Zhuque-2E | 4 x SatNet test satellites
Zhuque-2E • Zhuque
📝 Mission Description
Zhuque-2E Launch Advances China's Satellite Internet Ambitions
On August 15, 2025, China's burgeoning space sector marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Zhuque-2E rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Carrying four test satellites for the SatNet constellation, this mission underscores Beijing's push to establish a robust low-Earth orbit (LEO) communication network, rivaling global players like SpaceX's Starlink.
The primary objective of the mission, officially termed "Satellite-Internet Technology Demonstration Satellites," focuses on validating key technologies for high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity. These four payloads are prototypes for SatNet, a state-owned initiative aimed at deploying thousands of LEO satellites to provide global broadband coverage. Each satellite, weighing approximately 200 kilograms, incorporates advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links, enabling data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps per user. This demonstration phase tests orbital maneuvers, signal propagation in congested LEO environments, and integration with ground stations. Payload capabilities extend beyond basic connectivity; they include experimental features for remote sensing and edge computing, potentially supporting applications in disaster response, maritime navigation, and rural education. By prioritizing seamless handover between satellites, SatNet aims to minimize coverage gaps, a common challenge in LEO constellations.
At the heart of this mission is the Zhuque-2E rocket, an enhanced variant of LandSpace's Zhuque-2 series. Developed by the private Chinese firm LandSpace, the Zhuque-2E stands about 55 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters. It employs a two-stage design powered by liquid oxygen-methane engines, a choice that offers reusability potential and lower operational costs compared to traditional kerosene-based systems. The first stage features four Tianque-12 engines, delivering a combined thrust of 268 tons, while the second stage uses a single Tianque-15 engine for precise orbital insertion. With a payload capacity of up to 4 tons to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) or 2 tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), the Zhuque-2E represents a step up from its predecessor, incorporating improved avionics for autonomous flight control and enhanced fairing size to accommodate larger satellite clusters.
The Zhuque-2 family's performance history has been a mix of setbacks and triumphs, reflecting the rapid iteration typical of China's commercial space industry. The original Zhuque-2 achieved a landmark in July 2023 as the
ℹ️ Official Details
Officially described as "Satellite-Internet Technology Demonstration Satellite(s)".
Probably 4 test satellites for the Chinese state-owned LEO communication satellite constellation SatNet.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Zhuque-2E mission, launched on August 15, 2025, aimed to deploy four SatNet test satellites for a Chinese state-owned LEO communication constellation. However, the launch vehicle encountered technical anomalies during ascent, compromising mission success. While specific details on the nature of the anomalies remain undisclosed, the failure to achieve nominal performance raises concerns about the rocket’s reliability. Payload deployment status and orbital achievement are unclear, pending further official reports, but initial indications suggest the satellites may not have reached their intended orbits. This outcome highlights critical engineering challenges for the Zhuque-2E design, necessitating thorough investigation and potential redesigns. For future missions, this setback could delay SatNet constellation development and impact confidence in the Zhuque-2E platform. Addressing these technical issues will be paramount to ensuring the program’s long-term viability and competitiveness in the LEO satellite market.