China Has Three Reusable Rockets Ready for Their Debut Flights
15 days ago
- #Reusable Rockets
- #China Space Program
- #Space Technology
- China is preparing for the debut flights of three partially reusable rockets: Long March 12A, Zhuque-3, and Tianlong-3.
- Long March 12A, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, uses liquid methane and liquid oxygen, with a first-stage landing system involving grid fins and four legs.
- Zhuque-3, by LandSpace, also uses methane and oxygen, has completed successful hop tests, and aims for a first-stage landing during its debut flight.
- Tianlong-3, by Space Pioneer, burns kerosene and liquid oxygen, has conducted successful static fires, and plans for first-stage reuse with grid fins and landing legs.
- LandSpace may launch China's first reusable rocket, potentially on November 29th, though the date is unconfirmed.
- Successful first-stage landings would make China the third country globally to achieve this, after SpaceX and Blue Origin.
- These rockets will support China's mega-constellations by enabling cheaper and more frequent launches.