On the arid lands of northwest Chinese, a column of fire recently torn the sky. On May 17, a Zhuque-2e rocket left the Jiuquan base to place six orbit satellites. This launch is not a simple technical feat, but the sign of a strategic mutation. From now on, China’s spatial ambitions are also embodied in its private companies. Carried by fuel to methane, clean and efficient, the Zhuque-2e rocket marks a break with traditional approaches in the aerospace sector, while affirming the rise of a competitor who came to challenge American giants on their own land.
The choice of methane is not trivial. This fuel, less polluting than kerosene, is also more stable and economical, making it an ideal option for reusable rockets. With the Zhuque-2e, Landspace takes a new step by integrating a propulsion by cryogenic fluids-fuels are surreftedis to improve the thrust. This technology, hitherto reserved for a few state agencies, is now in the hands of a Chinese commercial player.
The Zhuque-2e rocket, demonstration of force in the commercial space
The launch of May 17 did not only aim to test a rocket, but to position China in the very competitive sector of the constellations of satellites. As Channel News Asia reports, this shot made it possible to place six satellites in low orbit, on behalf of the Chinese company Spacety (Changsha Tianyi). These devices will be used for scientific research, multispectral remote sensing or radar observation in all weather conditions.
Spacety, despite a questioning by the American Treasury for alleged collaborations with Russia, maintains that its services remain strictly civil. This mission therefore also has a diplomatic dimension, while the United States strengthens sanctions against certain Chinese entities.
Embedded satellites weigh between 20 and 300 kg and include a radar device capable of detecting field trips of the millimeter. Precious capacity in the fields of urban monitoring or infrastructure security. SpaceNews specifies that some of these satellites use advanced technologies such as argon ions or gamma shelves, illustrating the technological level now reached by Chinese manufacturers.
The rise of Chinese start-ups propels the private space industry
Since the opening of the sector to private capital in 2014, dozens of companies have invested the field of space in China. Landspace is one of the best-funded pioneers, with fundraising reaching 1.2 billion yuan from 2020 (148 million euros), followed by an additional 900 million in December 2024. The official press release published on Weixin highlights an integrated production chain and modernized manufacturing processes, such as the use of niobium tungstene alloy ( Ballistics adjusted in almost real time with measured wind conditions.
This industrial agility, combined with a desire for standardization and reusability, suggests a change of scale. If the Zhuque-2e rocket constitutes a notable advance, Landspace already provides for the development of the Zhuque-3 model, an even more powerful and fully reusable launcher. Static fire trials are expected in the coming months.
Faced with these ambitions, China is no longer content to catch up with American leaders. It now draws the contours of a national space offer capable of meeting global demand. And the Zhuque-2e rocket is probably only a prelude to this silent transformation.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
