The rocket coded as the ZQ-2E Y2 exploded from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone near the Jukuan Satellite Launch Center at 12:12pm (Beijing time). This is a modified variant of the ZQ-2 model developed by Landspace, a private rocket manufacturer covered in Beijing.
ZQ stands for Zhuque (Vermilion Bird). It is one of the four spirits of ancient Chinese mythology, representing fire and controlling the direction south, Xinhua reported.
The modified ZQ-2 boasts the dual cryogenic liquid propellant system featuring a high thrust engine equipped with both liquid oxygen and methane. The latter is the main ingredient in natural gas.
The rocket can deliver a 4-ton payload into a 500-km solar-synchronous orbit, the company said.
It will be released on Saturday as the fifth rocket in the ZQ-2 series.
MP/