China’s ambitious private space sector encountered a hurdle recently. The Tianlong-3 rocket, under development by Space Pioneer, suffered an accidental launch during a ground test in Henan Province.
Designed to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, the Tianlong-3 is a two-stage, partially reusable liquid-fueled launch vehicle. Boasting a 3.8-meter diameter and a lift-off weight of 590 tonnes, it promises a 17-ton capacity for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and a 14-ton capacity for Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
A “structural failure at the connection point” caused the Tianlong-3 to detach from the launchpad during the test. The rocket’s onboard computer automatically shut down, leading to an uncontrolled launch and subsequent crash into a nearby hillock. Footage captured by locals showed the rocket airborne for over 30 seconds before its descent.
Safety Measures Ensured No Casualties
Fortunately, the crash zone was a designated “safe area” in the mountains, 1.5 kilometers from the test facility. The pre-planned evacuation of the surrounding area by Space Pioneer, in collaboration with local authorities, ensured no casualties or injuries.
While the incident represents a setback, Space Pioneer remains committed. The company plans to conduct a thorough investigation, rectify the fault, and resume production and testing. This mishap comes after Space Pioneer’s successful launch of the Tianlong-2 in April 2023, marking China’s first private orbital launch with a liquid-fueled rocket.
The Tianlong-3 incident highlights the burgeoning private space sector in China. Since 2014, under President Xi Jinping‘s leadership, China has actively encouraged private investment in space exploration. This policy shift has led to a surge in space startups, aiming to propel China’s space ambitions forward.
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