The Zhuque-2 provider rocket, a methane-liquid oxygen rocket by Chinese firm LandSpace, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, close to Jiuquan, Gansu province, China July 12, 2023. (REUTERS)
China on Wednesday launched the world’s first methane-powered rocket developed by Chinese startup LandSpace, difficult the dominance of U.S. firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
China’s personal aerospace sector achieved a notable milestone in 2023 with the launch of Zhuque-2, including to the earlier success of Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-2 in April, Beijing-based CGTN reported. The rocket was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
Two rockets, the Terran 1 by Relativity Space and SpaceX’s Starship, powered by liquid oxygen and methane, skilled unsuccessful maiden launches earlier this yr.
The rocket employs liquid methane as gasoline and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer, providing reusability, non-toxicity, and vital energy, making them important for reusable rockets.
Methane-powered engines supply excessive efficiency and value benefits for reusable rockets, however harnessing their energy is a fancy process.
Zhuque-2 underwent a second take a look at flight after a earlier unsuccessful try in December.
The present mission included enhancements that had been validated by means of simulations, floor exams, and engine testing.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
