China: Tianlong-3 completes key ground tests

The Chinese private space sector has come close to a mass reusable launch of the middle class. A startup from Beijing announced the completion of full-scale ground tests of the Tianlong-3 launch vehicle, designed for partial reusability and high launch frequency. At the same time, nine Tianhuo-12 liquid-propellant engines were used on the offshore platform, which developed a total thrust of about 1102 tons within 35 seconds. According to the set of parameters, the test confirms the readiness of the power plant and control systems for the final stage before the debut flight.

Tianlong-3, which is about 72 meters high, is designed to launch up to 17-18 tons of payload into low-Earth orbit. The configuration and energy reserve make it possible to deliver up to 36 communication satellites in one launch, which is directly aimed at deploying national broadband groupings. The project's competitiveness is based on the reuse of the first stage with a target resource of 10-20 cycles, which reduces the specific cost of a kilogram in orbit and opens the way for a launch program of several dozen missions per year.

From the point of view of the industry economy, Chinese private astronautics builds a portfolio of carriers in the same class as the Falcon 9: two-stage, medium-weight, with a returnable first stage. At the same time, projects of other players that are comparable in purpose are being promoted, including the metal-composite Zhuque-3 and the state-owned Changzheng-12A, which creates a competitive environment within the country and accelerates the diffusion of technological solutions — from reusable sustainer engines to land logistics and sea launch complexes.

The march to the current milestone was not infallible: a year ago, during a static fire test, "Tianlong-3" experienced an unplanned separation from the fasteners and destruction on landing. The team redesigned the attachment interfaces and security protocols, and then the test program was restored. In the space industry, such adjustments are part of a technological iteration, and the accumulation of poster statistics is critical for verifying a reusable profile.

The key issue now is not the reusability of the reusability goal, but the speed of scaling: launch infrastructure, stage fleet turnover, ground crew training, access to oxidizer and fuel, and engine production rates. If the stated target rate exceeds 30 launches per year, China will receive a working tool for deploying communication megastars, quickly removing remote sensing groups, and lowering the price threshold for entry for private customers.

For the global market, this means increased competition in the medium-cargo launch segment, with a direct impact on fares, insurance rates, and mission planning. For countries with a growing digital agenda — this is an opportunity to diversify access to orbit and accelerate the integration of satellite services into infrastructure projects. If Tianlong-3 confirms the resource of the returned stage and keeps the cost of the mission at the stated level, the balance of power in commercial launches will shift towards a multi-platform model, where private Chinese carriers will become one of the centers of attraction of demand.