ZhuQue-3 10-kilometre VTVL test

LandSpace’s ZhuQue-3 launch vehicle (朱雀三, ZQ-3) successfully performed a 10-kilometre vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China, on 11 September 2024, at 04:00 UTC (12:00 local time). ZhuQue-3 is a partially reusable, liquid oxygen and liquid methane (LOX LCH4) powered, launch vehicle developed by LandSpace Technology Corporation (蓝箭, Blue Arrow). According to the company, the test was conducted with a single-stage liquid oxygen/liquid methane rocket, with a diameter of metres and a length of 18.3 metres, made from the same high-strength stainless steel airframe structure that will be used on the ZhuQue-3 rocket. Credit: China Central Television (CCTV)/LandSpace