China Takes the Lead in Methane-Powered Rocket Launch, Surpassing SpaceX
TL;DR
Chinese private company LandSpace successfully launched the world's first methane-liquid oxygen rocket, the Zhuque-2, beating U.S. rivals in the race to develop the next generation of launch vehicles. The rocket, which is fueled by methane, is considered less polluting, safer, and cheaper, and is a suitable propellant for reusable rockets. This launch puts China ahead of competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin. LandSpace is one of the earliest and well-funded entrants in China's commercial space industry, which has seen rapid growth since private investment was allowed in 2014.
Topics:businessscience-and-technology#china#commercial-space-industry#methane-rocket#reusable-rockets#science-and-technology#space-exploration
- China beats rivals to successfully launch first methane-liquid rocket Reuters
- China beats SpaceX with world’s first methane-powered rocket launch South China Morning Post
- Launch Roundup: SpaceX to finish Starlink v1 flights - China launches methane powered ZQ-2 - NASASpaceFlight.com NASASpaceflight.com
- Chinese Startup Beats Musk With Launch of First Methane Rocket Bloomberg
- China launches world's first methane-powered rocket, beating SpaceX CGTN
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