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A rare rocket failure led to knock-on effects on China’s space launches. What happened?
scmp.com • • world
Key Points:
- China experienced a rare failure of its Long March 7A rocket, which exploded shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of the ChinaSat-4B communications satellite.
- The unmanned rocket launched from Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan island but erupted into a fireball less than 90 seconds into flight, as captured by spectators' videos.
- Space analysts believe a major anomaly triggered the rocket’s flight termination system, causing the vehicle's destruction over the South China Sea.
- State media Xinhua confirmed the failure three hours post-launch and stated the cause is under investigation.
- Infrared tracking images suggest the rocket broke near its upper section just before being destroyed.
