Chinese Rocket Crashes During Ground Test: Space Pioneer Reports No Injuries

A Chinese rocket crashed on Sunday following an unintended launch during a ground test, according to a statement from Space Pioneer. The incident occurred when the first stage of the Tianlong-3 rocket detached from its launch pad due to a structural failure. The rocket landed in a hilly area near the city of Gongyi in central China.

Space Pioneer, also known as Beijing Tianbing Technology, explained that the separation was caused by a structural failure at the connection between the rocket body and the test platform. Following liftoff, the rocket's onboard computer automatically shut down, resulting in the rocket falling into a mountainous region 1.5 kilometers southwest of the test platform. The rocket disintegrated upon impact.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported as local residents had been evacuated in advance of the test. Space Pioneer, a leading player in the commercial rocket industry, specializes in liquid-propellant rockets. In April 2023, the company successfully launched its Tianlong-2 rocket, becoming China’s first commercial operator to send a liquid carrier rocket into space and achieve orbit.

The Tianlong-3, which crashed on Sunday, is a large liquid carrier rocket designed to aid in the construction of China’s satellite internet network. Space Pioneer claims that the Tianlong-3's performance is comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, and once it completes its first successful flight, it is expected to achieve over 30 launches per year.

This incident occurred just days after the return of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar module, which brought back the first samples from the far side of the moon. This mission marks a significant milestone in China’s ambitions, as articulated by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, to establish the country as a leading space power. It also coincides with increased lunar exploration efforts by other nations, including the United States.

Why This Matters: The crash of the Tianlong-3 rocket highlights the challenges faced by China’s burgeoning space industry, which is rapidly expanding its capabilities and ambitions in the global space race. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous testing and safety protocols in advancing space technology.

Key Takeaways:

• A Chinese rocket crashed during a ground test due to structural failure.
• No injuries were reported as residents were evacuated before the test.
• Space Pioneer specializes in liquid-propellant rockets and has had previous successes.
• The Tianlong-3 is intended to support China’s satellite internet network.
• The incident follows China’s successful lunar mission with the Chang’e-6 module.