Chinese rocket collides following unplanned launch
(MENAFN) A recent incident at the Comprehensive Test Center in Gongyi City, located in China's Henan Province, has drawn attention after a Chinese Tianlong-3 rocket unexpectedly launched and subsequently crashed to the ground during an engine test-fire. The rocket, developed by Beijing Tianbing Technology, commonly known as Space Pioneer, was undergoing tests of its first-stage rocket engines when the mishap occurred.
Videos captured by bystanders and shared widely on social media depict the dramatic sequence of events. Initially intended as an engine test, the rocket suddenly broke free from its moorings and ignited, propelling itself into the air. Within moments, however, the engines ceased operation, and the rocket began descending while still engulfed in flames, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. The descent culminated in a crash and subsequent explosion upon impact with the ground, causing significant disturbance in the vicinity.
Space Pioneer acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that the launch was not planned. According to their statement on the Chinese social network WeChat, the rocket became detached from its launch pad due to a structural failure at the junction between the rocket hull and the test bench. An automatic shutdown mechanism onboard initiated when the rocket lifted off, leading to its uncontrolled descent and eventual crash approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the test site.
Fortunately, both Space Pioneer and local authorities have confirmed that the incident resulted in no casualties. Precautionary measures were implemented, ensuring the evacuation of all personnel from the area before the test. The company is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the structural failure and subsequent mishap, aiming to prevent similar incidents in future rocket development and testing endeavors.
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