The modified Chinese Zhuque-2 rocket, powered by methane, has successfully completed its maiden flight.

The new Zhuque-2E Y1 launch vehicle, which uses methane as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer, can deliver up to six tons of payload to low Earth orbit and up to four tons to sun-synchronous orbit.

The modified Zhuque-2E Y1 retained the basic design of its predecessor, but its length was reduced from 49.5 to 47.3 meters, while the thrust of the engines increased from 268 to 282 tons.

In early December of last year, Zhuque-2 successfully placed three satellites into orbit, becoming the first methane rocket in history to achieve this milestone.