China beats SpaceX with world’s first methane-powered rocket launch

[onebyone]

China beats SpaceX with world’s first methane-powered rocket launch​

• Chinese scientists are celebrating after the projectile blasted off successfully from the Gobi desert at 9am on Wednesday
• The Zhuque-2 launch puts private aerospace company LandSpace in front for the race to liquid oxygen methane rocket technology

The Zhuque-2 from Chinese aerospace company LandSpace makes history as the first methane-powered rocket launched successfully into orbit. Photo: Weibo​

China beats SpaceX with world’s first methane-powered rocket launch

Chinese scientists are celebrating after the projectile blasted off successfully from the Gobi desert at 9am on Tuesday.

www.scmp.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678937094494846976

 

[onebyone]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678950694748061696

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678938540699164673

 

[StraightEdge]

Stunning shot

https://twitter.com/x/status/1679014251896410113

 

[kuge]

what is special with methane launched rocket?

 

[casual]

what is special with methane launched rocket?

Main advantage is the boiling point of liquid methane is similar to liquid oxygen. This means they can be stored in the same compartment reducing weight and complexity. Also, methane burns clean and does not leave carbon buildup. This is a big deal for reusable rocket engines. Looks to be the rocket fuel of the future for first stage.