Space & Satellites
China’s LandSpace Prepares Zhuque-3 Launch for Reusable Rocket Milestone
LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 rocket will attempt China’s first reusable methane-fueled orbital launch, advancing commercial space efforts.
The global aerospace industry is turning its gaze toward Northwest China this week. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Chinese commercial space company LandSpace is scheduled to conduct the maiden orbital launch of its Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) rocket. This event represents more than just another addition to the launch calendar; it marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to establish a fully reusable launch capability. If successful, the mission will place China’s commercial sector in direct technological conversation with established global leaders.
For years, the concept of reusable rockets was dominated by Western entities, specifically SpaceX. However, the landscape is shifting rapidly. We are witnessing a surge in activity within China’s private space sector, driven by strategic necessity and substantial government backing. The Zhuque-3 mission aims to demonstrate the viability of a stainless-steel, liquid-methane rocket, a technological combination that promises to lower launch costs significantly and increase flight frequency.
The significance of this launch extends beyond national borders, drawing attention from industry titans and analysts alike. The pressure is on LandSpace to deliver a successful orbital insertion and, crucially, to validate the systems required for future recovery and reuse. As we approach the launch window at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the industry waits to see if this “hybrid” design philosophy can deliver on its promises.
The Zhuque-3 is not merely a copy of existing hardware; it represents a calculated convergence of proven architectures and advanced materials. Standing approximately 66 meters tall for this maiden flight version, the two-stage launch vehicle is constructed from stainless steel. This material choice mirrors the design philosophy of SpaceX’s Starship, selected for its durability and superior heat resistance during atmospheric re-entry compared to traditional aluminum alloys.
Under the hood, the rocket is powered by methalox, a mixture of liquid methane and liquid oxygen. This propellant choice is critical for reusability. Unlike the kerosene used in older rocket families, methane burns cleanly, significantly reducing soot buildup in the engines and minimizing the refurbishment work required between flights. The first stage utilizes nine Tianque-12B (TQ-12B) engines, a cluster configuration that provides redundancy and thrust control similar to the Falcon 9’s “Octaweb” design.
In terms of performance, the Zhuque-3 is designed to be a heavy lifter for the commercial market. In an expendable configuration, it is projected to carry approximately 21 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). When configured for downrange recovery, that capacity adjusts to roughly 18.3 metric tons. These figures suggest that LandSpace is targeting the deployment of large satellite constellations, a market currently bottlenecked by a lack of affordable launch capacity.
The primary objective for this Saturday’s mission is to achieve orbit, proving the vehicle’s structural integrity and propulsion systems in a flight environment. While LandSpace has previously conducted 10-kilometer “hop” tests to validate vertical takeoff and landing algorithms, an orbital launch introduces significantly higher velocities and aerodynamic stresses. A secondary, yet equally scrutinized objective, will be the attempt to control the first stage’s descent. While a full recovery on the first try would be an extraordinary feat, the data gathered from the reentry burn and descent profile will be invaluable for future operations.
“They have added aspects of Starship, such as use of stainless steel and methalox, to a Falcon 9 architecture, which would enable it to beat Falcon 9. But Starship in another league.”, Elon Musk, October 2025.
The technical specifications of the Zhuque-3 have not gone unnoticed by the competition. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, publicly acknowledged the rocket’s potential in late October 2025. Following a static fire test of the vehicle, Musk noted the strategic blend of technologies employed by LandSpace. His commentary highlights a growing recognition that Chinese commercial entities are moving beyond imitation and into a phase of competitive innovation. Musk’s observation that the rocket combines “Falcon 9 architecture” with “aspects of Starship” is an accurate assessment of LandSpace’s strategy. By adopting the nine-engine cluster and vertical landing legs, they utilize a control scheme that has been proven reliable over hundreds of flights. Simultaneously, by pivoting to stainless steel and methane, they are future-proofing their fleet against the limitations of kerosene-based rockets. This hybrid approach allows them to potentially undercut the operational costs of the Falcon 9, provided they can master the rapid reuse cycle.
LandSpace is not operating in a vacuum. The Chinese commercial sector is currently experiencing a fierce internal race to orbit. Deep Blue Aerospace, another key player, recently conducted a high-altitude vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) test with their Nebula-1 rocket in September 2025. Although that test ended in a landing anomaly, it demonstrated that multiple companies are on the verge of cracking the code for reusability. Other competitors, such as Galactic Energy with their Pallas-1 and iSpace with the SQX-3, are also targeting maiden flights in late 2025 or 2026.
The urgency behind these developments is driven by massive infrastructure projects. China is currently developing two major satellite mega-constellations: the “Thousand Sails” (Qianfan) and the “GuoWang” project. Together, these initiatives aim to launch approximately 25,000 satellites to provide global broadband coverage, directly competing with Starlink. The existing fleet of state-owned Long March rockets, which are largely expendable, cannot support the launch cadence or cost efficiency required to deploy such vast networks.
Recognizing this bottleneck, the Chinese government has fundamentally altered its stance on private aerospace. The 2024 and 2025 Government Work Reports officially designated commercial spaceflight as a “new engine of future economic growth.” This designation has unlocked significant resources, including the establishment of a National Commercial Space Development Fund in 2025. Furthermore, local governments are stepping in; Shanghai recently announced subsidies of up to 300 million yuan to foster a local cluster of rocket and satellite manufacturers.
We are also seeing a shift in physical infrastructure. Military launch sites, such as the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, have opened their doors to commercial operators. Additionally, the construction of a dedicated commercial spaceport in Wenchang, Hainan, signals a long-term commitment to increasing launch frequency. This state support provides a safety net and an accelerator for companies like LandSpace, allowing them to take technical risks that might otherwise be prohibitive.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, the implications of the Zhuque-3 launch extend far beyond the immediate technical success or failure of the mission. A successful flight would validate China’s commercial space strategy and provide the hardware necessary to build its ambitious orbital infrastructure. It would signal the arrival of a second superpower capable of deploying reusable, liquid-methane launch vehicles.
Regardless of the outcome on November 29, the trajectory of the industry is clear. The era of expendable rockets is drawing to a close, and the race for reusable space access is becoming a truly global competition. With robust government backing and a willingness to iterate on proven designs, China’s commercial space sector is positioning itself to be a central player in the next decade of space exploration.
What is the Zhuque-3? When is the Zhuque-3 launching? Why is this launch significant? What was Elon Musk’s reaction to this rocket?
China’s Commercial Space Sector Poised for Historic Launch with LandSpace’s Zhuque-3
The Zhuque-3: A Convergence of Technologies
Engineering Specifications and Capabilities
Objectives of the Maiden Flight
Industry Reactions and Market Context
Analyzing the “Hybrid” Approach
The Domestic “Space Race”
Strategic Drivers and Government Policy
Policy as a Catalyst
Conclusion
FAQ
The Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) is a reusable, liquid-methane fueled rocket developed by the Chinese commercial company LandSpace. It is constructed from stainless steel and is designed to launch heavy payloads into Low Earth Orbit.
The maiden orbital Launch is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.
If successful, it will be China’s first operational reusable rocket capable of reaching orbit. It uses advanced methalox fuel and stainless steel construction, technologies similar to SpaceX’s Starship, which could significantly lower launch costs.
Elon Musk acknowledged that the Zhuque-3 combines the architecture of the Falcon 9 with the materials and fuel of Starship. He noted that this design could theoretically allow it to be more efficient than the Falcon 9.
Sources
Photo Credit: SCMP
Space & Satellites
NASA Launches Artemis II for First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026, marking the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years with international crew and scientific payloads.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA.
Spurred by American ingenuity, astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission are officially in flight. According to a NASA press release, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This milestone event marks the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
The successful launch kicks off an approximately 10-day mission for NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space-Agencies (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen. As we monitor the flight’s progress, the crew is already conducting critical systems tests aboard the Orion spacecraft, which they have officially named “Integrity.”
The SLS rocket, which generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust according to mission data, successfully propelled the Orion capsule into space. About 49 minutes into the flight, the upper stage fired to place Orion into an elliptical orbit. A subsequent apogee raise burn extended the spacecraft’s reach into a high Earth orbit, approximately 46,000 miles beyond Earth, as noted in the official agency release.
“Today’s launch marks a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration. Artemis II builds on the vision set by President Donald J. Trump, returning humanity to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years… It marks our return to the Moon, not just to visit, but to eventually stay on our Moon Base,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in the press release.
The Artemis II crew represents several historic firsts for human spaceflight. Mission profiles highlight that Pilot Victor Glover is the first person of color on a lunar mission, Mission Specialist Christina Koch is the first woman, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American to travel to the Moon.
Following separation from the upper stage, the crew immediately began putting the spacecraft through its paces. According to in-flight updates, Pilot Victor Glover and Commander Reid Wiseman successfully executed a 70-minute manual flight test. They utilized Orion’s onboard Navigation sensors and thrusters to maneuver near the detached Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), proving the capsule’s handling capabilities for future docking missions.
“Artemis II is a test flight, and the test has just begun. The team that built this vehicle, repaired it, and prepared it for flight has given our crew the machine they need to go prove what it can do,” stated NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya.
Spaceflight is rarely without its hurdles. According to recent mission updates, the crew encountered a minor malfunction with the spacecraft’s Universal Waste Management System, the onboard toilet. Mission Specialist Christina Koch reported a blinking amber fault light, which engineers traced to a jammed fan in the urine collection system. Working closely with Mission Control in Houston, the crew temporarily utilized a backup Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU) before successfully troubleshooting the controller issue and restoring normal operations.
In addition to the human crew, the mission carries secondary scientific payloads. The rocket’s upper stage is deploying four shoebox-sized CubeSats from Argentina, Germany, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia to perform scientific investigations in high Earth orbit. If all systems remain healthy, mission controllers will command the translunar injection (TLI) burn on Thursday, April 2. This six-minute firing will slingshot the spacecraft around the Moon on a free-return trajectory. At AirPro News, we view Artemis II as the mandatory proving ground for deep-space human exploration. While this mission will not land on the lunar surface, it is expected to break the human distance record from Earth. By traveling roughly 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the Moon, the crew will surpass the 248,655-mile record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The successful demonstration of life support, radiation shielding, and manual piloting on this 10-day flight is an absolute prerequisite for Artemis III, planned as an Earth-orbit test of lunar landing procedures, and Artemis IV, targeted for a lunar South Pole landing in 2028. Ultimately, the data gathered during this flyby lays the critical foundation for future crewed missions to Mars.
According to NASA, Artemis II is a 10-day flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems with a human crew, laying the groundwork for future lunar landings and deep-space exploration.
The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist).
No. The mission is a lunar flyby on a free-return trajectory. It will travel around the Moon and return to Earth without landing or entering lunar orbit.
A Historic Launch and Early Milestones
Liftoff and Initial Orbit
A Groundbreaking Crew
In-Flight Operations and Troubleshooting
Proximity Operations and Systems Checks
Resolving Early Hardware Challenges
Scientific Objectives and The Path Forward
International Payloads and Translunar Injection
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Artemis II?
Who is on the Artemis II crew?
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Slingshot Aerospace on Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative List
Slingshot Aerospace recognized by Fast Company in 2026 for AI-driven space defense tech and key U.S. Space Force contracts.
On March 24, 2026, Slingshot Aerospace announced its inclusion in Fast Company’s annual “World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026” list. The company was specifically recognized within the Defense Tech category, highlighting its ongoing development of artificial intelligence-powered solutions for the space sector.
According to the official press release, the recognition centers on Slingshot’s pioneering role in Space Operations Intelligence & Autonomy (SOIA). The company provides specialized platforms that assist government, defense, and commercial partners in tracking, interpreting, and responding to activities within an increasingly complex orbital environment.
This is not the first time the publication has highlighted the firm’s technological advancements. In 2024, Slingshot Aerospace was ranked No. 48 on Fast Company’s overall “World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” list and was featured prominently in the Space category. We at AirPro News note that this latest accolade follows a series of significant defense contracts and security certifications achieved by the company over the past two years.
Slingshot Aerospace has positioned itself as a category creator and leader in SOIA. The company’s core mission involves transforming disparate space data into a unified, common operating picture to strengthen both space-based defense and commercial capabilities.
To achieve this, the company relies on its proprietary infrastructure. According to the provided company data, the Slingshot Global Sensor Network operates a resilient, distributed space object tracking system comprising over 200 daytime and nighttime optical sensors. These sensors are distributed across more than 20 sites globally.
This hardware network feeds directly into the Slingshot Platform, which utilizes advanced space object tracking, artificial intelligence, astrodynamics, and data fusion. The resulting dynamic operational pictures are used for training, planning, and live mission execution by high-profile clients, including Department of Defense (DoD) agencies such as the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and DARPA, as well as civil agencies like NOAA and NASA.
The Fast Company award in the Defense Tech category is underpinned by several major operational and financial developments between 2024 and 2026. On January 15, 2026, Slingshot secured a $27 million contract with the U.S. Space Force. The company stated this funding is directed toward modernizing scenario training for space warfare. As part of the Space Force’s Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) program, Slingshot is integrating an autonomous, AI-powered agent named “TALOS.” This system realistically imitates satellite behavior and machine-speed adversaries to help Guardians train in a digital environment that mirrors modern orbital threats.
Other notable agreements include a January 2025 selection by the Space Force to provide technology specifically designed for detecting GPS jamming and spoofing threats. Additionally, in December 2024, the company was awarded a $13.3 million contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop the user interface for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS).
On February 24, 2026, the company achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2. This certification validates Slingshot’s capability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for DoD missions, allowing the secure deployment of its AI-powered tracking capabilities within highly sensitive defense environments.
“This achievement represents more than a compliance milestone for Slingshot Aerospace. It reaffirms our deep-rooted culture of excellence and our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical data that underpins U.S. and allied space missions,” said Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, in the company’s release. The inclusion in the 2026 Fast Company list reflects broader organizational growth and a strategic focus on actionable intelligence in contested environments.
“This award reflects the powerful combination of Slingshot’s innovative culture, our talented and empowered team’s creativity, the visionary leadership of our co-founders, and strong investor support. It underscores our commitment to delivering AI solutions that fuse data into actionable insight, enabling faster decisions and confident action in today’s contested space environment,” Solms stated regarding the Fast Company recognition. We observe that Slingshot Aerospace’s transition from commercial space traffic coordination to advanced, AI-driven counterspace training and threat detection aligns closely with broader geopolitical and aerospace trends. The militarization of space has accelerated, with near-peer adversaries advancing autonomous space capabilities and adopting real-time maneuver tactics.
Industry data indicates that as of early 2024, there were over 8,300 active satellites in orbit, a number that continues to grow rapidly due to commercial mega-constellations. Helping operators avoid collisions and dodge space debris has become a critical sector of the space economy. Slingshot’s focus on autonomous space capabilities directly addresses the DoD’s urgent need to monitor and respond to threats in this vital warfighting domain, bridging the gap between commercial space technology and national security.
What category did Slingshot Aerospace win in Fast Company’s 2026 list? What is the Slingshot Global Sensor Network? What is the TALOS AI agent? Sources: Slingshot Aerospace
Slingshot Aerospace Named to Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies List
Pioneering Space Operations Intelligence
Global Sensor Network and AI Integration
Recent Milestones Driving the 2026 Recognition
Major Defense and Civil Contracts
Security and Compliance Achievements
Leadership Perspectives on Innovation
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Slingshot Aerospace was recognized in the Defense Tech category for 2026.
It is a distributed space object tracking network comprising over 200 daytime and nighttime optical sensors located across more than 20 sites globally.
TALOS is an autonomous AI agent developed by Slingshot Aerospace to imitate satellite behavior and adversaries for U.S. Space Force training. Its integration is funded by a $27 million contract awarded in January 2026.
Photo Credit: Slingshot Aerospace
Space & Satellites
Pulsar Fusion Achieves First Plasma in Sunbird Fusion Rocket System
Pulsar Fusion successfully demonstrates first plasma in its Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket exhaust, advancing deep-space propulsion technology.
UK-based space propulsion Startups Pulsar Fusion has successfully achieved “first plasma” in its Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket exhaust system, marking a critical milestone in the development of next-generation deep-space travel. In a company press release, Pulsar Fusion announced that the successful test represents the first physical demonstration of plasma confinement within a nuclear fusion exhaust architecture designed specifically for spaceflight.
The breakthrough was showcased live during a dedicated technical session at Amazon’s MARS Conference in Ojai, California. According to the official release, the demonstration offers a glimpse into a future where interplanetary transit times could be drastically reduced, potentially revolutionizing how humanity explores the solar system.
The historic test was conducted by Pulsar Fusion scientists at the company’s headquarters in Bletchley, United Kingdom, and live-streamed to an audience of astronauts, Nobel laureates, and robotics experts at the MARS Conference. In the press release, the company detailed that the experiment utilized a combination of powerful electric and magnetic fields to guide and accelerate charged particles through the exhaust channel.
For this initial series of tests, the engineering team selected krypton gas as the propellant. The official release notes that krypton was chosen due to its relatively high ionization efficiency and inert characteristics at the mass flow rates required for early-stage testing. By successfully generating and confining the superheated plasma, Pulsar Fusion has cleared a major initial hurdle in harnessing fusion power for propulsion.
Current spacecraft rely heavily on chemical propulsion, which provides high thrust but low exhaust velocities, or Electric-Aviation propulsion, which offers high efficiency but very low thrust. Fusion propulsion aims to deliver both. According to the company’s press release, the Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle is designed to provide continuous high-thrust propulsion for faster and more efficient travel.
Industry estimates reported by Gizmodo suggest that Pulsar Fusion’s Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) engine could achieve a remarkably high specific impulse of 10,000 to 15,000 seconds. Furthermore, according to World Nuclear News, the system is designed to generate 2 megawatts of power, providing both continuous thrust and electricity to run spacecraft systems upon arrival at a destination. With this technology, a fusion rocket could theoretically reach speeds over 500,000 miles per hour, according to reporting by Payload Space. This would allow spacecraft to cut the transit time to Mars by half and potentially reach Pluto in just four years, as outlined by World Nuclear News.
Following the successful first plasma test, Pulsar Fusion plans to gather detailed performance data, including thrust and exhaust velocity measurements, to plan the first official Sunbird mission. The press release outlines upcoming hardware upgrades, including the transition to rare-earth, high-temperature superconducting magnets. These magnets will enable stronger magnetic fields, allowing the team to explore higher plasma density and pressure conditions. To maximize the operational lifespan of the Sunbird engine, Pulsar Fusion has also partnered with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. According to the release, this collaborative research program will study the effects of neutron radiation on reactor walls and magnets, a primary cause of wear in fusion systems. Ultimately, the company aims to transition to aneutronic fusion fuel cycles, utilizing Deuterium and Helium-3. Pulsar Fusion is targeting an in-orbit demonstration of the system’s core components by 2027, with hopes for a production-ready vehicle in the early 2030s, according to timelines published by World Nuclear News.
The successful ignition of plasma in a fusion exhaust system represents a monumental engineering feat, but the road to a flight-ready nuclear fusion rocket remains long. Operating an engine at temperatures hotter than the sun’s core requires materials and containment systems that push the boundaries of current material science. However, the economic incentives are substantial.
“With the space economy projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035, faster in-space transport isn’t just a scientific goal; it’s an economic one.”
, Pulsar Fusion statement, as cited by The Independent
This statement highlights the commercial viability of the project. If fusion propulsion can be mastered, we believe it will not only reduce the health risks for astronauts by shortening their exposure to deep-space radiation and microgravity but also enable rapid cargo delivery and asteroid mining missions that are currently unfeasible with chemical rockets.
In nuclear fusion, “first plasma” refers to the initial successful generation and confinement of superheated, ionized gas (plasma) within a reactor or exhaust system. It is a critical proof-of-concept milestone for fusion technology.
According to industry reports, the Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket could theoretically reach speeds exceeding 500,000 miles per hour, drastically reducing travel times to destinations like Mars and Pluto.
Pulsar Fusion plans to conduct an in-orbit demonstration of the system’s core components in 2027, with the goal of having a production-ready Sunbird vehicle operational in the early 2030s.
Demonstrating the Sunbird Exhaust System
Live from Bletchley to California
Redefining Deep-Space Propulsion
Speed and Efficiency Upgrades
Next Steps and Challenges
Upgrades and In-Orbit Testing
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “first plasma”?
How fast could the Sunbird rocket travel?
When will the Sunbird rocket launch?
Sources
Photo Credit: Pulsar Fusion
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