China Launches World's First Methane-Powered Rocket, beats SpaceX

Landspace Successfully Launches Zhuque-2 Y2: A Pioneering Liquid Oxygen Methane Rocket. - July 13, 2023

Editor’s Note:

• Liquid oxygen methane has become the preferred choice for future rocket propulsion due to its advantages for commercial launches.

• The Zhuque-2 Y2 is the world's first liquid oxygen methane rocket to reach orbit, representing a breakthrough in China’s adoption of this new and cost-effective propulsion system.

• It's worth noting that earlier this year, two other rockets powered by liquid oxygen and methane - the Terran 1 from Relativity Space in the US and SpaceX's Starship - failed in their initial attempts to reach orbit.

On July 12th at 9:00 a.m., Landspace Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. successfully launched its Zhuque-2 Y2 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. The rocket entered its scheduled orbit, marking the mission a resounding success.

This milestone event establishes the Zhuque-2 Y2 as the world's first liquid oxygen methane rocket to successfully enter orbit. It represents a significant breakthrough in China's adoption of a new, low-cost…