It’s not unusual for rockets to crash and burn, it’s happened to NASA around 160 times.
What’s unusual is for the rocket to have launched itself and for the mistake to be so public around the globe. Most failed rocket launches fizzle out and gain no lasting notice.
Private Company
The rocket was created by a company called Space Pioneer or Tianbing Technology.
Space Pioneer was created in 2019 by Kang Yonglai. The company is looking to create low-cost, reusable space orbital technology. It has been successful in receiving funding to develop its rockets.
Structural Failure
It was a structural failure which caused the launch on Sunday.
The rocket detached from its launchpad after a connection issue between itself and its test stand. After that, its on board computer automatically shut down causing it to crash.
No Casualties
Thankfully there were no casualties from the crash.
Parts of the rocket fell in an uninhabited area and although there was one small fire, it was promptly extinguished and no injuries were reported.
Space Pioneer Statement
The company released a statement shortly after the incident.
The statement mentioned the connection issues and also said that the rocket “fell into a deep mountain 1.5km southwest of the test bench”.
Tianlong-3
The Tianling-3 rocket which crashed yesterday was designed to be reusable.
This is in contrast to existing rockets which use up and deposit their propelling fuel tanks as they surge upwards to break through Earth’s gravitational field.
Private Investment by State
In 2014 the Chinese government allowed private investment in the space field.
This has enabled numerous private companies to enter the space. There are now well over 100 companies investing and designing technology in the space sector in China.
Test Site Unusual
Tianbing’s test site is unusual in that it isn’t near the coast.
Most Chinese rocket testing sites are close to the sea for safety reasons. But Tianbing’s is further inland in Gongyi, close to a city of 800,000 people in central Henan Province.
First of its Kind
Tianbing is the first Chinese company to use kerosene-oxygen as its fuel.
This made them the first private Chinese company to send a rocket propelled by liquid fuel into space.
Photos Show the Crash and Burn
Photos and videos of the incident show a burning object in the sky.
In one video, taken from within Gongyi City, the rocket can be seen racing up into the sky in what seems like dangrous proximity to the high rises. In another the fire of its explosion can be seen, also with a view of Gongyi’s high rises.
