China's LandSpace Launches Improved Methane-powered Rocket

The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket, a methane-powered rocket developed by LandSpace Technology, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch six satellites into orbit, in China, in this screenshot from a handout video released May 17, 2025. LandSpace/Handout via REUTERS
The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket, a methane-powered rocket developed by LandSpace Technology, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch six satellites into orbit, in China, in this screenshot from a handout video released May 17, 2025. LandSpace/Handout via REUTERS
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China's LandSpace Launches Improved Methane-powered Rocket

The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket, a methane-powered rocket developed by LandSpace Technology, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch six satellites into orbit, in China, in this screenshot from a handout video released May 17, 2025. LandSpace/Handout via REUTERS
The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket, a methane-powered rocket developed by LandSpace Technology, takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch six satellites into orbit, in China, in this screenshot from a handout video released May 17, 2025. LandSpace/Handout via REUTERS

A new methane-powered rocket developed by China's LandSpace Technology launched six satellites into orbit on Saturday, doubling down on a cheap, cleaner fuel that the private startup hopes will help it develop reusable rockets.

The Zhuque-2E Y2 carrier rocket blasted off at 12:12 p.m. (0412 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, marking the fifth flight for the Zhuque-2 series, according to a company statement.

Beijing-based LandSpace became the world's first company to launch a methane-liquid oxygen rocket in July 2023, ahead of US rivals including Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

Interest has grown in recent years in launching carrier vehicles fuelled by methane, which is deemed less polluting, safer and cheaper than more commonly used hydrocarbon fuels and a suitable propellant in a reusable rocket.

LandSpace has increased the rocket's payload, reflecting increasing demand in China's expanding commercial space industry amid growing competition to form a constellation of satellites as an alternative to Musk's Starlink.

Its first successful methane-powered launch did not carry any real satellites, but the second launch in December 2023 successfully sent into orbit three satellites. Saturday's launch put six satellites into orbit, Reuters reported.

Reusable rockets, pioneered by SpaceX, have demonstrated that they can lower costs for launch vehicles and space transportation. LandSpace founder and CEO Zhang Changwu has said the company had started developing reusable rockets and expected to conduct a test launch in the second half of 2025.

The latest model in its Zhuque-2 series includes technical improvements that will help the company's goal of launching a reusable rocket.

Saturday's launch marked the first time LandSpace has deployed a propulsion method that involves chilling both liquid oxygen and methane below their boiling points, boosting thrust.

Chinese commercial space firms have rushed into the sector since 2014, when the government allowed private investment in the industry. LandSpace was one of the earliest and best-funded entrants.

Founded in 2015, LandSpace has secured funding from investors including venture capital firm HongShan, known at that time as Sequoia Capital China, the investment arm of Chinese property developer Country Garden and the state-backed China SME Development Fund.

LandSpace raised 900 million yuan ($120 million) in December from a state-owned fund focussed on advanced manufacturing, while in 2020 it raised 1.2 billion yuan ($170 million), Chinese corporate databases showed.



Severe Heat Waves Hit Southern Europe as Local Authorities Warn against Wildfire Risks

People watch the sun set from the Our Lady of the Hill viewpoint overlooking Lisbon at the end of a hot day in Lisbon, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
People watch the sun set from the Our Lady of the Hill viewpoint overlooking Lisbon at the end of a hot day in Lisbon, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
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Severe Heat Waves Hit Southern Europe as Local Authorities Warn against Wildfire Risks

People watch the sun set from the Our Lady of the Hill viewpoint overlooking Lisbon at the end of a hot day in Lisbon, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
People watch the sun set from the Our Lady of the Hill viewpoint overlooking Lisbon at the end of a hot day in Lisbon, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Major heat waves across Southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40 C (104 F) in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local authorities issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires.

Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe's southern region.

Severe heat waves were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions, The AP news reported.

Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.

In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.

On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.

In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool.

Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.

Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with the first summer heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend.

A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky.

Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.

In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool this weekend, as the country sizzled in temperatures as high as 42 C (107 F) in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in southern and central parts of the country.

Southern regions of Spain recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s national meteorological service Aemet has said that June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started.

Experts warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.

Local authorities advised against physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids.

A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies.

While more people currently die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.