# Zhuque-3

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

**Wikidata**: [Q124807399](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124807399)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuque-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zhuque-3

## Summary
Zhuque-3 is a reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by the Chinese company LandSpace, designed to carry payloads to low Earth orbit. It stands 76.6 meters tall with a diameter of 4.5 meters and can lift up to 21 tonnes to LEO. The rocket is scheduled for its first orbital launch in 2025 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts
- Zhuque-3 is a reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by LandSpace, a Chinese commercial space company
- The rocket stands 76.6 meters tall and has a diameter of 4.5 meters
- It has a launch mass of 660 tonnes and can carry 21 tonnes to low Earth orbit
- Zhuque-3 is classified as a two-stage-to-orbit, reusable launch vehicle
- The rocket is scheduled for its first orbital launch in 2025 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- It is also known by the aliases ZQ-3, Vermillion Bird-3, and 朱雀三号
- Zhuque-3 is part of LandSpace's efforts to develop commercial reusable launch vehicles in China

## FAQs
### Q: What is Zhuque-3?
A: Zhuque-3 is a reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by LandSpace, a Chinese commercial space company. It is designed to carry up to 21 tonnes to low Earth orbit and is scheduled for its first orbital launch in 2025.

### Q: How big is Zhuque-3?
A: Zhuque-3 stands 76.6 meters tall with a diameter of 4.5 meters. It has a launch mass of 660 tonnes.

### Q: Where will Zhuque-3 launch from?
A: Zhuque-3 is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China.

## Why It Matters
Zhuque-3 represents a significant advancement in China's commercial space capabilities, marking LandSpace's entry into the heavy-lift launch vehicle market. As a reusable rocket, it aims to reduce launch costs and increase access to space, positioning China as a competitive player in the global commercial launch industry. The development of Zhuque-3 demonstrates the growing maturity of China's private space sector and its ability to develop sophisticated launch vehicles that can compete with international offerings. Its successful deployment could enable more frequent and cost-effective launches for both commercial and government customers, potentially accelerating China's space ambitions and contributing to the global expansion of space-based services and exploration.

## Notable For
- First commercial reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by a Chinese company
- Capable of carrying 21 tonnes to low Earth orbit, making it competitive with international heavy-lift vehicles
- Part of China's growing commercial space sector, demonstrating private sector capabilities in advanced aerospace technology
- Scheduled for first orbital launch in 2025, marking a significant milestone for LandSpace and Chinese commercial spaceflight
- Named after the Vermillion Bird, a mythological creature in Chinese culture, reflecting cultural significance in its branding

## Body
### Development and Background
Zhuque-3 is being developed by LandSpace, one of China's pioneering private space companies. The rocket's development represents a significant investment in reusable launch technology by the Chinese commercial space sector. LandSpace has been working on reusable rocket technology, completing a 10-kilometer reusable rocket test in 2024 as a precursor to the Zhuque-3 program.

### Technical Specifications
The rocket features a two-stage-to-orbit design with a total height of 76.6 meters and a core diameter of 4.5 meters. With a launch mass of 660 tonnes, Zhuque-3 is designed to be partially or fully reusable, though specific details about its reusability systems have not been publicly disclosed. The vehicle's payload capacity of 21 tonnes to low Earth orbit positions it in the heavy-lift category, capable of launching large satellites, multiple payloads, or spacecraft for deep space missions.

### Launch Plans and Operations
Zhuque-3 is scheduled for its maiden orbital flight in 2025 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, one of China's primary spaceports. This launch site has been used for numerous Chinese space missions and provides the necessary infrastructure for launching heavy-lift vehicles. The 2025 timeline aligns with broader plans for new launch vehicle debuts in China, both from state-owned and commercial providers.

### Market Position and Significance
As a heavy-lift, reusable launch vehicle, Zhuque-3 enters a competitive global market dominated by vehicles like SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, as well as state-operated Chinese rockets. LandSpace's entry into this segment with a reusable vehicle demonstrates China's commitment to developing cost-effective launch capabilities. The rocket's development could provide Chinese customers with a domestic alternative to foreign launch services while potentially offering competitive pricing through reusability.

### Cultural and Naming Context
The name "Zhuque-3" translates to "Vermillion Bird-3" in English, continuing a naming convention that draws from Chinese mythology. The Vermillion Bird, or Zhuque, is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations, representing the south and associated with the element of fire. This cultural connection in naming reflects a broader trend of incorporating Chinese cultural elements into the country's space program branding.

## References

1. [Landspace completes 10-kilometer reusable rocket test, eyes 2025 orbital launch. SpaceNews](https://spacenews.com/landspace-completes-10-kilometer-reusable-rocket-test-eyes-2025-orbital-launch/)
2. [China to debut new Long March and commercial rockets in 2025. SpaceNews. 2025](https://spacenews.com/china-to-debut-new-long-march-and-commercial-rockets-in-2025/)