China Rocket Explodes 85 Seconds After Launch
A Chinese Long March 7A rocket carrying a communications satellite failed during launch after experiencing a “flight anomaly” and subsequent explosion. The incident occurred at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan province on Monday, August 10, at 8:02 pm local time. State news agency Xinhua reported that an “anomaly” occurred when the rocket was in flight, and the cause of the failure is under investigation.
The Long March 7A rocket was carrying the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite when it exploded around 85 seconds after blasting off, leaving behind a cloud of grey smoke as debris fell to the ground. Videos posted on social media showed awestruck crowds watching a fiery ball in the sky. This incident marks a setback for China‘s space program, which has been investing heavily in recent years to achieve its “space dream” as outlined by President Xi Jinping.
China’s space agency had previously successfully landed a reusable rocket for the first time in July, marking a major step in its space ambitions and in reducing launch costs. The country is aiming to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, competing with the United States in this endeavor. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on the failed launch, stating that “rockets are insanely hard” and wishing China a speedy recovery.
This is not the first failure of a Long March 7A rocket; the maiden launch of the rocket from the Wenchang site in 2020 was also unsuccessful due to a malfunction. The investigation into the cause of the current failure is ongoing.
The failed launch of the Long March 7A rocket is a significant development in the context of China’s space program, which has been making strides in recent years. In July, China successfully landed a reusable rocket, and the country is planning to send astronauts to the Moon before 2030.
