A Chinese rocket experienced an accidental launch during a ground test, causing it to soar into the air before crashing into a nearby mountain and exploding in flames. The company Space Pioneer, which owns the rocket, attributed the incident to a structural failure in the connection between the rocket and its testing platform.
The incident took place at a test facility in Gongyi city, located in central China’s Henan Province. The rocket, named Tianlong-3, lifted off from its launchpad while its propulsion system was being tested. Following the launch, the onboard computer shut down automatically, leading to the rocket’s descent and crash in a hilly area close to the test site. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the crash site was situated far from residential areas. Prior to the test, the company had collaborated with local authorities to evacuate nearby areas as a precaution.
Videos circulating on Chinese news media and social platforms captured the rocket’s ascent before it lost power and plummeted, ultimately exploding upon impact with the hill. The Gongyi municipal government confirmed that the crash caused a fire, which was promptly extinguished by the evening.
Astrophysicist Brad Tucker from the Australian National University analyzed the videos of the accident and suggested that it likely occurred during a static fire test. This type of test involves igniting the engines as if preparing for takeoff while the rocket remains secured to the ground. Although such tests are commonly conducted horizontally, some companies, such as SpaceX, have performed them vertically as well.
Overall, the accidental launch and subsequent crash of the Chinese rocket serve as a reminder of the risks and complexities involved in aerospace testing and development. It underscores the importance of thorough safety protocols and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
