A Beijing space startup, Space Pioneer, has successfully tested its Tianlong-3 rocket’s first stage—a major milestone after last year’s embarrassing mishap where the rocket accidentally launched and crashed. This time, the redesigned vehicle aced a rigorous ground test, simulating everything from fueling to liftoff and recovery, proving it can handle the brutal forces of an actual launch.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a technical win—it’s a comeback story. China’s private space sector is growing fast, and proving it can learn from failures matters. A reliable Tianlong-3 could shake up the global launch market, offering another affordable option for sending satellites (or more) into orbit. For Space Pioneer, it’s a big step toward credibility—and maybe competing with SpaceX down the line.