China successfully launches test satellite for satellite internet technology support

A Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying a test satellite blasts off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province, April 11, 2026. (Photo by Guo Jinqi/Xinhua)

YANGJIANG, Guangdong, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea, sending a test satellite into its planned orbit to promote satellite internet technology.

The SD-3 rocket blasted off at 7:32 p.m. (Beijing Time) from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province.

This offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.