China's Second Sea-Launch: Smart Dragon 3 (Y2)

5 months ago (Edited)

China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a major state-owned space launch vehicle manufacturer, has made waves in the aerospace industry with the successful launch of the Smart Dragon 3 rocket from a unique location – a swimming platform.

2nd Launch. December 5th, 2023: Smart Dragon-3 launches “Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellite”

Source: SciNews

The necessity of sea-launch platforms becomes apparent when considering China's strategic decision to position its launch pads far inland. While this decision was driven by strategic military considerations, the drawback is that the falling first stages pose safety and environmental concerns because first stages and strap-on boosters often fall on Chinese soil. Sea-launch platforms address this issue.
One of the key advantages of utilizing sea-launch platforms is the ability to maneuver them to the optimal launch point for every rocket launch.
The Smart Dragon 3 rocket, equipped with solid fuel boosters, further streamlines the process. Handling solid fuel boosters on a sea platform is significantly easier compared to dealing with cryogenic liquid propellants.
Virgin Orbit tried to offer a similar service, but from an airplane. The company closed down in May 2023.

1st Launch. December 9th, 2022: Smart Dragon-3 maiden launch (Jielong-3)

Source: SciNews

Let's delve into a comparative analysis of the Smart Dragon 3 rocket in terms of size and capacity against other prominent small-sat launchers in the market:

Company	Rocket	Height [m]	Diameter [m]	Payload to SSO [kg]
CALT	Smart Dragon 3	31	2,6	1,500
ABL Space Systems	RS 1	21,5	1,8	1000
Firefly Aerospace	Firefly Alpha	29	1,8	630
Rocket Lab	Electron	18	1,2	200
Astra	Rocket 3.3	11,6	1,3	150

Smart Dragon 3 stands out with its height of 31 meters and a diameter of 2.6 meters, offering a payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). When compared to other small-sat launchers like Firefly Alpha, Rocket Lab's Electron, Astra's Rocket 3.3, and ABL Space Systems' RS 1, CALT's Smart Dragon 3 surpasses them in both size and payload capacity.

The use of a sea-launch platform, combined with solid fuel boosters, not only addresses the challenges posed by the inland location of Chinese launch pads but also positions the Smart Dragon 3 as a formidable player in the small-sat launch market.

In conclusion, the second successful launch of the Smart Dragon 3 rocket from a swimming platform marks a significant milestone for China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This strategic move not only addresses safety and environmental concerns but also positions the Smart Dragon 3 as a robust and competitive option in the small-sat launch industry.

Scott Manley discussing the issue of why rocket parts come down inland and why that may pose significant problems:
What Happens To Discarded Rocket Boosters And Old Satellites?

How far will China take sea-launch? Will they eventually try to scale up until they can launch a Long March from a swimming platform?
Elon has been talking about sea-launch quite a bit over the years. SpaceX even acquired an old oil platform to retrofit it for Starship. That project has been dropped – for now.