A video that is circulating online shows debris from a Chinese rocket falling over a populated area, causing residents to run for cover as a heavy cloud of dark yellow smoke trails across the sky, creating a frightening scene.
The suspected debris is believed to have come from China’s Long March 2C rocket, which was launched on June 22 for a joint mission with France to study Gamma-ray bursts. Although the launch was declared successful, videos posted on Chinese social media sites captured the aftermath of the rocket crashing uncontrollably over a village in southwest China. Local residents can be seen covering their ears and seeking shelter from the falling debris. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage.
The first stage of the rocket, which was leaking fuel, appears to contain nitrogen tetroxide, a chemical compound used for rocket propulsion that can be fatally toxic if exposed to skin, eyes, or the respiratory system. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center, referred to this chemical as a “big fucking red cloud” and emphasized the importance of avoiding it at all costs.
China’s approach to rocket launches has been criticized for being careless, as the country’s launch sites are located inland, increasing the risk of boosters landing in inhabited areas. However, there seems to be a slight shift in China’s attitude towards falling boosters, with the construction of a new launch site near the coastal Wenchang spaceport that will use less toxic propellants in the future.
Despite this progress, older rockets are still in use and pose a significant risk to public safety. McDowell predicts that it may take up to 10 years for these older rockets to be phased out completely. In the meantime, it is crucial for residents in the vicinity of Chinese launch sites to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential risks associated with rocket debris.
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