China on Saturday launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from a sea-based platform, sending a satellite internet technology test payload into its preset orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The SD-3 commercial rocket lifted off from waters off Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province. The mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

Developed by the First Academy of CASC, the SD-3 features a four-stage solid-propellant configuration and is primarily designed for launching payloads into sun-synchronous and low-Earth orbits. It is capable of delivering up to 1,500 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

Saturday's launch was the 11th flight of the Smart Dragon-3 rocket.