Landspace Targets Aug. 10 Zhuque-3 Relaunch for China’s 4th Orbital Booster Recovery Attempt
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Aug 7
Landspace Targets Aug. 10 Zhuque-3 Relaunch for China’s 4th Orbital Booster Recovery Attempt
3 articles · Updated · Space.com · Aug 7
Summary
Aug. 10 is the target for Landspace’s second Zhuque-3 launch and landing try from Jiuquan, based on airspace closure notices pointing to a liftoff around 23:45 GMT.
June 29 static-fire results cleared the way for the attempt, with Landspace saying all systems operated normally after the first Zhuque-3 booster exploded during its final descent in December 2025.
66-meter Zhuque-3 uses methane-liquid oxygen engines, can carry 18,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit, and will attempt a Falcon 9-style powered landing on legs.
China has already made three orbital booster recovery attempts; the latest, a Long March 10B mission on July 10, succeeded with a net-capture vessel, making China the second country to land an orbital booster.
What crucial engineering fixes will determine if China's massive stainless-steel Zhuque-3 rocket survives its perilous vertical descent this weekend?
With China's recent net-capture booster success, will Landspace’s risky leg-landing attempt prove that private companies can out-innovate state space programs?