LandSpace working staff introducing Zhuque-2 methalox technology at its booth at IAC 2023. /LandSpace
LandSpace working staff introducing Zhuque-2 methalox technology at its booth at IAC 2023. /LandSpace
Chinese private space launch provider LandSpace has officially opened its Zhuque-2 methalox launch vehicle for global commercial service, marking a milestone three months after the rocket became the world's first methane-propelled rocket to successfully reach orbit.
Xu Yawei, LandSpace's marketing director, made this announcement during a presentation at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, saying that the company is prepared to deepen its cooperation with international partners in this type of rocket technology.
Customers from over a dozen countries have expressed their interest in the commercial launch service, with several Letters of Intent signed during this year's IAC, according to Xu.
"The relevant parties will continue working towards finalizing these launch service contracts," he added.
China launched Zhuque-2 Y-2 rocket at 9:00 a.m. (BJT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, July 12, 2023. /LandSpace
China launched Zhuque-2 Y-2 rocket at 9:00 a.m. (BJT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, July 12, 2023. /LandSpace
The market manager introduced that Zhuque-2 will offer various launch modes, including dedicated launches, rideshares, and piggyback launches, all at competitive all-inclusive pricing.
During the presentation, LandSpace provided insights into its brand-new methalox launch system design and the technical problem-solving methodology for industry engineers.
China's Zhuque-2 Y-2 rocket ready for launch at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert in July 2023. /LandSpace
China's Zhuque-2 Y-2 rocket ready for launch at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert in July 2023. /LandSpace
LandSpace also unveiled its timetable at IAC 2023 for three to four launch missions by the end of 2024, including one mission scheduled for pre-shipment review and set to be conducted in November this year.
The company is aiming for a higher mission frequency, planning up to six launches in 2025. This may include the company's first reusable methane-propelled rocket, expected to launch in the second half of that year.
The liquid oxygen methane launch system is believed to offer excellent performance, low cost, strong reusability, and is considered the preferred choice for future space launches.