In a dramatic turn of events, the Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 crashed on Sunday following an accidental launch during a ground test. The incident was confirmed by Space Pioneer, a leading company in the commercial rocket sector, specializing in liquid-propellant rockets, CNN reported.
According to Space Pioneer, the first stage of the Tianlong-3 rocket detached from its launch pad due to a structural failure. The rocket then landed in a hilly area near Gongyi city in central China. The company detailed the mishap in a statement: “Due to the structural failure of the connection between the rocket body and the test platform, the first-stage rocket was separated from the launch pad.” After liftoff, the onboard computer shut down automatically, leading the rocket to crash into the mountains, disintegrating upon impact.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported as the area was evacuated prior to the test. This precaution ensured the safety of all personnel and residents in the vicinity.
This incident comes after Space Pioneer’s successful launch of the Tianlong-2 rocket in April 2023, making them the first commercial launch operator in China to send a liquid carrier rocket into orbit. The Tianlong-3, which crashed on Sunday, is a large liquid carrier rocket designed to aid in the construction of China’s satellite internet network. Space Pioneer had high hopes for the Tianlong-3, claiming its performance rivals that of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and anticipating over 30 launches per year following its first successful flight.
The crash occurs just days after China’s Chang’e-6 lunar module returned to Earth with samples from the far side of the moon—a significant milestone in China’s ambitions to become a dominant space power. This mission underscores the country’s “eternal dream,” as articulated by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, of establishing a formidable presence in space exploration.
As investigations continue into the structural failure that led to the Tianlong-3’s crash, Space Pioneer and China’s space program remain undeterred in their quest to achieve significant advancements and milestones in space exploration.