China Launches SD-3 Rocket with 7 Satellites, Including Pakistan’s PRSC-EO2

YANGJIANG, Guangdong – China successfully launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea today, February 12, 2026, deploying seven satellites into their designated orbits. The launch, which took place at 2:37 p.m. Beijing Time, originated from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in Guangdong Province.

Among the payloads was the PRSC-EO2 satellite, belonging to Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in Sino-Pakistani space cooperation. The launch was executed by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, demonstrating China’s growing capabilities in offshore space launches.

This mission represents the fourth commercial launch undertaken by the SD-3 rocket carrying multiple satellites, highlighting its adaptability to various payload requirements and its increasing role in the commercial space sector. The rocket’s ability to handle diverse application scenarios and provide commercial services is a key advantage, according to officials.

The PRSC-EO2 satellite is equipped with high-resolution optical payloads, designed to provide Pakistan with crucial remote sensing data. This data will be instrumental in a range of applications, including detailed land mapping, monitoring environmental changes, responding to natural disasters, and protecting natural resources. The satellite’s capabilities are expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s capacity for informed decision-making in these critical areas.

China’s development of sea-based launch capabilities is a strategic move, offering greater flexibility in launch schedules and locations, and potentially reducing reliance on land-based launch sites. This is particularly relevant given the increasing demand for satellite launches globally and the logistical challenges associated with traditional launch facilities.

The SD-3 rocket’s success underscores China’s ambition to become a leading player in the global space industry. The country has been steadily investing in its space program, encompassing satellite technology, launch capabilities, and deep-space exploration. This latest launch is a testament to the progress made and the growing sophistication of China’s space infrastructure.

The choice of a sea-based launch also suggests a focus on minimizing potential risks associated with debris falling on populated areas. Launching from a vessel allows for a controlled trajectory and reduces the impact on land-based communities. This is becoming an increasingly important consideration as space activities expand and the potential for orbital debris grows.

The launch comes amid a broader trend of increasing commercialization in the space sector. Private companies and government-backed entities are increasingly offering launch services and satellite-based solutions to a diverse range of customers. China’s entry into this market with the SD-3 rocket is a significant development, adding to the competitive landscape and potentially driving down costs.

The successful deployment of the PRSC-EO2 satellite is particularly noteworthy given the close strategic relationship between China and Pakistan. The two countries have a long history of cooperation in various fields, including defense and space technology. This launch reinforces that partnership and demonstrates China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s technological development.

The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, responsible for the execution of the launch, is one of China’s key space facilities. It has played a crucial role in numerous successful missions, contributing to China’s growing space capabilities. The center’s expertise and infrastructure were essential to the smooth execution of today’s launch.

Looking ahead, China is expected to continue expanding its space program, with plans for further satellite launches, deep-space exploration missions, and the development of new launch technologies. The country’s ambition is to establish itself as a major space power, capable of competing with established players like the United States and Russia.

The increasing frequency of Chinese space launches, coupled with the development of innovative technologies like sea-based launch platforms, signals a significant shift in the global space landscape. This is a trend that will likely continue in the coming years, with implications for international cooperation, competition, and the future of space exploration.