The Jielong-1 rocket, the first commercial rocket made by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), was successfully launched on Saturday, sending three satellites into orbit, according to information released by CASC's WeChat account. 

The carrier rocket successfully blasted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Northwest China's Gansu Province at 12:11 pm Beijing Time.  

An example of civilian-military integration in the commercial aerospace area, the rocket is of the highest standard in the industry. The Jielong-1 is the lightest and smallest solid propellant rocket, but it is designed with the highest carrying efficiency. At 19.5 meters long and with a diameter of 1.2 meters, the solid-propellant carrier rocket can send a payload of 200 kilograms to an orbit of 500 kilometers. 

The Jielong-1 rocket is also the first carrier rocket designated for commercial use in China. According to the statement, the three satellites were made by the Beijing Qiansheng Exploration Technology Co. The main satellite, the Qiansheng No.1 weighing 65 kilograms, is the biggest satellite to have been independently designed and produced by a private Chinese startup. It is also the first dual-function satellite made by a Chinese startup, with both remote-sensing and communication capacities. 

The launch, its first commercial attempt, has proved a huge success for CASC's space ambitions. The Jielong rocket series has been developed for the commercial market, and CASC said that it is targeting the private launch market for small satellites, and the company financed with private capital. Its suppliers are also decided based on competitive and market-oriented procedures.