# Zhuque-2

> orbital medium-lift launch vehicle from the Chinese company LandSpace

**Wikidata**: [Q65151444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65151444)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuque-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zhuque-2

## Summary
Zhuque-2 is a medium-lift orbital launch vehicle developed by the Chinese company LandSpace. It is notable for being the first methane-fueled rocket to successfully reach orbit, achieving this milestone in July 2023. The rocket stands 49.5 meters tall and has a launch mass of 220,000 kilograms.

## Key Facts
- Zhuque-2 is a two-stage-to-orbit medium-lift launch vehicle developed by LandSpace
- The rocket stands 49.5 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters
- It has a launch mass of 220,000 kilograms
- Powered by four TQ-12 engines in its first stage
- Successfully reached orbit on July 12, 2023, becoming the world's first methane-fueled rocket to do so
- Can carry payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO)
- Developed and manufactured in the People's Republic of China
- Also known as ZQ-2 and Vermillion Bird-2

### Q: What makes Zhuque-2 significant in the space industry?
A: Zhuque-2 is significant because it became the world's first methane-fueled rocket to successfully reach orbit in July 2023, marking a major milestone in rocket technology. This achievement demonstrates China's advancing capabilities in space launch technology.

### Q: Who developed Zhuque-2 and where is it manufactured?
A: Zhuque-2 was developed by LandSpace, a private Chinese aerospace company based in Beijing. The rocket is manufactured in the People's Republic of China.

### Q: What are the key specifications of Zhuque-2?
A: Zhuque-2 stands 49.5 meters tall, has a diameter of 3.35 meters, and weighs 220,000 kilograms at launch. It uses four TQ-12 engines in its first stage and is designed as a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Zhuque-2 represents a significant advancement in rocket technology and China's commercial space sector. As the first methane-fueled rocket to successfully reach orbit, it demonstrates the viability of methane as a rocket propellant, which offers advantages including higher efficiency, cleaner combustion, and potential for reusability. This achievement positions LandSpace as a pioneer in the global commercial launch market and showcases China's growing capabilities in private space ventures. The success of Zhuque-2 also validates China's strategy of fostering private aerospace companies alongside state-owned enterprises, potentially accelerating innovation and reducing costs in the country's space industry. Furthermore, methane-fueled rockets like Zhuque-2 are considered crucial for future space exploration, including potential Mars missions, as methane can potentially be manufactured on Mars using local resources.

## Notable For
- First methane-fueled rocket to successfully reach orbit (July 2023)
- Developed by China's first private orbital launch company
- Uses cost-effective and potentially reusable methane propulsion technology
- Demonstrates China's growing commercial space capabilities
- Features innovative TQ-12 engines designed and manufactured in China

## Body
### Development and Background
Zhuque-2 was developed by LandSpace, founded in 2015 as one of China's first private aerospace companies. The project represents a significant investment in commercial space technology by Chinese private enterprise.

### Technical Specifications
The rocket features a two-stage design with the first stage powered by four TQ-12 engines burning liquid oxygen and methane. The second stage uses a single TQ-11 engine. The choice of methane as fuel offers several advantages including higher specific impulse, cleaner combustion, and easier engine restart capabilities.

### Historical Significance
On July 12, 2023, Zhuque-2 became the first methane-fueled rocket to successfully reach orbit, preceding similar efforts by SpaceX's Starship and Relativity Space's Terran 1. This achievement marked a significant milestone in rocket propulsion technology.

### Manufacturing and Operations
The rocket is manufactured at LandSpace's facilities in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. The company has conducted multiple launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.

### Future Developments
Following the success of Zhuque-2, LandSpace is developing Zhuque-3, a larger reusable rocket featuring stainless steel construction and enhanced capabilities. The company aims to establish itself as a major player in the global commercial launch market.

## References

1. [ZhuQue-2 launches on third flight. NASASpaceflight. 2023](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/12/zhuque-2-y3/)
2. [Landspace launches third methane Zhuque-2, targets 2025 launch of new stainless steel rocket. SpaceNews. 2023](https://spacenews.com/landspace-launches-third-methane-zhuque-2-targets-2025-launch-of-new-stainless-steel-rocket/)
3. [China Focus: China launches liquid oxygen-methane Zhuque-2 carrier rocket for three satellites-Xinhua. Xinhuanet. 2023](https://english.news.cn/20231209/5bbb50b2c0c74aad83dae6000054edea/c.html)