ⓘ CMG
The Smart Dragon-3 lifts off from a vessel at sea
China’s commercial rocket — Smart Dragon-3 — has showcased its payload adaptability by carrying seven satellites to their planned orbit. One of those satellites belongs to Pakistan. This is a milestone achievement in the space cooperation between China and Pakistan.
On Thursday, February 12, at 8:37 PM UTC (2:37 PM Beijing time), China launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea. The rocket launched from waters off the coast of Yangjian in South China’s Guangdong Province. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center carried out the offshore launch mission.
The SD-3 rocket had 7 satellites on board. This is the fourth time the rocket has undertaken a commercial launch mission that carries multiple satellites. This demonstrates the rocket’s ability to handle different types of payloads and support a wide range of missions. Carrying multiple satellites is also cost-effective, making it attractive for the commercial market.
Pakistan’s PRSC-EO2 was among the seven satellites launched aboard the SD-3 rocket. It is only the country’s second indigenous Earth observation satellite. The satellite will collect remote sensing data that will improve the country’s Earth observation capabilities. PRSC-EO2 will help Pakistan with land mapping, monitoring the environment and natural disasters, and protecting natural resources.
PRSC-EO2 launching on a Chinese rocket is a major achievement of China-Pakistan space cooperation. It could open doors to more collaborations in the future.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 400 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.