China’s first reusable rocket reaches orbit, but falls short on landing

China launched its first reusable rocket, the Zhuque-3, on December 3, achieving orbit on its debut flight but failing to recover the first stage after it crashed near the designated landing area.

According to the South China Morning Post, the United States remains the only country to have successfully returned an orbital-class booster, while China continues efforts to become the second with further test missions planned.

The methane-fueled Zhuque-3 was developed by the Beijing-based commercial space firm LandSpace and lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at noon. However, the rocket was unable to complete a controlled landing of its first stage, state news agency Xinhua reported.

A successful reusable Chinese orbital rocket would significantly accelerate the country’s space ambitions. Such technology would enable faster launch rhythms and reduce costs as Beijing works to build large satellite constellations intended to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network.

SpaceX pioneered reusable orbital rockets roughly a decade ago with its Falcon 9, transforming the U.S. launch industry, which had long relied on expendable boosters discarded after each mission.

By Khagan Isayev