China’s LandSpace Launches Improved Methane-Powered Rocket with Six Satellites

China’s private company LandSpace successfully launched an upgraded methane-fueled rocket today, sending six satellites into orbit. The launch happened at 12:12 p.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This flight marks the fifth mission of the Zhuque-2 series, according to the company. LandSpace, based in Beijing, was the first company in the world to launch a methane-liquid oxygen rocket in July 2023, ahead of U.S. rivals like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Methane is becoming a popular rocket fuel because it is cleaner, safer, and cheaper than traditional hydrocarbon fuels. It is also well suited for reusable rockets, which can lower launch costs. LandSpace has improved the payload capacity of its rocket to meet growing demand in China’s commercial space sector. The company is working to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network by building its own constellation of satellites.

Today’s launch carried six satellites developed mainly by the Chinese company Spacety, also called Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute. The payload included one radar satellite, two multispectral satellites, and three scientific research satellites weighing between 20 kg and 300 kg. The scientific satellites will support China’s deep-space exploration goals, while the multispectral satellites will monitor the environment and locate mineral deposits.

The radar satellite can capture images day and night, even through clouds and rain. It can detect very small movements on the Earth’s surface, making it useful for urban planning, transportation, and monitoring energy infrastructure.

Spacety was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in January 2023 for allegedly providing radar satellite data to a Russian company involved in military operations in Ukraine. Spacety denied the accusations, stating its products are for commercial and civilian use only.

Reusable rockets reduce launch costs and increase the number of missions. LandSpace’s founder said the company is developing reusable rockets and plans a test launch in the second half of 2025. The new Zhuque-2E rocket includes improvements that increase thrust by chilling both liquid oxygen and methane below their boiling points.

Private investment in China’s space industry started in 2014 when the government allowed it. LandSpace was one of the first and most well-funded companies. Founded in 2015, it has attracted investments from firms like HongShan (formerly Sequoia Capital China), Country Garden, and the China SME Development Fund. In December, LandSpace raised 900 million yuan (US$120 million) from a state-owned manufacturing fund. In 2020, it raised 1.2 billion yuan (US$170 million), according to Chinese corporate data.

This launch is a key step toward LandSpace’s goal of making methane-powered reusable rockets a reality. These rockets can lower space transportation costs and boost China’s presence in the global commercial space market. The company aims to launch reusable rockets capable of multiple flights, which will help China compete internationally and expand satellite-based services.