Chinese company Space Pioneer experienced a major setback during a recent test of its Tianlong-3 rocket, which ended in a dramatic crash near a city in Central China. The incident occurred when the rocket’s first stage unexpectedly launched during a hot firing test, causing it to lose momentum and ultimately plummet to the ground, creating a large fireball upon impact.
Despite the destructive nature of the crash, fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far. Space Pioneer attributed the mishap to a “structural failure” of the test bench, which led to the rocket’s separation from the launch pad. The onboard computer of the rocket detected the abnormal situation and automatically shut down the engines, preventing further damage or potential casualties.
The Chinese company had high hopes for the Tianlong-3 rocket, aiming for an orbital launch in the coming months. Space Pioneer claimed that the rocket’s performance was comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, with a capacity to carry 590 tons to orbit. In comparison, SpaceX’s two-stage reusable rocket can carry slightly more at 605 tons.
Space Pioneer previously made history in April 2023 when it successfully reached orbit on its first attempt with the Tianlong-2 rocket, becoming the first commercial firm in China to achieve this feat. The company also marked another milestone by being the first Chinese company to reach orbit using liquid rocket propulsion. The Tianlong-3 rocket was designed to be larger and feature a reusable first stage, intended to support the launch of China’s satellite internet network into orbit.
This incident comes shortly after a video circulated online showing another Chinese rocket falling above a populated area, releasing toxic chemicals into the skies and causing residents to seek shelter. Launch sites in China are typically located inland, posing a risk of rocket debris falling onto populated areas. However, China’s newest launch site, the Hainan Commercial Launch Site, situated near the coastal national Wenchang spaceport on Hainan Island in the South China Sea, may help mitigate this risk.
As the space industry continues to evolve and expand, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with rocket testing and launches. Space exploration remains a complex and demanding endeavor, requiring careful planning, rigorous testing, and constant innovation to ensure the safety and success of missions. Stay tuned for more updates on spaceflight developments by following us on X and bookmarking Gizmodo’s dedicated Spaceflight page.
