LandSpace

LandSpace Technology Corporation operates as a private aerospace firm based in Beijing, developing liquid-fueled rockets to reduce the cost of orbital access. Founded in 2015 by Zhang Changwu, the company focuses on methane propulsion systems and reusable launch vehicles rather than relying on state-run infrastructure. Its engineering strategy emphasizes vertical integration, designing and manufacturing its own engines like the TQ-12 and TQ-13 to support the Zhuque rocket family.

The company achieved a major milestone in July 2023 when its Zhuque-2 rocket completed its second flight and successfully reached orbit. This event marked the first time a methane-fueled vehicle from any nation had achieved orbital insertion, validating the technology for commercial use. The success placed LandSpace among global competitors using similar propellant choices while demonstrating a viable path for private sector innovation in China's space sector.

In August 2026, the organization advanced further by recovering the first stage of its next-generation Zhuque-3 booster during an orbital launch attempt. This recovery represented the first successful landing of a rocket booster by a Chinese private launcher, distinguishing the company through its use of steel construction for the reusable stage. These achievements signal a shift toward operational readiness with plans for rapid turnaround times between launches. [edit]