China’s Sky Dragon 3 Rocket Aims for SpaceX Falcon 9with 2025 Debut
Nanjing, China – China’sburgeoning commercial space sector is set to take a major leap forward with the upcoming launch of the Sky Dragon 3 (Tianlong 3) rocket,a large liquid-fueled launch vehicle directly targeting SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Developed by Tianbing Technology, the rocket is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2025.
The announcement was made at the China (Nanjing) Military Intelligence Technology and Equipment Expo, set to take place from October 25th to 27th, 2024. Tianbing Technology,a high-tech company at the forefront of China’s commercial space ambitions, will be showcasing the Sky Dragon 3 at the expo.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Sky Dragon 2, which achieved a groundbreaking first flight inApril 2023, the Sky Dragon 3 represents a significant step forward in China’s commercial space capabilities. The Sky Dragon 2, also developed by Tianbing Technology, shattered the global curse of private liquid rockets failing on their maiden flights. It became the first commercially developed liquid rocket worldwide tosuccessfully launch on its initial attempt, setting numerous historical records in both international and domestic commercial space exploration.
The Sky Dragon 3, a massive liquid rocket, stands as one of the largest in China. It is designed to be a powerful competitor to the Falcon 9, boasting a 3.8-meter diameter, 71-meter length, 590-ton launch mass, and 770-ton thrust at liftoff. With a payload capacity of 17 tons to low Earth orbit and 14 tons to sun-synchronous orbit, the Sky Dragon 3 is poised to play a crucial rolein China’s ambitious space plans.
The rocket incorporates over 30 innovative technologies, including a maximum length-to-diameter ratio, 3D-printed stainless steel engines, liquid nitrogen vaporization pressurization, gas-charged accumulators, and non-pyrotechnic aerodynamic separation, leading to a significantimprovement in cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, the Sky Dragon 3’s first stage features grid fins and landing legs, enabling it to autonomously return and be reused, making it the most powerful commercial liquid launch vehicle in China.
Tianbing Technology aims to establish the Sky Dragon 3 as a leadingplayer in the global commercial space market, particularly in the burgeoning field of satellite constellations. The company envisions the rocket facilitating the launch of tens of thousands of internet communication satellites, effectively fulfilling the growing demand for one-launch-multiple-satellites capabilities within China.
The Sky Dragon 3’s development is a testamentto China’s growing ambition in space exploration and its commitment to becoming a major player in the global commercial space industry. The rocket’s 2025 debut marks a significant milestone in China’s space program and is expected to further accelerate the country’s progress in space technology and innovation.
References:
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* IT之家. (2023, April 12). 天兵科技回应“火箭坠落起火”：天龙三号试车过程中，一子级火箭脱离发射台. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/0/647/687.htm
* IT之家. (2023, April 12). 天兵科技天龙三号首飞批次发动机抽检试车圆满成功，性能对标 SpaceX 猎鹰 9 号火箭. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/0/647/688.htm
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