Chinese company Landspace targets Aug. 10 for historic rocket launch and landing attempt
The Chinese commercial launch company Landspace is set for its second attempt to catch an orbital rocket. Liftoff, and landing, are targeted for next Monday (Aug. 10).
Chinese commercial launch firm Landspace is preparing to attempt an orbital booster recovery on August 10. The firm's Zhuque-3 rocket, which made its maiden flight in December 2025, faced an explosion during its landing attempt at the time. The next launch is set to take place at 7:45 p.m. EDT, or 23:45 GMT, from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone at the Jiuquan spaceport in northwest China.
On June 29, 2026, Landspace conducted a static fire test of its ZhuQue-3 Y2 reusable launch vehicle at the same location. The test confirmed that "all systems operated normally and test data and results met expectations." This success bolsters confidence for the upcoming launch attempt.
Zhuque-3, a 216-foot stainless steel rocket powered by methane-liquid oxygen engines, mirrors SpaceX's Falcon 9 in capability, boasting a payload capacity of 40,350 pounds to low Earth orbit. China is on track for its fourth orbital booster recovery attempt, following the first Zhuque-3 launch in December 2025, the debut of the Long March 12A, and the successful landing of the Long March 10B on July 10. Landspace's next attempt will employ a powered descent and net-capture landing system, akin to Falcon 9's capabilities.
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