Beijing: In an unexpected turn of events, China’s powerful Tianlong-3 rocket, developed by Beijing Tianbing Technology Company (also known as Space Pioneer), accidentally launched during a ground test on Sunday. The rocket, fueled by kerosene and liquid oxygen, soared into the sky before plummeting back to Earth, resulting in a massive explosion.
Structural Flaw Leads to Unplanned Flight
During a hot test, the first stage of the Tianlong-3 ignited normally but detached from the test bench due to a structural failure. The rocket landed in the mountainous region of Gongyi, Henan province, approximately a mile from the test site. Remarkably, no casualties were reported, as the area had been evacuated in anticipation of the rocket test.
Space Pioneer’s Ambitious Reusable Rockets
Space Pioneer is part of a growing group of private-sector rocket manufacturers in China. The Tianlong-3, a partly reusable two-stage rocket, aims to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This incident underscores the challenges private companies face as they strive to cut mission costs and establish satellite constellations.
Social Media Buzz and Viral Images
Images of the explosion quickly spread on social media platforms. Residents of Gongyi city captured the rocket’s ascent, thick smoke trailing behind, and its subsequent descent. Fortunately, the rocket crashed in a hilly area, sparing lives and highlighting the importance of safety protocols.
