The brief

Analyst view

• Zhuque-3 maiden flight December 2025; August 2026 became world's first methane booster landing on legs.
• Booster damaged by propellant fire after landing; planned reflying within 6 months proves reusability.
• 21.3 tonnes to LEO expendable, 18.3 tonnes with booster recovery; targets cost competitiveness with Falcon 9.

Technical approach

As reported

Liquid methane engines

TQ-12 series engines

Nine TQ-12A/TQ-12B turbopump-fed methane/LOX engines on first stage. Methane is cheaper than hydrogen, denser than RP-1.

Stainless steel construction

Reusable booster structure

First stage built from stainless steel for durability through multiple reentries; survives atmospheric heating.

Booster landing legs

Powered descent with legs

First stage lands vertically on four legs under engine throttle on land or floating platform. World's first methane booster landing.