Zhuque-2 is the second rocket developed by the Chinese private space launch provider LandSpace. Zhuque-2 is a medium-sized rocket powered by liquid oxygen and methane capable of lifting 4,000 kg of payload into a 200 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO), or 2,000 kg of payload into a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This private rocket will have a liftoff weight of 216 metric tons and use 4 TQ-12 methalox engines on the first stage each with a thrust of 67 metric tonnes. This is the first methane-powered rocket that is used to bring satellites into space. Methane is the primary component of natural gas. As a rocket fuel, it is more efficient, easier to produce and more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels such as refined kerosene. LandSpace was founded in 2015 by Zhang Changwu (from Tsinghua University) and is based in Beijing.
Zhuque-2
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Name: | Zhuque-2 (ZQ-2) |
| Manufacturer: | Landspace | |
| Height: | 48,8 m | |
| Diameter: | 3,3 m | |
| Mass: | 216 t | |
| Capacity: |
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| Stages: | 2 | |
| Engines first stage: | 4 x TQ-12 (methalox) | |
| Engines second stage: | 1 x TQ-12 (methalox) | |
| Cost per launch: | ? | |
| Launch sites: |
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| First launch: | 14/12/2022 | |
| Launches: |
Zhuque-2 launch statistics
Images: LandSpace
