At 19:32 Beijing Time on April 11, the Jielong-3 carrier rocket ignited and lifted off from the sea area near Yangjiang, Guangdong province, China, People’s Republic of China, successfully sending the satellite internet technology test satellite into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success.
The satellite internet technology test satellite was developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The Jielong-3 rocket was developed by the First Academy of CASC. This mission marked
the 11th flight of the Jielong-3 carrier rocket.
- The high-density launch capability
of this mission, launched only 20 days after the previous one, highlights the rocket’s rapid response capability. The project team significantly shortened the mission cycle through pulsed assembly and testing, parallel process optimization, and modular launch support system design, providing technical support for high-frequency commercial satellite constellation deployment - Technological breakthrough
- Orbit and Deorbit Challenges : The mission’s orbital altitude was the highest ever for the Jielong-3 rocket. The team ensured the rocket’s reliable deorbiting and avoided space debris through meticulous control parameter design and deorbit attitude optimization. 83234
- Anti-interference upgrade : The front-end and back-end wired communication technology is adopted to eliminate interference from the complex electromagnetic environment near the shore, improve launch reliability and reduce support costs.
- The fourth-stage solid rocket motor, developed by the Fourth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology, boasts advantages
such as a lightweight composite material shell and a wide-angle, fully flexible nozzle. Its first-stage thrust reaches 200 tons, and its overall performance is world-class, supporting the rocket’s stability of “ten successful launches in ten years”.
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🌐 II. Strategic and Industrial Value
- The satellite
internet technology test satellite launched this time was developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Its purpose is to verify key technologies for low-Earth orbit constellation communication and lay the foundation for building China’s independent space internet system. The plan is to complete the network of 120 satellites by the end of 2026, providing centimeter-level high-precision global navigation enhancement services.136 - Commercial Space Benchmark
- Cost advantage : The unit payload launch cost is as low as US$10,000/kg, which is better than similar international rockets. A total of 155 satellites have been sent into space.@Qilu Evening News
- Industrial chain synergy : Relying on the “front port and back factory” model of Shandong Haiyang Oriental Space Port, the integration of rocket assembly, testing and launch is realized. In 2026, it is planned to support more than 10 sea launches and attract more than 32.2 billion yuan in investment.30
- The integration of people’s livelihood and cultural tourism
in the launch caused an optical phenomenon of “space jellyfish” on the coast of Guangdong, attracting tens of thousands of tourists to watch; Rizhao, Haiyang and other places in Shandong took advantage of the situation to develop the “aerospace + cultural tourism” business model, launched themed markets and sea view rooms for viewing the launch, and boosted the regional economy.
🔮 III. Future Development Direction
- Technological iteration : The team will optimize the first-stage engine and the final-stage propulsion system to further improve launch efficiency, with plans to complete more than 10 launch missions by 2026.3234
- Globalized services : Leveraging the advantages of low-latitude launch locations (such as Yangjiang, Guangdong and Haiyang, Shandong), we enhance our long-range mobile launch capabilities and deepen cooperation with international clients (such as shared satellite launches in Pakistan).30
💡Summary : With a 100% success rate, a high-frequency launch cycle of 20 days, and a payload capacity of 1.5 tons, the Jielong-3 rocket has become a model of “fast, accurate, and stable” commercial spaceflight in China. Its technological breakthroughs and innovative business models are accelerating the development of China’s satellite internet and the rise of its space economy ecosystem.
Images and visuals are from their respectives