Space history is being made today with three space launches today including major test flights from both China and Russia. While one mission faced setbacks, two more rockets are ready to lift off on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Tianlong-3 — Demo Flight
| Agency | Space Pioneer |
| Rocket | Tianlong-3 |
| Payload | Test flight demonstration |
| Orbit | Polar Orbit |
| Launch Site | Tianlong-3 Launch Pad, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China |
| Time (UTC) | 04:17 |
| Status | FAILURE – Mission did not achieve objectives |
China’s space industry faced a setback early this morning as Space Pioneer’s massive Tianlong-3 rocket failed on its maiden flight. The 72-meter-tall rocket, designed to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, experienced problems during its first test launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
This failure is a significant blow for China’s commercial space ambitions. The Tianlong-3 was designed to be reusable and carry up to 17 tons to low Earth orbit. According to SpaceNews, the global trend toward reusable rockets continues to grow, making this setback even more notable for Space Pioneer’s competitive position.
Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M — Meridian-M No.21L
| Agency | Russian Space Forces |
| Rocket | Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M |
| Payload | Communications satellite for military and civilian use |
| Orbit | Elliptical Orbit |
| Launch Site | 43/3 (43L), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation |
| Time (UTC) | 06:28 |
| Status | PARTIAL – Mission achieved some but not all objectives |
Russia’s reliable Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M rocket launched this morning from Plesetsk Cosmodrome with a Meridian-M communications satellite. The mission achieved partial success, meaning some objectives were met but not all.
The Meridian series provides crucial communications services for both military and civilian users across Russia. This Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M variant has a strong track record with 18 successful launches out of 20 total attempts. The rocket uses a digital flight control system that allows it to launch from fixed platforms rather than angled ones, improving its operational flexibility.
Soyuz-5 — Demo Flight
| Agency | RKK Energiya |
| Rocket | Soyuz-5 |
| Payload | Test flight with mass simulator |
| Orbit | Suborbital |
| Launch Site | 45/1, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan |
| Time (UTC) | 11:00 |
| Status | GO – Ready for launch |
Russia prepares for another historic first as the brand-new Soyuz-5 rocket makes its maiden flight later today from Baikonur Cosmodrome. Also known as Irtysh, this powerful rocket is designed to replace aging Zenit-2 and Proton Medium capabilities.
The Soyuz-5 represents a major leap forward for Russian launch capabilities. At 65 meters tall with a 4.1-meter diameter, it can lift 17 tons to low Earth orbit. According to SpaceNews, successful return-to-flight missions are crucial for proving new rocket designs. This test flight will validate the rocket’s systems before operational missions begin.
What to Watch For
- The Soyuz-5 maiden flight at 11:00 UTC could establish Russia’s next-generation heavy-lift capability
- Today’s mixed results show the challenges facing both established and new space programs
- With Artemis II currently heading to the Moon, as reported by NASA, this week marks a pivotal moment in space exploration
Today’s rocket launch schedule demonstrates both the promise and perils of advancing space technology. While China’s Tianlong-3 faced setbacks, Russia continues pushing forward with new capabilities that could reshape their launch operations for years to come.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
NASA’s Artemis II Mission Leaves Earth Orbit for Flight around Moon
— NASA · Government Agency · Official U.S. government space agency — primary source for NASA missions
Scoring factors: Government accountability (+); Peer-reviewed data (+); Official mission authority (+); Taxpayer-funded transparency requirements (+); Primary source for all NASA programs (+) -
89/100
Firefly Alpha returns to flight
— SpaceNews · Space Journalism · Leading space industry trade publication since 1989
Scoring factors: 35+ year track record (+); Industry-focused editorial staff (+); Primary reporting on policy and contracts (+); Trade publication accountability (+) -
89/100
Europe’s progress on future access-to-space gains momentum with upcoming reusable launcher flight test
— SpaceNews · Space Journalism · Leading space industry trade publication since 1989
Scoring factors: 35+ year track record (+); Industry-focused editorial staff (+); Primary reporting on policy and contracts (+); Trade publication accountability (+) -
82/100
NASA readies unique science experiments and tech demonstrations for Artemis II crew
— NASASpaceflight · Space Journalism · Independent spaceflight news community (not affiliated with NASA)
Scoring factors: Independent editorial (+); 20+ year track record (+); Community-driven, not government (-); Strong technical depth (+); Sometimes speculative on insider info (-)