According to a post on sinodefenceforum.com, the first launch is now schedule for June 2025.
It is not sure what they mean by "dual launch pad", satellites pictures show a single flame trench.
ROCKET FIRING AND PART OF ROCKET PICKING UP OPERATION -SD336/25来源：烟台海事局 文号：SD336/25 发布时间：2025-05-27 16:05 [字体：大中小]分享到： SD336/25，YELLOW SEA ,FROM 280400 UTC TO 290900 UTC MAY,ROCKET FIRING AND PART OF ROCKET PICKING UP OPERATION BY BEIHAIJIU201 AND HANGSHUN06 IN AREA BOUNDED BY THE LINES JOINING 36-41.49N 121-16.64E,36-41.49N 121-17.32E,36-40.60N 121-17.50E AND 36-40.60N 121-16.48E.ENTERING PROHIBITED. SHANDONG MSA CHINA.test?
New pics of Tianlong-3. They used a piston to push the second stage away when separating.
Steady Progress: Tianlong-3 Nine-Engine Combined Static Test Successfully CompletedThe Tianlong-3 large liquid-fueled launch vehicle by Tianbing Technology (Space Pioneer) has successfully completed its post-review nine-engine combined static test. This test comprehensively validated the structural load-bearing capacity of the nine-engine parallel configuration under the conditions of ground full system hot-fire, launch and flight (including erection, filling, flight, recovery, etc.). The results confirmed the correctness of the design modifications and the effectiveness of the review measures, demonstrating that the structural system meets all operational requirements.As is widely known, the Tianlong-3 is China's most powerful single-core-stage launch vehicle, with a thrust of nearly 900 tons. Under the simultaneous operation of its nine first-stage engines, the rocket generates immense thrust, high startup loads, significant lateral swing forces, and substantial wind-induced (dynamic pressure) bending moments. The design of the rocket's tail structure must account for multiple operational conditions, including ground hold-down release, vertical wind loads, self-weight, flight overloads, and recovery impacts, making it one of the key challenges in large reusable rocket development.The structural weakness in the rocket's aft section was the direct cause of the test failure on June 30 last year.Since the June 30 incident, Tianbing Technology has learned from the failure and adopted a development philosophy of "prioritizing stability while making steady progress." Technically, the company has implemented 127 reliability improvements and enhancements in areas such as structural strength, redundant pressurization and delivery systems, control system fault diagnostics, engine health management, and launch system thermal redundancy. Additionally, 13 new ground verification tests have been introduced, with the goal of making Tianlong-3 the most cost-effective, reliable, and trusted large launch vehicle for customers.On the management front, Tianbing Technology has implemented 258 organizational improvements covering production safety accountability, safety regulations, training, hazard inspections, risk prevention measures, emergency response plans, and employee health. The company has also engaged the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) Safety Assessment Center to conduct comprehensive "Aerospace Industrial Safety Standardization" training and evaluation, ensuring compliance with military-grade aerospace safety standards. The aim is to establish Tianbing as the commercial aerospace enterprise with the highest safety standards and strictest implementation.Tianbing Technology extends its gratitude to the Party Central Committee, the State Council, the China National Space Administration, the Equipment Development Department, the Military Space Force, local governments at all levels, customers, and the broader society for their tolerance and support. All members of Tianbing Technology will thoroughly implement the directive of central leadership to "prioritize safe development and gradually unlock the potential of commercial aerospace," balancing the relationship between progress and safety. With a steadfast commitment to stability and meticulous attention to detail, the company will advance its research and production efforts to make new and greater contributions to China's commercial aerospace industry.
