Chinese rocket static-fire test results in unintended launch and huge explosion [updated]

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Chinese rocket static-fire test results in unintended launch and huge explosion

Quote

Hausjärvi, FINLAND — A rocket stage test firing by Chinese commercial company Space Pioneer ended in catastrophic failure and a dramatic explosion Sunday.

Space Pioneer conducted what was intended to be a static-fire test of the first stage of its Tianlong-3 launch vehicle at a test facility in Gongyi country, Henan province, Sunday, June 30. 

Read More: ➡️ SpaceNews

 

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[Still Waters]

There were no casualties reported - that's a blessing.

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[+and-then]

The test-fire facility over in Hancock County MS, right on the Louisiana line, tests the engines alone and they are connected a s a part of the building itself:

 

[Waspie_Dwarf]

1 hour ago, and-then said:

The test-fire facility over in Hancock County MS, right on the Louisiana line, tests the engines alone and they are connected a s a part of the building itself:

Static tests, of whole rocket stages, like the Chinese one are common, dating back decades. Entire Saturn V first stages were tested in Huntsville. SpaceX tests new brand new SpaceX boosters before they are shipped to the launch pad. The first stage of the SLS rocket was test fired at Huntsville and new Space Shuttle orbiters had a static test engine firing on the pad before first flight. The test itself is quite normal. Space X test fires each Starship and Super Heavy Booster before flight

What isn't normal is the rocket breaking free of the test stand and making an unintentional flight. The whole point of a static test is that the rocket remains static.

What is particularly irresponsible is that such a test occurred close to a populated city. There was a high potential for casualties, which fortunately seems to have been avoided. A test like this, near a city, would not be allowed in the West.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

 

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