China reveals secret when awarding rocket engineer

According to SCMP, a team of researchers developing a solid-fuel rocket launched from underwater is one of 10 nominees to receive the National Award for Outstanding Innovation.

A rocket launch. Illustration photo: Vietnamnet.vn

However, as the Global Times writes, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense has never directly acknowledged the existence of the JL-3 missile.

According to Sputniks, the JL-3 missile, also known as “Big Wave”, is said to be designed specifically for the Chinese navy's new Type 096 nuclear submarine.

The missile has a range of 11,989 km, capable of reaching the United States if launched from the Chinese coast. It is much farther than the previous missile, the JL-2, which has a range of 8,046 km. The Chinese navy tested the missile several times in 2018 and 2019.

Chinese military observers say China's missile tests are in response to US President Donald Trump targeting the country in his shield campaign.

The JL-3 intercontinental-range, solid-fuel missile is expected to be integrated into the new-generation Type 096 submarine by 2025.

China's National Prize for Outstanding Innovation began in 2017 and is awarded every three years to the country's top scientists.

In total, 300 scientists and research teams will receive the award this year, including medical professionals at the forefront of efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, space station designers and scientists responsible for China's first hypersonic weapon.

The nominations will be evaluated by experts from the China Association for Science and Technology, a non-governmental organization, and the awards will be announced on May 18.