朱雀三号成功入轨，中国离重复使用火箭时代还有多远？

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Zhuque-3 rocket marks a significant milestone in China's reusable rocket technology, despite challenges in achieving its expected payload capacity and issues with engine performance [1][11][29]. Group 1: Launch Details - On December 3, the Zhuque-3 rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, successfully completing its flight plan and delivering a simulated payload into orbit [1]. - The first stage attempted a landing but experienced engine failure during descent, resulting in a crash approximately 67.2 meters from the intended landing zone [1]. Group 2: Development Background - Blue Arrow Aerospace, established in 2015, focuses on developing medium to large launch vehicles using liquid oxygen and methane as propellants, aiming to provide cost-effective and reliable launch services [3]. - The Zhuque-2 rocket, which successfully entered orbit in July 2023, was the first liquid oxygen-methane rocket to achieve this milestone, establishing Blue Arrow as a key player in the commercial space sector [3][4]. Group 3: Technical Specifications - The Zhuque-3 rocket features a diameter of 4.5 meters, a total length of 76.6 meters, and a launch weight of approximately 660 tons, with a low Earth orbit payload capacity of 21.3 tons [5]. - The rocket's first stage is equipped with four Tianque-12 engines, providing a thrust of about 900 tons [5]. Group 4: Challenges and Innovations - The Zhuque-3 rocket is constructed from high-strength stainless steel, which reduces manufacturing costs and enhances thermal resistance for multiple reuses [8][9]. - However, the rocket's first flight revealed issues with payload capacity, primarily due to the weight of the stainless steel structure, prompting design modifications to alleviate this problem [11][20]. Group 5: Future Prospects - Blue Arrow plans to enhance the Zhuque-3's capabilities with the development of the Tianque-12B engine, aiming for a thrust increase to 100 tons by 2027, which would significantly improve the rocket's payload capacity [23]. - The company is also preparing for future missions, including the launch of the Haolong-1 cargo spacecraft, which will further test the Zhuque-3's operational capabilities [23].