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Chinese rocket static-fire test results in unintended launch and huge explosion (spacenews.com)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/spaceflight

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[–] threelonmusketeers 14 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Even if the rocket had hit the ground as soon as it disappeared from sight we’re talking 2-3 kilometers away.

That seems uncomfortably close, especially given this statement:

The rocket’s onboard computer automatically shut down the engines and the rocket fell 1.5 kilometers southwest.

I assume they mean 1.5 km from the test stand? If the rocket had flown a bit further, or in a different direction, it could have fallen in what looks to be a rather densely populated area.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Wouldn't be the first time. China drops debris and rocket stages on populated areas all the time

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

And rocket fuel, which isn't great for pretty much anything alive.

[–] threelonmusketeers 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

rocket fuel, which isn't great for pretty much anything alive

Depends on the rocket fuel.

Methalox: Harmless gases. Methane is a greenhouse gas, but it's not toxic. Basically like a bunch of cows burping.
Kerolox: Kerosene is an oily liquid, so not great for the environment, but not highly toxic.
Hypergolics: Hydrazine derivatives and nitrogen tetroxide are both highly toxic.

The Tianlong-3 in this article uses kerolox. The Long March 2C booster which fell near a village last week uses hypergols.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Yeah, primarily hypergolics are the fun ones. I didn't hear about the booster that fell near a village recently, but there was one that I think had an emergency dump over some village or town a few years ago.