China deploys first ship-launched space rocket

China has successfully launched a satellite-laden rocket from a mobile offshore platform for the first time as part of the country’s progress towards its goal of becoming a major contender in space exploration within the next decade.

The test was conducted in the Yellow Sea off Shandong province at around 12:06 local time on Wednesday, June 5. The platform used was a semi-submersible barge measuring 110 by 80 metres, state media outlets have confirmed.

The rocket’s payload consisted of seven satellites, one of which was developed to help forecast typhoons by measuring sea-surface winds.

Wednesday’s test makes China the third country after the United States and Russia to successfully launch a space rocket at sea.