China just Successfully Launched SpaceX Clone Falcon 9 into Orbit, But Booster Recovery FAILED

China’s ambitious space program has faced yet another dramatic moment. The latest attempt to launch a reusable methane rocket ended in failure, marking a significant setback for Landspace, the private Chinese aerospace company behind the Zhuche rocket family. While the upper stage successfully reached orbit, the rocket’s booster plummeted to the ground in flames, underscoring the enormous challenges of reusable rocket technology.

In this post, we will explore everything about this high-profile mission, the broader competition in reusable methane rockets, the surprising Crew 12 astronaut controversy, and the record-breaking docking of spacecraft at the International Space Station (ISS).

The Rise of China’s Zhuche Rocket Family

Landspace, a private aerospace company in China, has been making headlines with its Zhuche rockets, designed to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The Zhuche 2 rocket, launched in July and December of 2023, became the first methane and liquid oxygen (Methalox) rocket from China to reach orbit and successfully deploy payloads.

China just Successfully Launched SpaceX Clone Falcon 9 into Orbit

Following these milestones, Landspace upgraded to the Zhuche 2e variant, completing three additional missions—two successful and one failed. Despite these achievements, the second-generation rockets still shared a key limitation: they were not reusable.

The company’s most ambitious attempt yet, Zhuche 3, aims to change that by incorporating a reusable booster system. But as the latest launch demonstrates, achieving reusability is no simple task.

Zhuche 3’s Record Attempt and Booster Failure

The most recent launch of Zhuche 3 had already faced delays due to unspecified issues. On launch day, footage showed the rocket ascending normally. Standing at 66 meters tall and powered by nine Tianu 12A engines producing roughly 730 tons of thrust, Zhuche 3 initially appeared stable.

However, during booster descent, things went catastrophically wrong. From a distance, the booster looked to descend smoothly, but as it came into clearer view, it erupted in a burst of flame, followed by a thick plume of smoke. The booster fell uncontrollably, ultimately striking the ground slightly off the intended landing pad.

Judging from the footage, the failure likely originated during the landing burn, possibly caused by a leak or engine malfunction that triggered a cascading failure. Despite the fiery descent, the upper stage successfully separated and reached orbit—a partial success reminiscent of SpaceX’s early Falcon 9 missions and Blue Origin’s first New Glenn flight.

Key Takeaways from Zhuche 3’s Launch

Primary mission success: The upper stage reached orbit and deployed payloads.
Booster recovery failure: The reusable element did not survive, highlighting the immense challenge of controlled rocket landings.
Design inspiration from SpaceX: Zhuche 3’s size, shape, and fuel choices mimic Falcon 9 and Starship, reflecting a clear strategy to replicate proven designs.

The setback means Landspace will likely spend the next several months investigating the failure and refining booster systems, pushing the next launch into early 2026.

China just Successfully Launched SpaceX Clone Falcon 9

The Challenge of Competing with SpaceX

SpaceX has set an incredibly high bar with its routine Falcon 9 and Starship booster recoveries. While Zhuche 3’s failure may seem discouraging, it’s worth noting that even globally recognized companies faced similar hurdles in their early reusable rocket attempts.

China’s private space sector, led by Landspace, is determined to master reusable Methalox rockets. If Zhuche 3 succeeds in future launches, it could serve as a reliable vehicle for commercial missions and resupply flights to the Chinese space station, Chong Gong.

The Methalox competition is heating up:

SpaceX: Proven success in booster recovery.
Blue Origin: Achieved orbital flight with New Glenn, booster recovery pending optimization.
Landspace: Zhuche 3 demonstrates potential but requires refinement.
Rocket Lab: Upcoming Neutron rocket adds unique recovery approaches.

2026 promises to be a pivotal year in the global Methalox race, and Zhuche 3 will be a key player to watch.

Crew 12 Astronaut Controversy

While Zhuche 3 grabbed headlines, another story unfolded involving NASA and Russian cosmonauts aboard Crew 12. Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Artamev was suddenly grounded for violating U.S. national security laws, marking one of the most unusual personnel changes in recent spaceflight history.

Reports suggest that Artamev photographed SpaceX engines and confidential documents on his personal phone, then removed the data from a secure facility. This constitutes a potential breach of ITAR regulations, which protect sensitive aerospace technologies.

The Implications of Artamev’s Removal

Immediate crew changes: Cosmonaut Andre Fedv replaced Artamev on Crew 12.
Impact on international cooperation: The ISS operates on trust between NASA and Roscosmos, and security breaches could strain this relationship.
Political dimension: Artamev’s role in the Moscow Regional Parliament and the United Russia Party adds sensitivity to the situation, especially amid heightened global tensions.

Although SpaceX has not publicly commented, this incident highlights the critical importance of protecting proprietary technology and maintaining international partnerships.

China Clone SpaceX Falcon 9 — China clones SpaceX Falcon 9

ISS Sets Record for Docked Spacecraft

Amid all these developments, the International Space Station achieved a historic milestone: for the first time, all eight docking ports were simultaneously occupied.

Docked Spacecraft Included:

SpaceX CRS-33 cargo Dragon
Crew Dragon from Crew 11
Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vehicle (S.S. Signus 23)
Four Russian spacecraft: Soyuz MS-27, Soyuz MS-28, Progress 92, and Progress 93
Japan’s new HTV-X1 cargo ship from JAXA

This unprecedented full occupancy demonstrates the station’s operational capacity and the growing international collaboration in space. Controllers even had to temporarily relocate a robotic cargo vehicle to accommodate new arrivals, showcasing the logistical complexity of modern space operations.

Significance of the ISS Milestone

Symbol of global cooperation: Despite geopolitical tensions, the ISS continues to unite nations in pursuit of scientific discovery.
Peak operational utilization: Eight docked spacecraft highlight the station’s maximum logistical capacity.
Transition toward final years: With ISS operations set to conclude in the late 2020s, each milestone carries historic importance.

The ISS remains a living laboratory and a beacon of collaboration, proving that even in competitive times, countries can work together in space exploration.

What Lies Ahead for China, SpaceX, and Global Spaceflight

China’s reusable rocket efforts are only beginning. Zhuche 3’s partial success combined with booster failure is a reminder that mastering space technology is a process filled with trial and error.

For SpaceX, continued innovation in booster recovery and Starship operations maintains its leadership. Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and other global competitors are all racing to achieve similar capabilities.

The Crew 12 incident also underscores the complexities of international cooperation, where human factors and security protocols are just as critical as engineering excellence.

Finally, the ISS docking record reflects humanity’s capacity to work together and push the boundaries of what’s possible in space. Every milestone—from booster recovery to docking efficiency—contributes to a broader story of progress, risk, and innovation.

Conclusion

China’s Zhuche 3 launch, while ultimately failing in booster recovery, demonstrates significant technological progress and highlights the growing global Methalox competition. Meanwhile, the Crew 12 controversy reminds us that human factors remain critical in space operations, and the ISS docking record showcases the power of international cooperation.

The next year promises more launches, more breakthroughs, and more surprises. As Landspace refines its reusable rocket systems and other nations advance their own technologies, 2026 may prove to be one of the most exciting years in modern spaceflight history.

Stay curious, stay inspired, and keep looking up—the sky is no longer the limit.

FAQs

1. What is the Zhuche 3 rocket?
Zhuche 3 is a reusable methane-fueled rocket developed by China’s private aerospace company, Landspace, designed to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

2. Did Zhuche 3 successfully reach orbit?
Yes, the upper stage of Zhuche 3 successfully reached orbit, but the booster failed during its landing attempt.

3. Why did Zhuche 3’s booster fail?
The booster likely failed due to a malfunction during the landing burn, potentially caused by a leak or engine issue, which led to a catastrophic fire.

4. How tall is the Zhuche 3 rocket?
Zhuche 3 stands approximately 66 meters tall and is powered by nine Tianu 12A engines generating around 730 tons of thrust.

5. What is the significance of Zhuche 3 in China’s space program?
Zhuche 3 represents China’s first serious attempt at a reusable rocket, aiming to reduce launch costs and compete in the global Methalox race.

6. How does Zhuche 3 compare to SpaceX’s Falcon 9?
Zhuche 3 combines Falcon 9’s size and shape with a stainless steel structure and methane fuel like Starship, aiming to replicate SpaceX’s successful design philosophy.

7. What is Methalox fuel?
Methalox is a combination of liquid methane and liquid oxygen, which is considered efficient, clean-burning, and suitable for reusable rockets.

8. When will Landspace attempt the next Zhuche 3 launch?
The next launch is expected to occur in early 2026, following investigations and booster system redesigns.

9. Who is Oleg Artamev and why was he grounded from Crew 12?
Oleg Artamev is a veteran Russian cosmonaut who was removed from Crew 12 for allegedly violating U.S. national security laws, specifically ITAR regulations.

10. What is ITAR, and why is it important for astronauts?
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) protects sensitive U.S. aerospace technology. Violations can risk national security and compromise proprietary designs like SpaceX engines.

11. Who replaced Oleg Artamev on Crew 12?
Cosmonaut Andre Fedv replaced Oleg Artamev on the Crew 12 mission.

12. How many docking ports are currently in use on the ISS?
As of the latest report, all eight docking ports on the ISS are occupied, marking a historic first in the station’s history.

13. Which spacecraft are currently docked at the ISS?
The lineup includes: CRS-33 Cargo Dragon, Crew 11 Dragon, Cygnus S.S. Signus 23, Soyuz MS-27, Soyuz MS-28, Progress 92, Progress 93, and Japan’s HTV-X1.

14. Why is the ISS docking record significant?
This milestone demonstrates the ISS’s maximum operational capacity and highlights the strength of international cooperation in space exploration.

15. How does Zhuche 3 affect global reusable rocket competition?
Zhuche 3 adds a new contender in the Methalox race, challenging SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab, and could shape commercial spaceflight opportunities in the coming years.

16. What lessons can be learned from Zhuche 3’s failure?
The key lesson is that booster recovery is extremely difficult, even for experienced aerospace companies. Reusability requires precise engineering and repeated testing.

17. Will the Crew 12 controversy affect NASA-Roscosmos cooperation?
While the incident is sensitive, it’s hoped that long-standing collaboration aboard the ISS will continue, preserving trust, stability, and international partnerships.