In a milestone for China's commercial space sector, aerospace firm Space Pioneer announced the successful completion of a 36-satellite separation test for its Tianlong-3 reusable rocket on October 24. The trial at the company's Zhangjiagang manufacturing base in Jiangsu Province marks critical progress in developing multi-satellite launch capabilities essential for next-generation orbital networks.
The liquid-propellant rocket demonstrated its ability to deploy satellites simultaneously – a technical prerequisite for building China's planned satellite internet constellation. Analysts say this achievement positions Space Pioneer as a key player in the global commercial launch market, which is projected to grow 67% to $31.3 billion by 2031.
"This test validates our solutions for high-frequency, cost-effective access to space," a company representative stated. The Tianlong-3 is designed for 20 reuses with rapid refurbishment, potentially reducing launch costs by 80% compared to conventional rockets.
The development comes as China accelerates its satellite internet program to provide global coverage, with over 12,000 satellites planned by 2030. Business analysts note growing opportunities for component manufacturers and data service providers, while researchers highlight potential applications in emergency communications and IoT connectivity across Asia.
