Chinese company LandSpace launches first successful methane-fueled orbital rocket

Chinese private space company LandSpace successfully launched methane-fueled rocket Zhuque-2 into orbit from Jiuquan launch site.
The launch signifies a milestone for China's commercial space sector, which has grown rapidly since 2014.
Methane is considered a next-generation rocket fuel due to its cleaner, safer and cheaper properties compared to alternatives.
LandSpace's achievement puts China ahead of US companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin also working on methane rocket technology.
Other companies planning methane-fueled rockets include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space and United Launch Alliance.