Chinese Private Rocket Performs Large Satellite Internet Constellation Deployment Mission for the First Time: Zhuque-2 Launches Ten Satellites into Orbit with One Rocket

en.Wedoany.com Reported - At 14:26 on September 15, the Zhuque-2 improved variant Y7 launch vehicle (ZQ-2E Y7), developed by LandSpace, lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone. Using a one-rocket-ten-satellite configuration, it successfully placed the Qianfan Polar Orbit Group 19 satellites of Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. into their predetermined orbit, marking a complete success for the mission.

This mission was the 9th flight of the Zhuque-2 series launch vehicles, the first time it has performed a large-scale satellite internet constellation deployment mission, and also the first time a Chinese private commercial aerospace enterprise has undertaken a large satellite internet constellation deployment mission, marking that China's private commercial aerospace sector has officially entered satellite internet constellation construction.

Zhuque-2 Improved Variant Rocket

High Performance, High Maturity, High Frequency

The Zhuque-2 improved variant launch vehicle achieves the launch capacity equivalent to a three-stage rocket with a two-stage configuration, and is the first in China's private aerospace sector to achieve orbit insertion at an altitude of 900 kilometers. It can precisely deploy 10 communication satellites in a single launch, which means the rocket's carrying capacity, propulsion system, stage separation technology, upper stage control precision, and overall launch system performance all meet the safe orbit insertion requirements for high-density stacked satellites, reaching the industry's advanced level.

Prior to this mission, the Zhuque-2 series launch vehicles had already completed 8 flights. After multiple rounds of technical iteration and flight verification, the Zhuque-2 improved variant has essentially established a mature technical baseline and a stable delivery configuration, with relatively high reliability, capable of providing customers with predictable and trustworthy launch services. Its "Tianque" series liquid oxygen methane engines had accumulated 170,000 seconds of test firing as of May 14, 2026.

Low-orbit constellation deployment places unprecedented high demands on launch frequency. Through multiple practices, the Zhuque-2 improved variant has greatly simplified the testing and launch process and significantly shortened the mission testing and launch cycle, enabling customers to complete multi-batch satellite deployments within a short period of time.

Mutual Technical Support and Complementary Market Positioning with Zhuque-3

The Zhuque-2 improved variant is one of LandSpace's primary launch vehicles, developed in parallel with the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle. The two models support each other in technical iteration and complement each other in market positioning. The Zhuque-2 improved variant has a maximum payload capacity of 6 tonnes, while the Zhuque-3 has a maximum designed payload capacity of 18 tonnes in recovery mode. A LandSpace official stated that through the combination of these two models, the company can meet the vast majority of launch demands in China's commercial aerospace sector in a highly cost-effective manner.

The Zhuque-2 improved variant and Zhuque-3 share a large number of key products and technologies. For example, both use TQ-12A series engines for their first stages and TQ-15A engines for their second stages; both first and second stages separate via pneumatic pushers, and so on. Technology sharing can reduce costs on the one hand, and on the other hand allows the verification results, accumulated data, and experience of one model to be applied to the other, thereby accelerating their respective improvements and iterations.