US EditionChina’s Commercial Tianlong-3 Rocket Fails on Debut Launch
Space Pioneer said the cause is under investigation after the 72-meter rocket failed on its first flight, China’s third orbital launch failure of 2026.
- On Friday, 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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13 Articles
Beijing is increasingly relying on private companies to expand its satellite Internet. A promising candidate has now suffered a setback.
China Rocket Launch Fails After Flight Anomaly
China’s attempt to launch its most powerful privately developed rocket ended in failure after a flight anomaly, reported by company officials. The Tianlong-3 rocket, developed by Space Pioneer, was designed to boost China’s satellite ambitions and compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9. According to the report, the rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre but encountered a malfunction mid-flight. Space Pioneer confirmed the failure and…
China’s commercial Tianlong-3 rocket fails on debut launch
The first launch of the Tianlong-3 rocket from Chinese commercial firm Space Pioneer failed Friday after suffering an anomaly in its ascent phase. The post China’s commercial Tianlong-3 rocket fails on debut launch appeared first on SpaceNews.
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