Jan 17, Kathmandu - China's Long March-12B rocket successfully conducted a test flight on Friday afternoon. The test is considered a crucial milestone toward upcoming space missions, according to the rocket developers.

The test was carried out at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwestern China, and it validated the rocket system's performance and stability.

Developed by a commercial rocket manufacturing company under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the Long March-12B is a new generation reusable rocket. It is specially designed to deploy satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO).

The rocket has a payload capacity of up to 20 tons in low Earth orbit. According to the company, the firing test fully confirmed the rocket’s design feasibility and reliability, laying a strong foundation for future flight tests.