Too high, too fast? China’s rocket failure prompts questions about intense launch schedule
Long March-7A explodes less than 90 seconds into flight, delaying ChinaSat-4B satellite installation and possibly affecting other programmes
The rare failure of China’s Long March-7A rocket on Monday – which resulted in the loss of a communications satellite – has prompted questions over whether it was an isolated operational setback or a systemic problem.
With attention turning to coming missions – particularly for the lunar-bound Chang’e-7, which shares engine technology with the failed booster – China’s ability to balance its ambitious launch schedule with the rigorous scrutiny required to secure its track record will be under the spotlight.
Around 8pm on Monday, the 60-metre (197-foot) Long March-7A blasted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the southern island of Hainan, piercing the night sky as it carried the ChinaSat-4B satellite towards high-Earth orbit.
But less than 90 seconds into the flight, the rocket erupted into a fireball engulfed in thick black smoke, according to videos posted on social media by spectators near the launch site.
Space observers suggested a major anomaly might have triggered the rocket’s flight termination system, destroying the vehicle. Both the rocket and satellite were lost over the South China Sea.