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MISSION SUCCESS | ZhuQue-3 Y2 Reusable Launch Vehicle Achieved Full Success in Orbital Insertion and First-Stage Recovery On August 19, 2026, at 07:35 (UTC+8), the ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Y2 reusable launch vehicle lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. Approximately 137 seconds after lift-off, the first and second stages separated. The second stage continued its flight and successfully delivered the Honghu 03 satellite, independently developed by Hongqing Technology, into its designated orbit. At approximately 07:41, the first stage performed a successful soft touchdown at the LandSpace Landing Site#1 in Minqin County, Gansu Province, following the planned trajectory — marking the full success of the flight test mission.

The ZhuQue-3 launch vehicle completed its maiden flight with all primary mission events performed nominally. The first stage flight was normal, stage separation performed as planned, and the fairing jettison and first stage landed precisely within the designated area. The second stage performed normally and achieved the target orbit, marking a complete success of the orbital launch mission. During the first stage recovery system verification test, engines thrust throttling operated normally, attitude control remained stable, and the down range recovery trajectory was nominal. An anomaly occurred as the first stage approached the designated recovery zone. No personnel safety issues occurred. China’s first rocket recovery attempt achieved its expected technical objectives.