The brief

Analyst view

• Tianlong-3 is a 71m tall, 590t launcher with nine kerolox engines for constellation launches and booster recovery.
• Maiden flight on April 3, 2026 failed 33s into ascent from an engine-section anomaly. A second vehicle is near completion.
• Space Pioneer has raised over $100M USD equivalent, including $30M pre-B in 2021 and a C-round in 2023.

Technical approach

As reported

Kerolox propulsion

Nine-engine first stage

Kerosene and liquid oxygen in nine engines, a proven and cost-effective combination. The cluster provides power and redundancy.

Reusability design

Booster recovery

The first stage is designed to be recovered, refurbished and reflown, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This approach aims to reduce per-launch costs over time.

TH-12 engines

Large kerolox engines

The TH-12 is a 100-tonne-force kerosene-oxygen engine developed for Tianlong-3. Nine TH-12s power the first stage.