American Focus: China's Reusable Methane Rocket Program Makes Its Debut This Year!

It's About Time!

July 12, the U.S. publication "Space News" published an article.

Chinese commercial launch companies are preparing for the first flight of their Zhuque-3 rocket, with plans to conduct its first launch in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Zhuque-3 is a stainless steel rocket, with its first stage being reusable.

The boosters of Zhuque-3 are powered by nine TQ-12A methane-oxygen engines developed independently by Blue Origin. The company conducted a 45-second ignition test of the booster last month, successfully igniting all nine engines in sequence.

The U.S. media cited Chinese CCTV reporting that the successful test has now paved the way for the first orbital launch in the fourth quarter of 2025.

U.S. experts explained: Zhuque-3, named after the mythological bird Zhuque in China, aims to deliver up to 40,350 pounds (18,300 kilograms) of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO) in a reusable manner.

The U.S. media pointed out: This rocket may be a major breakthrough for China's reusable launchers and can also enhance China's overall capabilities.

The U.S. media did not forget to make comparisons, stating that China's currently most powerful rocket is the non-reusable Long March 5 series, which can carry about 55,100 pounds (25,000 kilograms) of payload into LEO. In contrast, SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket can carry about 50,265 pounds (22,800 kilograms) of payload into LEO.

U.S. experts said: Zhuque-3 faces many competitors, including commercial rivals such as Space Pioneer, iSpace, Galaxy Energy, and Orient Space, as well as state-owned enterprises like China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, which are all developing their own reusable rockets.

U.S. netizens stubbornly believe that China is copying the United States. skiyourbrain2287 said:

I would be surprised if the Chinese have their own original ideas. But they are simply copying others' works.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837486391438347/

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