China’s Jielong-3 Rocket Boosts Commercial Space Sector

On February 3, at UTC 03:06, China achieved its 8th successful launch in 2024, deploying 9 satellites using the Smart Dragon/Jielong-3 rocket in Yangjiang, Guangdong.

Beijing, Feb 3, 2024, China witnessed another successful launch of the Jielong-3 rocket over the weekend. This rocket is also known as Smart Dragon-3. Meanwhile, it first flew in 2022. It can deliver nine satellites into orbit. This marks the rocket’s second launch in just two months, showcasing the country’s increasing prowess in the commercial space domain.

Carry Weight

1,500 kg (3,300 pounds)

Jielong-3 Rocket and  Commercial Space Launches

Developed by China Rocket Co, a commercial arm of a state-owned launch vehicle manufacturer, Jielong-3 made its maiden flight in December 2022. Also, this rocket was the third release of the rocket, developed through China Rocket Co, since December 2022.

The rocket’s capability to carry payloads at competitive costs positions China as a formidable commercial space launch market player.

President Xi Jinping’s Vision for Smart Dragon-3:

President Xi Jinping is a vocal advocate for expanding strategic industries, emphasizing the significance of the commercial space sector. The focus is building satellite constellations for communication, remote sensing, and navigation.

Geely Holding Group Expands Satellite Fleet for Autonomous Vehicles:

In tandem with the successful rocket launch, Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group leaped into space by deploying 11 satellites. This move aims to enhance the company’s capacity to provide more authentic navigation for autonomous vehicles.

China’s Surge in Commercial Launches

Last year witnessed a remarkable surge in Chinese commercial launches, totaling 17 with only one failure. This contributed to China’s record-breaking 67 orbital launches, surpassing the previous year’s achievements. 

In comparison, the United States made 116 launch attempts in 2023, led by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Cutting-Edge Capabilities of the Jielong-3 Rocket:

This rocket is the 8th successful launch in 2024 by China. It boasts an impressive payload capacity of up to 6,500 kg in low-earth orbit. This establishes it as the most powerful launch vehicle crafted by a non-governmental entity in China.

Payload Diversity in Rocketry: From Small to Heavy Lifters:

In the world of rocket technology, this rocket falls into the small-lift rockets. It can carry payloads of up to 2,000 kg. Medium-lift rockets can handle up to 20,000 kilograms. While heavy-lift counterparts effortlessly transport payloads exceeding 20,000 kg. To put things into perspective, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, a heavyweight in the field, can lift an impressive 64,000 kilograms into orbit.

Key Factors behind Rocket Jielong-3:

As China aims to strengthen its position in the commercial space arena, key factors come into play. These include opening more launch windows, diversifying rocket types to accommodate various payload sizes, reducing launch costs, and expanding the number of launch sites. Strategies involve building additional spaceports and utilizing sea launch vessels for increased flexibility.

Final Verdict:

China’s recent successes in business area launches, exemplified via the Jielong-three rocket and Geely Holding Group’s satellite TV for PC deployment, underscore the country’s dedication to turning into a dominant pressure inside the hastily evolving space industry.