Landspace Targets Aug. 10 For Historic Rocket Launch And Landing Attempt
Chinese commercial launch company Landspace is preparing for a second attempt to launch and recover an orbital rocket, targeting Aug. 10 for a mission that could mark a major step in China’s reusable rocket programme.
The company’s first Zhuque-3 rocket launched in December 2025. Its second stage successfully reached orbit, but the first stage exploded during its final powered descent towards the landing pad.
Now, Landspace is preparing to try again, with airspace closure notices indicating a planned launch from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone at the Jiuquan spaceport in northwest China.
The launch is scheduled for around 7:45 p.m. EDT on Aug. 10, or 23:45 GMT. In Beijing, that corresponds to 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 11.
Landspace Prepares For Second Recovery Attempt
Landspace conducted a successful static fire test on June 29 ahead of the planned mission.
The company said all systems operated normally during the test and that the results met expectations. According to Landspace, the test validated the coordination of the rocket’s systems and provided a foundation for the upcoming flight.
The mission will represent the company’s second attempt to recover a Zhuque-3 first stage after reaching orbit.
China has so far achieved one successful landing of an orbital rocket booster. That milestone came during the Long March 10B mission on July 10.
Zhuque-3 Designed For Reusable Launches
Zhuque-3 is a 216-foot (66-metre) stainless steel rocket powered by methane-liquid oxygen engines.
The rocket is designed for capabilities similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Landspace says Zhuque-3 can carry up to 40,350 pounds (18,300 kilograms) of payload to low Earth orbit.
For the upcoming attempt, Landspace plans to use a powered descent and landing legs to recover the first stage. The approach is similar to the recovery method used by Falcon 9.
A successful recovery would represent an important achievement for Landspace as it works to develop reusable orbital launch technology.
China Expands Orbital Booster Recovery Efforts
The Aug. 10 mission will be China’s fourth attempt to recover an orbital booster.
The first attempt came during the inaugural Zhuque-3 mission in December 2025. Although the second stage reached orbit, the first stage was destroyed during its landing attempt.
Days later, the Long March 12A made its debut. The rocket also reached orbit, but its first-stage recovery attempt ended unsuccessfully.
The third attempt involved the Long March 10B on July 10. That mission succeeded, making China the second country to land an orbital booster during an orbital launch.
The Long March 10B used a vessel equipped with a net-capture system for the recovery.
Landspace’s upcoming mission will use a different approach, relying on powered descent and landing legs. Therefore, a successful recovery would provide another demonstration of China’s growing capabilities in reusable rocket technology.
