As per the news, China has successfully launched the world’s first rocket that uses methane and liquid oxygen as propellants, surpassing competition from the US in developing the next generation of space launch vehicles. The rocket, named Zhuque-2, launched by a Chinese company on Wednesday.
This rocket took off at 9 am (0100 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and completed its flight as planned, according to state media. The rocket developed by LandSpace, a Beijing-based company involved in China’s commercial launch industry.
This was the second attempt by LandSpace to launch the Zhuque-2 after their first attempt in December failed. The company said that the successful launch demonstrated its technological capabilities and innovation.
By launching the Zhuque-2, China has taken the lead over its US rivals, such as SpaceX led by Elon Musk and Blue Origin led by Jeff Bezos, in the race to develop carrier vehicles powered by methane. Methane considered a cleaner, safer, and more affordable propellant option for reusable rockets. It also has higher performance and efficiency than traditional propellants such as kerosene.
The launch of the Zhuque-2 is part of China’s ambitious space program, which aims to send humans to the moon, build a space station, and explore Mars. China has also been expanding its commercial launch industry, with several private companies emerging in recent years.
China has achieved a milestone in space technology by launching the world’s first methane-liquid oxygen rocket into orbit, ahead of its US competitors. The rocket uses methane as a propellant, which is cleaner, safer, and more affordable than traditional propellants. The launch is part of China’s ambitious space program and commercial launch industry.