Chinese Rocket Tianlong-3 Crashes After Accidental Launch During Ground Test

A Chinese rocket, Tianlong-3, crashed on Sunday after an accidental launch during a ground test, according to Space Pioneer. This incident highlights challenges faced by the commercial rocket industry.

Details of the Incident

Space Pioneer, a prominent player in the commercial rocket sector, focuses on liquid-propellant rockets. The Tianlong-3 accident occurred when the first stage of the rocket detached from its launch pad due to a structural failure. The rocket landed in a hilly area of Gongyi city in central China.

The company clarified that the connection between the rocket body and the test platform failed, causing the first-stage rocket to separate from the launch pad. “After liftoff, the onboard computer automatically shut down, and the rocket fell into the deep mountains 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) southwest of the test platform. The rocket body disintegrated upon impact,” Space Pioneer stated.

Fortunately, there were no injuries as people in the area had been evacuated before the test.

Background on Space Pioneer

Space Pioneer, also known as Beijing Tianbing Technology, has been making significant strides in the commercial rocket industry. In April 2023, the company successfully launched its Tianlong-2 rocket, becoming China’s first commercial operator 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 constructing China’s satellite internet network. The company claims that the Tianlong-3’s performance is comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. They project it will be capable of launching over 30 times per year after its first successful flight.

Context of the Incident

This accident comes shortly after China’s Chang’e-6 lunar module returned from space, collecting the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon. This mission marked a significant milestone in China’s ambitions to become a leading space power, a goal emphasized by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Several countries, including the United States, are also intensifying their lunar exploration programs, making the space race more competitive.