Chinese private company fails to launch first commercial rocket into orbit
The first launch of China's commercial carrier rocket “ZQ-1” was unsuccessful, according to an announcement from the rocket manufacturer.
![]() |
A private Chinese company failed to launch its first commercial rocket into orbit. Photo: AFP |
The launch was carried out from the Jiuquan Spaceport in northwestern China. Problems arose after the second stage separated and experts are now trying to determine the cause.
China's private technology company LandSpace Technology Corporation announced in late August that it had completed the manufacture of a commercial rocket called "Zhuchue-1" (ZQ-1, Chu Tuoc).
The ZQ-1 "red bird" is a three-stage rocket with a total length of 19 meters, a diameter of 1.35 meters, a take-off weight of 27 tons, and a starting thrust of 45 tons.