朱雀三号总指挥谈火箭首飞：最后一脚刹车没踩好

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Zhuque-3 rocket marks a significant milestone in China's commercial space industry, despite the failure of the first stage recovery, which is seen as a valuable learning experience for future missions [1][3][21]. Summary by Sections Launch and Recovery - Zhuque-3 was launched on December 3, with the first and second stages separating successfully. The second stage completed its orbital mission, while the first stage attempted a return but failed to land successfully [2][3][21]. - The failure of the first stage recovery was attributed to a miscalculation during the landing burn, which resulted in the rocket crashing approximately 40 meters from the intended landing zone [5][23]. Significance of the Mission - The primary goal of the mission was to achieve orbital insertion, which was accomplished, demonstrating the rocket's capability to serve satellite clients. The recovery aspect, while important for cost reduction, was secondary to the successful delivery of payloads to orbit [7][21]. - The mission is viewed as a critical step in addressing the urgent demand for satellite constellations in China, highlighting the importance of commercial space capabilities [9][18]. Development Background - The Zhuque-3 rocket is a product of Blue Arrow, a private aerospace company founded in 2016, which aims to provide low-cost, reusable launch services. The company has faced challenges, including a previous launch failure in 2018, which led to a strategic shift towards developing its own liquid oxygen-methane engines [14][15][18]. - The development of the Tianque series of engines represents a breakthrough in China's private aerospace sector, significantly reducing costs and enhancing performance [15][18]. Future Prospects - The successful launch of Zhuque-3 is expected to pave the way for future missions, including the Long March 12 rocket, which will also focus on recovery technology [24]. - The competitive landscape for low Earth orbit resources is intensifying, with companies like SpaceX leading the charge. China's efforts to establish its satellite internet system are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in global communications and AI capabilities [18][24].