China introduces "Smart Dragon", the rocket can send cargo into space at competitive prices

2024-02-05 12:07:25Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

China introduces "Smart Dragon", the rocket can send cargo into space

China has launched its new rocket into space. The Jielong-3, or Smart Dragon-3, took off from a floating platform off the coast of Yangjiang in southern Guangdong province. It was the third launch of a rocket developed by China Rocket Co., the commercial arm of the state-run launch vehicle manufacturer, since December 2022.

President Xi Jinping called for the expansion of strategic industries, including the commercial space sector, which is seen as key to building constellations of communications, research and navigation satellites. Chinese carmaker Gii Holding Group has launched 11 satellites to increase its capacity and enable more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles.

Key to building commercial satellite networks is China's ability to open more launch windows, expand launch types to accommodate different payload sizes, lower launch costs and increase the number of launch sites. such as building more spaceports and using sea launch platforms. The Jielong-3 can carry a payload of 1,500 kg.

China Rocket Co previously announced that the rocket could carry more than 20 satellites at a launch price below $10,000 per kilogram, a globally competitive price for small payload rockets. The costs are similar to other Chinese missile launches, including the Long March 11, but the size of their payload is significantly smaller.


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