China Nears First Reusable Rocket Launches

China is preparing to launch three partially reusable rockets, expected to debut before year-end. This marks a significant milestone, with one of these being China’s first reusable rocket and the first outside the United States to do so.

The Long March 12A, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, was seen at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, indicating its readiness for launch. This rocket, powered by liquid methane and oxygen, features two stages with 3.8-meter diameters. The first stage uses seven Longyun engines, and the second has a single vacuum-optimized YF-209 engine, capable of lifting around 12,000 kg. The first stage aims for reusability through a landing burn on four legs, guided by grid fins. Details about its development remain sparse, but recent tests include a high-altitude hop in January and a static fire in August. The rocket’s transport hardware was delivered in November, and engine verification for reusability is ongoing. Its launch debut may occur soon, possibly with a static fire before its first flight in December.

Meanwhile, LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 rocket is also positioned at Jiuquan, following its October arrival. Standing 66 meters tall and 4.5 meters wide, it burns liquid methane and oxygen, with a payload capacity of roughly 11,800 kg. The rocket’s first stage uses two TQ-12A engines, and the second stage has a vacuum-optimized TQ-15A engine. Like the Long March 12A, Zhuque-3 will land on four legs with grid fins guiding its descent. Its development has been highly successful, culminating in a 10-kilometer hop test in September 2024 and static fire tests in June, with hardware flown on previous Zhuque rockets.

Lastly, Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3 rocket has arrived at Jiuquan for testing. The two-stage rocket, 72 meters tall and 3.8 meters wide, uses kerosene and liquid oxygen, capable of carrying up to 17,000 kg to low Earth orbit. Its first stage, equipped with nine engines, will land on four legs guided by grid fins. Recent testing includes a fully successful static fire in September. Currently, it is undergoing integrated ground testing, but no reuse hardware has been installed yet.

These developments reflect China’s rapid progress in reusable rocket technology, positioning it as a key player in the future of space access.

FAQs

Q: Why are reusable rockets important?
Reusable rockets significantly reduce space launch costs and enable more frequent access to space by allowing core components to be recovered and reused.

Q: What makes China’s rockets unique?
China’s rockets are among the first outside the US to feature partial reusability, utilizing advanced landing and guidance systems to recover stages for potential reflight.

Q: When will these rockets likely launch?
The Long March 12A may conduct its first launch as early as December, while the Zhuque-3 and Tianlong-3 are in the testing and ground readiness phases, with launches anticipated soon after.

Q: How does reusability impact space exploration?
Reusability improves sustainability, lowers costs, and accelerates innovation, facilitating more ambitious missions and broader access to space.

Q: Are these rockets capable of full reusability?
Currently, they are partially reusable, with plans to land and refurbish stages for future launches, marking a significant step toward full reusability in Chinese space technology.