China's Long March 7A Rocket Explodes Shortly After Liftoff
TL;DR. A Long March 7A rocket, carrying a classified payload, exploded 80 seconds after launch from Wenchang Space Launch Site. - The incident marks a rare failure for China's expanding space program, which has grown to over 50 annual flights. - Investigators suspect an issue with the first stage's YF-100 engine, common across multiple Chinese rockets. - A YF-100 engine failure would have broad implications for China's satellite deployments and space station supply missions.
- China's Long March 7A rocket exploded shortly after liftoff.
- The failure occurred during the first stage, possibly due to the YF-100 engine.
- A YF-100 engine issue could impact multiple Chinese rocket programs.
Sources
- One of China's workhorse rockets just exploded in flight — arstechnica.com