China’s Zhuque-3 reusable rocket passes key test to rival SpaceX
\nby Chris Benson
\n Washington DC (UPI) Oct 22, 2025 <\/p>\n
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Chinese space authorities reached a new milestone this week as they tested a reusable rocket that they hope to use to join the United States, Japan and other nations in the bid for space dominance.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Chinese company LandSpace executed a static-fire test with its 217-foot-tall Zhuque-3 rocket launcher. The rocket is on the way to its inaugural test flight expected at some point later this year.<\/p>\n
“The vehicle will next proceed with planned vertical integration rehearsal, before returning to the technical zone for inspection and maintenance in preparation for its upcoming orbital launch and first-stage recovery,” LandSpace officials wrote on social media.<\/p>\n
The static-fire testing of the stainless steel space rocket is a common prelaunch trial in which the rocket remains anchored to the pad while its engines are fired.<\/p>\n
The test took place in northwestern China’s Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone.<\/p>\n
The Zhuque-3 can haul more than 40,000 pounds, which is about the same carrying power as the Falcon 9 produced by the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX. That rocket reportedly can carry a little more than 50,200 pounds.<\/p>\n
The Chinese government revealed its intent nearly a decade ago to be a top 3 global aerospace power by 2030.<\/p>\n
In July 2023, Beijing-based LandSpace’s 164-foot Zhuque-2 rocket lifted off from China’s Jiuquan launch complex in its first attempt at a methane-fueled rocket lift.<\/p>\n
China launched its Tianwen-2 space mission in May to collect asteroid samples and conduct a main-belt comet study.<\/p>\n
Less than a month later in April, the Chinese space agency sent three of its astronauts to Tiangong space station for six-month mission.<\/p>\n
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