Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket transports 10 satellites into space

A Zhuque-2E Y7 carrier rocket carrying 10 networking satellites blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Sept. 15, 2026. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

China successfully launched a Zhuque-2E Y7 carrier rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China on Tuesday.

Lifting off at 2:26 p.m. (Beijing Time), the rocket deployed 10 networking satellites for a mega-constellation into their preset orbits.

The mission was declared a complete success.

This mission marked the first large-scale satellite internet constellation deployment by a Chinese private commercial rocket, validating its capability to execute such complex tasks.

Developed by LandSpace, a Chinese private space company, the Zhuque-2E is a two-stage cryogenic liquid launch vehicle with an extended body, powered by liquid oxygen and methane propellants. It shares key technologies with the Zhuque-3, a reusable launch vehicle, including common first- and second-stage engines and pneumatic push-rod stage separation.

"Technology sharing reduces costs and accelerates iterative improvements by allowing cross-model validation," LandSpace said. "The company will continue to enhance its stable and efficient space access capabilities to provide crucial launch capacity for China's satellite internet."