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China's first attempt to go into orbit via a private launch company failed yesterday. When it started in Beijing, LandSpace attempted to launch its Zhuque-1 three-stage rocket for the first time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.
In an article published on the Chinese website Weibo microblogging (via The Financial TimesLandSpace indicates that, even though the launch was successful, an error occurred during the third leg and the rocket was unable to reach orbit. Despite this setback, the company hailed the flight as a success: it emphasized the fact that the first two stages went as planned and stated that it was the first private space company in China to obtain a license to rocket launch. The company notes that the rocket "will continue to advance". according to QZ, the rocket was carrying a satellite that allegedly broadcast a television series called Science to yours for CCTV state broadcaster.
This is not the very first launch of a Chinese space company, but it seems to have been the first attempt to reach orbit. Earlier this year, Beijing OneSpace successfully completed two sub-orbital launches in May and again in September. These launches were demonstrations that were not intended for orbit, but at that time, OneSpace had indicated that it planned to make 10 launches in 2019.
Until recently, China's space interests were entrusted to the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA), which sent satellites and taikonauts into space. In 2014, the Chinese government began allowing private companies to enter the space industry. LandSpace was founded in 2015 and was considered the most advanced player in the Chinese space industry.
