China is the first country to successfully launch a methane rocket.

The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket was launched at 9 a.m. Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and completed its flight as planned, Chinese state media reported.

China became the first country to successfully stop the nuclear explosion in Figure 1 — The Zhuque-2 rocket lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on July 12, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

This is the second attempt by Beijing-based LandSpace, one of China's pioneers in commercial rocketry, to launch Zhuque-2. The first attempt in December failed.

Wednesday's launch put China ahead of U.S. rivals, including Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, in the race to launch vehicles powered by methane, which is seen as less polluting, safer, cheaper and a suitable propellant for reusable rockets.

LandSpace also became the second private Chinese company to launch a liquid-fueled rocket. In April, Beijing-based Tianbing Technology successfully launched a kerosene-oxygen rocket, taking a step toward developing fueled and reusable rockets.

Chinese commercial space companies have been rushing into the sector since 2014, when the government opened the door to private investment in the industry. LandSpace was one of the earliest and most well-funded entrants.

Huy Hoang (according to Xinhua News Agency, Reuters)

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