Chinese Private Space Enterprise Completes Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing Rocket Test

In January, Chinese private space enterprise LandSpace completed a “hop test” of its Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This was another step in China’s efforts to become commercially competitive in reusable launch technology.  

At the heart of China’s aspiration to become dominant in the global space race is the VTVL technology, a cornerstone of its broader Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program. This commitment was prominently featured in China's 2021 space program white paper.

LandSpace’s successful “hop test” of its Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 rocket marked a notable milestone for China’s RLV program. The test involved the test rocket reaching an altitude of 350 meters before making a precise landing back at the launch pad. The successful completion of the test made LandSpace the fifth Chinese company to successfully complete such a test.

LandSpace’s achievement echoes the early developments of American private aerospace company SpaceX, which first tested its VTVL technology in October 2013. The successful replication of VTVL by Chinese firms like LandSpace suggests that China is closing the gap in this key technological area. However, SpaceX retains a significant lead, having now employed its VTVL capability on over 300 orbital launches.

“Private” companies such as LandSpace receive considerable funding and other support from the Chinese government, which also stresses the role of “civilian participation in the defense industry.” LandSpace itself has benefitted from the expertise of foreign-trained specialists recruited through well-funded national programs.