LandSpace achieves milestone with successful ZQ 2E-Y1 rocket launch
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 03, 2024

LandSpace, a leading private aerospace company headquartered in Beijing, successfully launched the modified ZQ 2E-Y1 rocket on Wednesday, deploying two experimental satellites into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.

The ZQ 2E-Y1, the first in the ZQ 2E series, lifted off at 10 a.m., marking a significant step for methane-powered rockets. According to LandSpace, ZQ 2 is the world's first methane-fueled rocket model to achieve Earth orbit, with the series having flown three missions, two of which were successful.

Standing 47.3 meters tall and 3.35 meters wide, the ZQ 2E boasts a liftoff weight of 219 metric tons and generates 282 tons of thrust. It can transport up to 4 tons of payload into a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 500 kilometers above Earth, offering significantly increased carrying capacity compared to the original ZQ 2 model.

LandSpace designs and manufactures its rockets and engines at its facility in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. This state-of-the-art facility is China's first privately owned carrier rocket factory and the largest in Asia.

This mission also contributes to China's robust space activity in 2024, marking the 58th launch of the year.

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