On August 19, 2024, the Chinese private launch provider LandSpace successfully recovered the first stage of its ZhuQue-3 rocket after an orbital flight. The booster performed a guided descent and touched down on a designated landing zone.
The test showcased the deployment of retractable landing legs, which were activated during re‑entry to stabilize and slow the vehicle. ZhuQue-3 is therefore the first Chinese‑developed launch vehicle to demonstrate a powered landing with this hardware.
For LandSpace, the milestone represents the first time a Chinese commercial firm has retrieved an orbital‑class booster. The achievement highlights the growing capability of private actors in China’s space sector to develop technologies that were once the domain of state‑run programs.
Industry analysts view the landing as a step toward reusable launch systems in China. Future flights aim to refine the recovery process, increase turnaround speed, and reduce launch costs for both domestic and international customers.