China successfully conducts first-stage propulsion system test for Tianlong-3 rocket

This aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 15, 2025, shows a first-stage propulsion system test for the Tianlong-3 liquid carrier rocket conducted on an offshore launch pad at the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in east China's Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A first-stage propulsion system test for the Tianlong-3 large liquid-propellant carrier rocket was successfully held on Monday at the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in east China's Shandong province.

Independent development of the Tianlong-3 rocket began in March 2022 by Chinese commercial aerospace company Space Pioneer. 

The rocket is 72 meters in length with a takeoff mass of 600 tonnes. Its first stage is equipped with nine "Tianhuo-12" engines operating in parallel. The rocket has a low-Earth orbit carrying capacity of 17-22 tonnes, and a sun-synchronous orbit capacity of 10-17 tonnes. It is able to launch 36 satellites in a single mission and supports large-scale cargo transport for China's space station, as well as medium- and high-orbit satellite launches.