Landspace Zhuque-2 Reaches Orbit, China Wins Methalox Space Race

China wins Methalox Space Race as Landspace, a private launch provider launches its Zhuque-2 rocket on its second ever flight. The Zhuque-2 experienced a nominal boost phase, stable orbit was confirmed, then the vehicle entered a spin.

This is a developing story, stay tuned for more details.

Launch

[youtube https://youtu.be/4uE54_MfX8I]

Orbit Confirmed

[youtube https://youtu.be/0c8yW9JpgWw]

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Zhuque-2 is a medium-sized rocket powered by liquid oxygen and methane capable that can carry up to4,000 kg of payload into a 200 km low Earth orbit, or 2,000 kg of payload into a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit.