China marked another milestone in its commercial space program on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with the successful sea launch of a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from waters near Yangjiang in Guangdong Province. The launch deployed seven satellites into planned orbits, including Pakistan's PRSC-EO2 Earth observation satellite, underscoring growing international collaboration in Asia's space sector.
Operated by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, the SD-3 rocket lifted off at 2:37 p.m. Beijing Time from a mobile platform in the South China Sea. This mission highlights China's expanding capabilities in flexible launch solutions for commercial and international partners, with offshore launches reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency.
The successful deployment reinforces China's position as a key player in the global commercial space race, offering competitive alternatives for satellite launches. Analysts note the PRSC-EO2 satellite will enhance Pakistan's environmental monitoring and urban planning capabilities, demonstrating the practical benefits of cross-border space technology partnerships in Asia.
