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China Launches Zhuque-2E, Expands Qianfan Satellite Constellation

May 13, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Landspace launches improved Zhuque-2E rocket.
Long March 6A lofts new Qianfan satellite group.
Zhuque-2E features numerous improvements.
Qianfan constellation now has 144 satellites.

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Strategic Implications

This launch may indicate Landspace's growing competitiveness in the Chinese launch market. The improvements to the Zhuque-2E suggest a focus on reliability and payload capacity, which could strengthen Landspace's position in securing launch contracts for China's megaconstellation projects.

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What Happened

Landspace Returns To Flight With Improved Methane Rocket

China has launched a new batch of satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation and successfully returned the commercial Zhuque-2E rocket to flight with numerous improvements. The Zhuque-2E lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, inserting a large-scale constellation deployment experiment into a polar orbit. The launch demonstrated high-mass payload launch capability and readiness for multi-satellite launch services. This development was reported by SpaceNews.

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