Zhuque-3 reusable carrier rocket successfully launched into orbit.

On December 3rd, Zhuque-3 YAOYI carrier rocket was launched into space at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Area, completing the flight mission according to the procedure, with the rocket's second stage entering the designated orbit. Zhuque-3 is a new generation of low-cost, high-capacity, high-frequency, and reusable liquid oxygen methane carrier rocket independently developed by Blue Arrow Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. The Zhuque-3 YAOYI carrier rocket adopts a single-core two-stage series configuration, with a diameter of 4.5 meters for the first and second stages, a fairing diameter of 5.2 meters, and a total length of 66.1 meters. The power system is based on the Tianque series liquid oxygen methane engines independently developed by Blue Arrow Aerospace. The first stage of the rocket is equipped with reaction control systems, grid fins, and landing legs, allowing for vertical return and reuse after orbit launch. This mission also conducted a first-stage rocket recovery verification, but during the process, an abnormal combustion occurred, resulting in a failure to achieve a soft landing at the recovery site. The specific reasons are currently being further analyzed and investigated. Although the mission did not achieve the planned goal of first-stage rocket recovery, it has validated the correctness and feasibility of the entire process of testing, launching, and flying the Zhuque-3 carrier rocket, as well as the compatibility of various systems interfaces. It has also obtained key engineering data of the rocket in real flight conditions, laying an important foundation for future launch services and reliable recovery and reusability of the stages. It is reported that the development team will promptly conduct a comprehensive review and technical analysis of this test process, identify the cause of the malfunction, continuously optimize the recovery plan, and continue to advance the verification of reusability in future missions.