China's first reusable rocket Zhuque-3 makes maiden voyage but recovery fails
8 days ago
- #space technology
- #rocket launch
- #China
- China's first reusable rocket, Zhuque-3, made its maiden voyage but the recovery attempt failed.
- The lower stage of the rocket appeared to catch fire before crashing near the recovery site.
- LandSpace, the Beijing-based commercial space company, is investigating the incident.
- The United States remains the only country to successfully return an orbital-class booster.
- China is competing for the second spot in reusable rocket technology with upcoming launches.
- The rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.
- The first stage experienced an anomaly during landing, failing to achieve a soft landing.
- Debris landed on the edge of the recovery pad, leading to a failed recovery test.