Zhuque-2 / Zhuque-2E

Overview

Two-stage methane-liquid oxygen medium-lift rocket; the first methalox launch vehicle in the world to reach orbit. The stretched Zhuque-2E variant adds payload performance for commercial missions.

Operational from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. The upgraded Zhuque-2E (Y5) flew successfully on May 14, 2026 with lengthened tanks, subcooled propellant loading and a three-ignition second stage; the Zhuque-2E Y6 followed just 27 days later on June 9, 2026 — the eighth successful Zhuque-2-family mission — lofting the SpaceSail/Qianfan DTC01 and China Mobile 02 satellites and debuting a pneumatic push-rod stage-separation system derived from Zhuque-3 plus a 3D-printed integrated second-stage engine frame.

Key Specs