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One of China's workhorse rockets just exploded in flight
Ars Technica • • world
Key Points:
- China’s Long March 7A rocket exploded approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds after liftoff from Wenchang Space Launch Site, with the payload believed to be a military communications satellite.
- The explosion occurred during the first stage of flight, possibly triggered by the rocket’s flight termination system, but the exact cause remains unclear due to the secretive nature of China’s space program.
- If the failure is linked to the YF-100 engine, which powers multiple Chinese rockets including Long March 5 and 8, it could have significant implications for China’s space launch capabilities.
- A potential engine issue might delay the upcoming Chang’e 7 lunar mission, which is scheduled to launch on a Long March 5 rocket and aims to explore the Moon’s South Pole region near Shackleton crater.
- The Chang’e 7 mission is critical for China’s lunar exploration ambitions and is part of a broader race with NASA to establish a presence at the Moon’s resource-rich South Pole.
