China: China has successfully launched a commercial rocket into space, sending six satellites. The rocket is capable of delivering a 4-tonne payload to a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit.

According to Qatar News Agency, the rocket, coded ZQ-2E Y2, blasted off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It is a modified variant of the ZQ-2 model developed by the Beijing-headquartered private rocket maker LandSpace.

The company stated that the new rocket has several upgrades over its previous model, including improved engine thrust and the adoption of composite materials to replace metals in the fairing, enhancing its efficiency and reliability. The modified ZQ-2 features a dual-cryogenic liquid propellant system with a high-thrust engine powered by both liquid oxygen and methane.

Prior to the mission, the company successfully launched a modified ZQ-2 Y1 rocket in November 2024, sending two satellites into orbit.