Smart Dragon 3 | PRSC-EO2 & 6 satellites

Smart Dragon 3 Launch: A Step Forward in International Space Collaboration

On January 31, 2026, the Smart Dragon 3 rocket is set to lift off from a launch site in China, carrying an undisclosed payload that sources suggest could be an Earth observation satellite for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This mission, shrouded in some mystery with details yet to be confirmed, underscores the growing interplay between commercial rocketry and international partnerships in space technology.

The mission's primary objectives appear centered on deploying a satellite for Earth observation, a capability that aligns with SUPARCO's focus on remote sensing and environmental monitoring. If confirmed, the payload would likely feature high-resolution imaging sensors, multispectral cameras, and data transmission systems designed for applications such as agricultural assessment, disaster management, and urban planning. Earth observation satellites like this one could provide real-time data on climate patterns, natural disasters, and resource management, offering Pakistan valuable tools for national development and security. With a potential orbit in sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (LEO), the satellite might deliver revisit times of just a few days, enabling persistent monitoring over vast regions. This would build on SUPARCO's previous collaborations, enhancing its capabilities without the need for independent heavy-lift infrastructure.

At the heart of the mission is the Smart Dragon 3, also known as Jielong-3, a four-stage solid-propellant rocket developed by China Rocket Co. Ltd., a commercial arm of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). Standing approximately 31 meters tall with a diameter of 2.64 meters, the rocket weighs around 116 tons at liftoff. Its design emphasizes rapid deployment and cost-efficiency, with a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) or 1,000 kilograms to a 1,000-kilometer orbit. The solid-fuel configuration allows for quick assembly and launch preparation—often within days—making it ideal for responsive missions. Key technical features include advanced guidance systems for precise orbital insertion and a modular fairing that accommodates various payload sizes. This design draws from China's military rocket heritage but adapts it for the burgeoning small satellite market, reducing launch costs to an estimated $10,000 per kilogram.

The Smart Dragon 3 has a solid track record since its debut. Its inaugural flight in December 2022 successfully deployed 14 satellites into orbit from a sea-based platform in the Yellow Sea