In a concerning incident, a Chinese rocket belonging to Space Pioneer crashed during a ground test in central China on Sunday. The mishap occurred when the first stage of the Tianlong-3 rocket detached unexpectedly from the launch pad due to a structural issue. The rocket, designed for liquid-fuel propulsion, plummeted into a mountainous area near Gongyi city, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the test site.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as the local area had been evacuated prior to the test. According to Space Pioneer, the onboard computer malfunctioned immediately after liftoff, leading to the crash.
Space Pioneer, known for its advancements in commercial rocket technology, had previously achieved success with the launch of its Tianlong-2 rocket in April 2023, marking a milestone for China’s commercial space industry.
This incident highlights the risks associated with rocket testing and underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols in space exploration endeavors.
