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China's Space Pioneer says reusable rocket's maiden flight fails
The reusable rocket is designed to carry 36 satellites for the Qianfan broadband network, and the company said the cause is under investigation.
- The Tianlong-3 rocket from Beijing-based Space Pioneer failed during its debut launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking the third failure in China's 19th orbital attempt this year.
- Designed to rival SpaceX's Falcon 9, the 72-meter Tianlong-3 uses kerosene and liquid oxygen to carry 36 satellites for the Qianfan broadband megaconstellation and is capable of delivering up to 22 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
- The failure follows a June 2024 static fire test where the first stage unintentionally lifted off, crashed into a hillside, and exploded, forcing a redesign and significant delays for the Tianlong-3 program.
- Space Pioneer apologized to partners and stated the cause of the failure is under further investigation, though the company did not disclose whether any payloads were lost.
- China targets around 140 launches in 2026, with Space Pioneer continuing development as the country works toward roughly 1,300 Qianfan satellites in orbit by the end of next year.
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China's Space Pioneer says reusable rocket's maiden flight fails
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left1Leaning Right4Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
C 50%
R 40%
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