Chinese liquid-propellant carrier rocket Tianlong-3 successfully completed its first-stage propulsion system test on an offshore launch pad at the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in east China's Shandong Province on Monday.
Independent development of Tianlong-3, or "Heavenly Dragon" in English, began in March 2022 by Beijing-based commercial aerospace company Space Pioneer.
Measuring 72 meters in length with a takeoff mass of 600 tonnes, the rocket's first stage is powered by nine "Tianhuo-12" engines operating in parallel.
It is designed to deliver payloads of 17 to 22 tonnes to low-Earth orbit and 10 to 17 tonnes to sun-synchronous orbit. It is capable of launching up to 36 satellites in a single mission and is intended to support large-scale cargo transport to China's space station as well as launches to medium- and high-Earth orbits.
The test run verified several key technologies, such as wind protection, anti-vibration, lightning protection, and engine flame and high-temperature shielding.
During the test, all systems operated normally, with accurate engine ignition timing, stable operation and proper shutdown. The parameters obtained from comprehensive system drills met the performance requirements for the rocket's maiden flight, said Kang Yonglai, founder of the company.
The rocket is expected to carry out its maiden flight at the end of 2025.
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