The rocket lifted off at 11 a.m. from a dedicated launch service ship, releasing the satellites into a low-Earth orbit approximately 650 kilometers above the planet's surface. The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the rocket's manufacturer, confirmed the success in a statement following the event. This marks the fifth sea-based mission for the Smart Dragon 3 series.
Standing 31 meters tall and with a diameter of 2.65 meters, the Smart Dragon 3 is a solid-propellant rocket weighing 140 metric tons at liftoff. It is powered by a high-performance solid-propellant engine containing 71 tons of propellant, capable of producing a thrust of 200 tons. The rocket's design allows it to transport payloads of up to 1.5 tons to a typical sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers.
China's sea-based launch systems are a critical component of the nation's space ambitions. These systems provide unique advantages, such as enhanced launch flexibility, reduced costs, and minimized risks to populated areas. Launch platforms are typically retrofitted ships that serve as mobile launch bases, enabling missions to be conducted closer to the equator for optimal orbital efficiency.
The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a subsidiary of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is at the forefront of this effort. As the nation's largest and most comprehensive launch vehicle developer, CALT specializes in cutting-edge rocket technology, including solid and liquid propulsion systems, reusable launch vehicles, and sea-based platforms. Their innovative approach supports both commercial and governmental space projects, solidifying China's position as a global leader in space exploration and satellite deployment.
The Smart Dragon 3 made its debut in December 2022, launching 14 satellites from the Yellow Sea. Subsequent missions expanded its record, including the first sea-based launch from the South China Sea in December 2023, which deployed nine satellites. The fourth mission, conducted off Haiyang's coast in September, carried eight satellites to orbit.
Overall, China has conducted 15 sea-based rocket launches using various models, including the Long March 11, Smart Dragon 3, Ceres 1, and Gravity 1. This latest mission represents the second space launch by China in 2025, underscoring its continued advancements in space technology.
Related Links
China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
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