StoryHardware
Zhuque-3 booster becomes world's first methane rocket stage to land on legs
On 18 August 2026, LandSpace successfully landed a Zhuque-3 booster on its four legs downrange in the South China Sea, a world first for a methane-fueled orbital-class rocket and the first booster recovery by any Chinese commercial company. Propellant residue caught fire briefly after landing, damaging the landing gear, but LandSpace plans to inspect, refurbish and reflying the booster within six months to prove reusability.