As the Year of the Dragon, or \"loong,\" approaches in 2024, China's deep-rooted admiration for this mythical creature is vividly reflected in its latest technological advancements. The loong, revered for its majestic presence in both sky and sea, has become a symbol of good fortune and innovation in China’s burgeoning tech landscape.
From powerful rockets to groundbreaking submersibles, here are some of the most impressive \"loong\"-inspired technologies shaping the future:
'Tianlong' Launch Vehicle
The \"Tianlong\" launch vehicle, developed by China's commercial rocket company Space Pioneer, embodies the spirit of the loong. The name combines \"Tian,\" meaning sky, with \"Long,\" symbolizing the dragon, representing aspirations to bridge the heavens and Earth.
The Tianlong-2, China's first commercial liquid-fueled carrier rocket, successfully completed its maiden flight last July, capable of delivering 2 tonnes of payload to low-Earth orbit. Building on this success, the larger Tianlong-3 is set to rival SpaceX's Falcon-9 with an impressive payload capacity of 17 tonnes to low-Earth orbit and 15 tonnes to sun-synchronized orbit (SSO). Scheduled for its first flight in June 2024, Tianlong-3 will feature reusability, marking a significant step forward in sustainable space exploration.
'Jiaolong' Manned Submersible
China's pioneering manned submersible, the Jiaolong, draws inspiration from the sea dragon of ancient mythology. Over a decade in the making, the Jiaolong has achieved remarkable feats, including descending over 7,000 meters into the Mariana Trench. Its success paved the way for the Fendouzhe submersible, which reached the deepest point of the Diamantina Trench a year ago, opening new frontiers in deep-sea exploration and unveiling mysteries hidden beneath the ocean's surface.
Amphibious Aircraft 'Kunlong'
The AG600 amphibious aircraft, codenamed Kunlong, showcases China's ingenuity in aerospace technology. The name \"Kun\" refers to a mythical giant fish capable of transforming into a colossal bird, aptly describing the aircraft's versatile capabilities.
The advanced AG600M variant can carry 12 tonnes of water to combat forest fires and boasts exceptional water-landing capabilities, making it indispensable for maritime search and rescue operations. This versatility enhances China's emergency response infrastructure, demonstrating the practical applications of dragon-inspired design.
In addition to these flagship projects, numerous other technologies bear the loong's name, including Yilong unmanned aerial vehicles, the Weilong J-20 stealth fighter, and Loongson, a prominent chip manufacturer. These innovations highlight China's commitment to pushing technological boundaries and harnessing the symbolic power of the loong to inspire progress.
As we celebrate the Year of the Dragon, China's dragon-themed technologies not only honor ancient traditions but also propel the nation into a future of limitless possibilities. These advancements encourage us all to reach new heights, explore uncharted depths, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Wishing everyone a prosperous, joyful, and dragon-inspired Chinese New Year!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
