China Successfully Launches Six Satellites with Commercial Rocket
The ZQ-2E Y2 rocket, developed by LandSpace, lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking another milestone in China's commercial space sector.
On May 17, 2025, a commercial rocket successfully launched six satellites into space, enhancing China's position in the global aerospace sector.
The rocket, identified as ZQ-2E Y2, took off at 12:12 p.m. Beijing Time from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone, adjacent to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.
Developed by Beijing-based private aerospace company LandSpace, the ZQ-2E is a modified variant of the earlier ZQ-2 model.
The designation ZQ stands for Zhuque, referencing the Vermilion Bird from Chinese mythology, which symbolizes fire and the southern direction.
The ZQ-2E rocket employs a dual-cryogenic liquid propellant system, featuring a high-thrust engine that utilizes both liquid oxygen and methane, the latter interpreted as a primary component of natural gas.
The payload capacity of the ZQ-2E rocket allows for the delivery of up to four tonnes to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch marks the fifth mission for the ZQ-2 family of rockets, demonstrating the ongoing development and reliability of China's commercial space launch capabilities.
Notably, LandSpace had previously conducted a successful mission with the modified ZQ-2 Y1 rocket in November 2024, which successfully deployed two satellites into orbit.
This latest launch incorporates several advancements over its predecessors, including enhancements in engine thrust and the use of composite materials in the fairing, which significantly improve the rocket's efficiency and reliability.
The developments in the ZQ-2E model signify continued innovation within China's burgeoning commercial space sector.
The rocket, identified as ZQ-2E Y2, took off at 12:12 p.m. Beijing Time from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone, adjacent to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.
Developed by Beijing-based private aerospace company LandSpace, the ZQ-2E is a modified variant of the earlier ZQ-2 model.
The designation ZQ stands for Zhuque, referencing the Vermilion Bird from Chinese mythology, which symbolizes fire and the southern direction.
The ZQ-2E rocket employs a dual-cryogenic liquid propellant system, featuring a high-thrust engine that utilizes both liquid oxygen and methane, the latter interpreted as a primary component of natural gas.
The payload capacity of the ZQ-2E rocket allows for the delivery of up to four tonnes to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch marks the fifth mission for the ZQ-2 family of rockets, demonstrating the ongoing development and reliability of China's commercial space launch capabilities.
Notably, LandSpace had previously conducted a successful mission with the modified ZQ-2 Y1 rocket in November 2024, which successfully deployed two satellites into orbit.
This latest launch incorporates several advancements over its predecessors, including enhancements in engine thrust and the use of composite materials in the fairing, which significantly improve the rocket's efficiency and reliability.
The developments in the ZQ-2E model signify continued innovation within China's burgeoning commercial space sector.
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