China advanced its commercial space capabilities Sunday with a maritime launch of the Smart Dragon-3 rocket, successfully deploying the CentiSpace 02 satellite group into preset orbit. The four-stage solid-propellant vehicle blasted off at 11:49 p.m. local time from waters near Haiyang City in Shandong province, marking its 10th flight mission since entering service.
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the 1,500 kg payload-capacity rocket specializes in delivering spacecraft to sun-synchronous and low-Earth orbits. This latest mission underscores China's growing proficiency in flexible launch solutions, with the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center coordinating complex offshore operations.
The successful deployment adds momentum to China's commercial space sector, which has seen 14 orbital launches this year alone. Maritime launches offer distinct advantages for polar-orbiting satellites, reducing flight risks over populated areas while leveraging the Earth's rotational speed.
