China Recovers 2 Orbital Rocket Types, as Zhuque-3 Lands First Stage After Reaching Orbit
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 19
China Recovers 2 Orbital Rocket Types, as Zhuque-3 Lands First Stage After Reaching Orbit
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 19
Summary
Zhuque-3 became China’s first commercial rocket to both reach orbit and recover its first stage, marking the latest step in the country’s push into reusable orbital launches.
The landing-legs recovery mirrors SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and followed LandSpace’s earlier failed landing attempt in December 2025.
Last month’s Long March 10B mission gave China a second recovery path by catching an orbital booster with a sea-based net system rather than landing legs.
That combination makes China the first country to recover orbital launch rockets through 2 distinct technological methods, a dual-track feat the United States has not yet matched.
Could LandSpace's historic methane-fueled booster recovery finally break SpaceX's long-standing monopoly on reusable commercial launches?
What hidden refurbishment challenges might delay China's first land-recovered stainless-steel rocket from actually flying again?
LandSpace’s Historic Zhuque-3 Recovery: How China’s First Private Reusable Orbital Booster Is Disrupting the Global Launch Market at $2,800/kg
Overview
LandSpace made history on August 18, 2026, by successfully recovering the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket after learning from a failed landing in 2025. The company improved its rocket design and safety systems, leading to a smooth booster recovery and a major reduction in launch costs. This breakthrough positions LandSpace as a strong competitor to SpaceX, especially as China’s commercial space sector grows rapidly thanks to supportive government policies and access to state resources. With plans for megaconstellations and a major IPO, LandSpace is set to play a key role in meeting China’s soaring demand for satellite launches and global market ambitions.