03 March 2021
The 4-stage solid-propellant rocket Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3, Jielong 3) is planned to take-off for its 1st flight next year. the SD-3 will have with 1.5 t to a 500 km SSO the largest and the highest carrying capacity among the Dragon series, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. CALT is developing the rocket for its commercial subsidiary China Rocket. To meet the large-scale commercial launch demands, the rocket's multi-satellite launch capability enables it to carry more than 20 satellites in a single mission, while the cost is just 10,000 USD/kg. CALT said the SD-3 was designed for both land and sea launches.
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