LandSpace Challenges SpaceX with Zhuque-3 Reusable Rocket Launch

Chinese private rocket firm LandSpace has entered the reusable launch vehicle market with its Zhuque-3 rocket, drawing direct inspiration from SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The stainless steel, methane-fueled rocket achieved orbital insertion but failed its booster recovery attempt during a recent launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Chief Designer DAI Zheng credits SpaceX’s iterative engineering approach for influencing LandSpace’s development philosophy. "SpaceX pushes products to the edge to identify failures quickly," Zheng told China Central Television. The former China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology engineer joined LandSpace in 2016 with the explicit goal of creating a Chinese equivalent to Falcon 9.

Deputy Chief Designer Dong Kai confirmed ongoing development of a Falcon 9-class reusable rocket in a podcast interview. While acknowledging SpaceX’s design influence, Kai emphasized the Zhuque-3 represents a learning process rather than pure imitation. The rocket incorporates Starship-like features including stainless steel construction and methalox propulsion.