Zhuque-2”, the “Zhuque-3” basic model will also only be produced in small batches initially, with improvements made as it is developed. It will undergo at least one major iteration, replacing the “Tianque-12A” and “Tianque-15A” main engines of the first and second stages with the more powerful “Tianque-12B” and “Tianque-15B” respectively, ultimately achieving the target near-Earth payload capacity of 21.3 tons.
The transition from the basic to the improved version of the “Zhuque-3” rocket will be a lengthy process. During this period, “Zhuque-3” will be unable to provide “large transport capacity” or implement “high-frequency, low-cost” launches. Even after the improved version is launched, the process of building this capability—from initial success to consecutive successes, and then to achieving high-frequency launches—will be gradual and time-consuming. Therefore, even if “Zhuque-3” successfully completes its maiden flight, it will still be a long way from providing the “large transport capacity, high-frequency, low-cost” launch services that the market expects, requiring a scientific and rational understanding.
Conclusion
After years of technological accumulation, China’s reusable launch vehicles are entering the orbital flight test phase. Multiple rocket types are planned for their maiden orbital flights between 2025 and 2026, with several models, including “Nebula-1A” and “Zhishenxing-1,” attempting orbital-level recovery. “Zhuque-3” is one such representative. For reusable rockets, the first priority is a successful launch, followed by continuous and stable successful launches, and only then successful recovery and reuse, and continuous and stable recovery and reuse. Therefore, the primary objective of the “Zhuque-3” maiden flight mission is also successful orbital insertion, while also considering orbital recovery. Successful orbital insertion constitutes a mission success; while recovery is expected, it shouldn’t be overly demanding, as there is no precedent in the world for achieving success in one step. Finally, we hope that “Zhuque-3” will successfully launch and return safely.
At 20:20 on November 30, the Long March-7A carrier rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, successfully sending the Shijian-28 satellite into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success.
At 20:20 Beijing time on November 30, 2025, the Long March 7A Y10 carrier rocket was launched from launch pad 201 at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, successfully sending the Shijian-28 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
The “Shijian-28” satellite is a high-orbit satellite developed under the overall leadership of the Communication and Navigation Satellite Department of the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Its communication payload was developed by the Xi’an Branch of CASC. The Shijian satellite series is a large and complex network, covering both low and high orbits, and its uses include scientific exploration and technological experiments. On January 9, 2023, during the fifth launch mission of the Long March 7A (Y4) rocket, “Shijian-23” was successfully placed into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
The Long March 7A is a medium-sized cryogenic liquid propellant launch vehicle developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It is mainly used for launching missions into medium and high Earth orbit. The rocket adopts a three-and-a-half-stage series-parallel configuration, with the core stage consisting of a core first stage, a core second stage, and a core third stage connected in series, and four boosters bundled together with the core first stage.
The Long March 7A rocket is 60.13 meters tall (with a standard 4.2-meter diameter fairing), its core stage has a maximum diameter of 3.35 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 570 tons, a liftoff thrust of 727 tons, and a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) payload capacity of no less than 7 tons. This rocket is equipped with a standard 4.2-meter diameter fairing.
This launch mission marked the first use of a universal ground-based telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) system (test, launch, and control system) and a new active launch platform, enhancing the standardization and intelligence of ground equipment.
Currently, the technical status and management processes of the Long March 7A rocket are becoming increasingly mature and stable, with the launch site process gradually reduced from the initial 35 days to 19 days. Going forward, the project team will continue to strengthen quality control and technical status management, continuously optimize the testing and launch process, and further improve the rocket’s overall performance and launch efficiency.
Since its maiden flight on March 16, 2020, the Long March 7A rocket has carried out 13 launches, including 5 in 2025, compared to a previous record of 2 launches per year. The significant increase in the annual launch volume of the Long March 7A is attributed to improvements in rocket production capacity and launch efficiency, and the annual launch volume and launch density are expected to continue to rise.
This mission marks the 101st launch of the new-generation Long March rocket and the 611th launch of the Long March series rockets. It also represents the 10th launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in 2025, marking the first time the site has achieved 10 launches in a single year since its maiden voyage.
The Shijian-28 satellite was developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The Long March-7A carrier rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is China’s new generation of medium-lift, high-orbit liquid-fueled carrier rocket. In this mission, the Long March-7A rocket adopted a basic configuration with a 4.2-meter diameter fairing and, for the first time, used a universal ground tracking and control system and a new mobile launch platform, improving the standardization and intelligence of ground equipment.
This launch was the 611th launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
On the day Monday of Hong Kong SAR- Beijing Time 25 th November 2025 CNSA –China National Space Administration , China, People’s Republic of China At intensive preparations to welcome them home. According to the plan, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft Chang Zheng – Long March 2F will be launched Readiness soon, the Long March 2F Unmanned Shenzou 22 it has been transported to the launch tower for launch Readiness schedule soon ….
[Shenzhou-22 Spacecraft Scheduled for Launch on November 25]
Shenzhou21 Crew In Good Condition According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the Long March 2F Y22 carrier rocket has completed propellant loading and is scheduled to launch the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, 2025 (Beijing time). The Shenzhou-21 Takionaut crew is functioning normally in orbit and in good condition
[ A little about the Shenzhou- 20 manned spacecraft’s return capsule window Debris impact ]
The China Manned Space Administration officially announced the reason for the delayed return of Shenzhou-20: Based on prior analysis of photographs, design verification, simulation analysis, and wind tunnel tests, a comprehensive evaluation revealed a minor crack in the glass of the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft’s return capsule window. The most likely cause was an external impact from space debris, thus failing to meet the release conditions for a safe manned return. The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft will remain in orbit to conduct relevant experiments. The Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-21 return capsule. The return capsule’s window….
[ Shenzhou22 Mission Logo Released ]
With the launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft imminent, the China Manned Space Engineering Office has officially released the logo for this mission. The
Shenzhou22 Mission logo integrates Chinese aerospace elements with traditional cultural symbols. The logo uses the Great Wall as its base, reflecting a solemn commitment to the safety of astronauts. The bow and arrow shape, along with the Long March 2F carrier rocket and the Shenzhou spacecraft, forms the main visual element, showcasing a sense of “ready to launch” and a firm belief in “mission accomplished.” Twenty-two arrows surround the logo, precisely corresponding to the mission number. In the color scheme, blue interprets the foundation of aerospace technology, red represents mission responsibility, and orange highlights the swiftness of emergency rescue. The overall design not only continues the aesthetic heritage of Chinese aerospace logos but also innovatively incorporates emergency rescue elements, perfectly interpreting the core value of “protecting life with aerospace power” and showcasing the technological strength and humanistic care of China’s aerospace industry.
At 12:11 PM Beijing time on November 25, 2025, the Long March 2F Y22 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou22 spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Approximately 10 minutes later, the spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket and entered its predetermined orbit, marking a complete success for the launch mission. After entering orbit, the spacecraft will autonomously and rapidly rendezvous and dock with the space station complex according to the predetermined procedures.
The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is unmanned and carries space food, space medicine, fresh fruits and vegetables, a device for dealing with cracks in the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft’s portholes, and spare parts required by the space station. This mission is the 38th launch mission since the inception of China’s manned space program and the 610th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets. It
is also the first emergency launch mission of China’s manned space program.
The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft meets the requirement of autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking in 3.5 hours.
[Dock Successful! Shenzhou22 Docks With Space Station ]
After successfully entering orbit, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft completed its status setup and successfully docked with the forward port of the Tianhe core module of the space station at 15:50 Beijing time on November 25, 2025. Following the docking, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft will enter the combined docking section and will subsequently serve as the return spacecraft for the Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew.
Currently, the Shenzhou-21takionaut crew is in good condition in orbit and is completing all planned tasks. The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft will continue to remain in orbit to conduct relevant experiments.
After the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft’s return was delayed on November 5 due to a suspected impact from small space debris, the mission command quickly activated its contingency plan. The entire project team responded calmly and scientifically, with numerous participating research and testing units working together to overcome difficulties. Within 20 days, they steadily and efficiently completed risk analysis and assessment, scheme demonstration and decision-making, personnel and material mobilization, crew transfer and return, and emergency launch of the spacecraft, providing a successful example for the international aerospace field in efficiently responding to emergencies.
The success of this mission fully demonstrates the advantages of the new national system, profoundly interprets the “life first, safety first” philosophy of China’s manned space program, comprehensively verifies the scientific reliability of the “one-for-one, rolling backup” strategy for China’s space station mission, and practically tests the rapid response and emergency handling capabilities of the entire project. It vividly embodies the spirit of manned spaceflight: exceptionally hardworking, exceptionally capable of fighting, exceptionally resilient, and exceptionally dedicated .
On the 21ST November 25 2025 launch CNSA _China National Space Administration -China – People’s Republic of China Hong Kong –Beijing Time China- People’s Republic of China…. at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province of the Xichang Launch Center Today, China successfully launched Communication Technology Test Satellite 21 into space using the Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center…..
At 18:55 on November 21, the Long March 3B carrier rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, successfully sending the Communication Technology Test Satellite 21 into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success
[Long March 3B Rocket Successfully Launches Communication Technology Test Satellite 21 ]
The Communication Technology Test Satellite 21 was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). This satellite is mainly used for satellite communication, broadcasting, data transmission, and related technology testing and verification. The Long March 3B rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is a member of the “Gold Medal Rocket” Long March 3A series of carrier rockets and is the first domestic carrier rocket to achieve parallel testing, assembly, and testing at dual launch sites.
This launch was the 609th launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
