Dramatic moment as Landspace's Zhuque-2 Y2 rocket lifts off. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

Landspace Technology Company's Zhuque-2 Y2 rocket lifted off on May 17, which was powered by engines manufactured at the company's propulsion manufacturing base in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

Landspace Technology Company, or Landspace, is a leading private aerospace company in China. The rocket, assembled in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, carried six satellites — the Tianyi 29, 34, 35, 42, 45, and 46 — into their designated orbits.

"This marks the fifth flight of the Zhuque-2 series and is a critical validation following the successful maiden flight of the Zhuque-2 Y1 last November," said Dai Zheng, general manager of rocket development at Landspace.

"This mission demonstrates the Y2's adaptability and system replicability in complex configurations, paving the way for future high-frequency commercial launches," Dai added.

The Zhuque-2 Y2 features several upgrades on its predecessor. These include removal of the first-stage oxygen vent connector for a streamlined launch process and a real-time wind correction trajectory design, enhancing the mission efficiency and system stability.

The propulsion system has seen significant enhancements, with the first stage equipped with four Tianque-12A methane/liquid oxygen-fueled rocket engines. The second stage continues to use the Tianque-15A engine, benefiting from weight-saving dual-curvature sheet metal forming and laser welding technologies.

Liu Lei, general manager of propulsion development at Landspace, said, "With the 100th Tianque-12A methane/liquid oxygen-fueled rocket engine completed last month, our Huzhou propulsion manufacturing base is now ready for mass production."