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Founded in 2015, Landspace was clear on its goal for reusability from the start. It quickly decided to abandon the solid fueled Zhu Que 1 (henceforth abbreviated as ZQ). Then came the even quicker R&D of the liquid fueled ZQ 2, unlocking a source of income but most importantly a testing platform. The engines used on ZQ 2 will be the same as on ZQ 3. However, the current engines (TQ-12) on the ZQ 2 did not meet the performance requirements for ZQ3.
Landspace recognized this and took the problem one step at a time, first improving the engine (TQ-12A) and putting it on the expendable rocket, the ZQ 2E. Due to delays in the development of the TQ-12B, Landspace took a bold approach to create a scaled down ZQ 3 with the existing and matured TQ-12A. This is what took flight on December 3rd, 2025.
Although the first landing was not successful, Landspace likely has the engines and production speed to attempt a second flight soon. It is expected that the scaled down ZQ 3 will attempt 3 flights in total. By that time, the TQ 12B should be finished, and the resusable space age of China will commence!
ZhuQue 2 and 2E
ZhuQue 2 and 2E
In December of 2022, Landspace unveiled the expendable Zhu Que 2. The first stage uses 4 TQ12 liquid engines.
ZhuQue 2 has two successes out of three launches.
In November of 2024, Landspace upgraded the rocket to become the ZhuQue 2E (E for "Enhanced"), which featured the improved TQ-15A engine.
2E has a record of three successes out of four launches.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-experiences-in-flight-failure
On May 14th 2026, Landspace debuted the newest iteration of ZQ2, which includes a longer first stage, mass savings by remove fins, and improvement of software.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-successfully-proves-stretched
Hopper Test 1
Hopper Test 1
On January 19th, 2024, Landspace conducted its first test hop for ZhuQue 3. The vehicle reached a maximum height of 350 meters, and successfully landed 100 meters away on the landing pad. The total duration of this test flight was 60 seconds.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btVVemExemg
Hopper Test 2
Hopper Test 2
On September 11th, 2024, less than 1 year after the first test, Landspace conducted its second hop for ZhuQue 3. For this test, the vehicle reached a maximum height of 10 kilometers. The total duration of this test flight was 200 seconds.
Besides the increase in altitude, this flight also featured 4 gridfins, further replicating in flight conditions and supporting the path towards reusability. With the increase in altitude, the test vehicle also conducted an inflight engine cutoff and relight.
Onboard Camera View of Relight and Gridfins: https://youtu.be/QH-TCwIhtWw
Landing Leg Test
Landing Leg Test
March 23rd, 2025
Simple demonstration of ZhuQue 3's landing legs deploying.
Note, these legs have not been attached to the test article as it it is not needed for the static fire test.
Static Fire Test Vehicle
Static Fire Test Vehicle
On June 20th, 2025, Landspace conducted a static of a ZhuQue 3 first stage test article. Note, this is a test article designed specifically for the static fire. A separate booster will be built for the actual flight.
This static fire was fully successful (hehe), and featured gimbling of all 4 able engines. Also, the static fire was done directly on the launch pad, which helps with preparation / hardware for the actual launch.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-fires-up-reusable-zhuque
Maiden Flight Booster Photos
Maiden Flight Booster Photos
On August 9th, 2025, we have new images of the booster that will be used for the maiden flight. Note, this booster is shorter than the one intended for the fianl design of ZhuQue 3.
Also, the engines from the static fire vehcile were likely moved here, as you can see with the photo on the bottom right. I originally thought the static fire vehcile was only used to verify booster performance, but relocating the engines makes more sense.
Landing Site Complete
Landing Site Complete
Around July 2025, construction began at this site. After visual of the shape, it is basically confirmed to be fore ZhuQue 3 (matches the handout) The pad was completed sometime in August. The site is located around 390km southeast of JSLC, further than the circular pad.
Cords: 38°26'42.0"N 103°28'51.6"E
ZhuQue 3 (ZQ 3)
ZhuQue 3 (ZQ 3)
The ZhuQue 3 is Landspace's answer to the Chinese reusability race.
Fuel - Liquid Methane
Tonnage - 21,300 kilograms expendable and 18,300 reusable.
The final version of ZQ 3 will use the improved TQ 12B (currently under development), and be taller.
Full Stack
Full Stack
On October 17th, 2025, Landspace revealed that the maiden flight ZhuQue 3 has been shipped to JSLC and has undergone integration. You can see the landing legs and grid fins on the first stage. The booster itself was static fired again (using the engiens that have already been static fired with the test article).
Due to the ShenZhou 20 return and ShenZhou 21 launch, the maiden flight has been postponed to after November.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/reusable-zhuque-3-weeks-away-from?
Maiden Flight
Maiden Flight
On December 3rd, 2025, Zhu Que 3 successfully lifted off from its launch pad at JSLC.
In whole, the second stage successfully reached orbit, demonstrating its ability to deliver payloads on the very next launch. However, the first stage (booster) failed just short of the landing burn. Both the gridfin attitude controls and reentry burn did their jobs but an anomaly occurred above the engine bay leading to a fiery crash just between the pad and the road.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-successfully-debuts-zhuque
The next flight (Y2) is targeting the first half of 2026. This makes sense because production has been ongoing for a long time before the maiden flight. However, it is unknown if the engines will first be static fired on the test vehicle like we saw on June 20th. That was likely a one time thing because the booster itself also performed a static fire before the maiden flight. Next flights should just follow that process.
https://x.com/raz_liu/status/2003769428073492674
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