China's Tianlong-3 liquid-propellant carrier rocket achieved a critical milestone on Monday, successfully completing its first-stage propulsion system test at the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in Shandong Province. The trial marks a significant step toward the rocket's planned 2025 maiden flight, positioning it as a key player in China's expanding commercial space sector.
Developed independently by Beijing-based Space Pioneer since March 2022, the 72-meter-long Tianlong-3 (meaning 'Heavenly Dragon') boasts nine parallel Tianhuo-12 engines and a 600-tonne takeoff mass. The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 22 tonnes to low-Earth orbit, with capabilities to support China's space station operations and deploy satellite constellations through its 36-satellite launch capacity.
Monday's offshore test validated crucial technologies including wind resistance, vibration control, and thermal shielding systems. Space Pioneer founder Kang Yonglai confirmed all systems performed within expected parameters during the 130-second trial, describing the results as 'meeting performance requirements for first-flight readiness.'
The successful test underscores China's growing commercial space capabilities, offering new opportunities for satellite deployment and orbital logistics. With its sun-synchronous orbit capacity of 17 tonnes, the Tianlong-3 could become a competitive option for global satellite operators and researchers seeking cost-effective launch solutions.
