The Chinese private space company Landspace Technology reported an unsuccessful test of its methane rocket. According to the company, the missile encountered an anomaly immediately after the start, and now experts are investigating the causes of what happened.
Methane missiles are becoming more and more popular for the output of satellites: this fuel is considered less pollutant, safer and cheap compared to conventional hydrocarbons, and also suitable for reusable missiles.
In July 2023, the LandSpace startup successfully successfully launched a rocket on methane and liquid oxygen Zhuque-2, ahead of the American companies SpaceX and Blue Origin. After that, the company tested different versions of the ZHUQE-2 series, including ZHUQUE-2E Y2, whose launch in May 2024 was successful.
This time, the Zhuqu-2e Y3 missile started from the commercial cosmodrome in the north-west of China, but collided with a problem. The company does not yet disclose details, emphasizing that it is conducting an investigation.
