China’s Long March 7A rocket explodes after launch, satellite lost

China experienced a rare setback on Monday night when the Long March 7A rocket, a newer-generation space vehicle, exploded shortly after liftoff from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island. The unmanned rocket, measuring 60 meters (197 feet), was en route to place the ChinaSat-4B communications satellite into high Earth orbit.

Less than two minutes into the flight, the rocket disintegrated in a fiery explosion, engulfed by thick black smoke, as captured on social media videos. Initial reports from space observers suggested a major anomaly may have triggered the rocket's automated flight termination system, leading to the disaster. Both the rocket and satellite were lost over the South China Sea.

State news agency Xinhua confirmed the failure approximately three hours later, stating the mission had failed due to an "anomaly during flight." The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation. ChinaSat-4B was designed to provide global radio, television, and other communication services, with low-numbered ChinaSat satellites also speculated to be utilized for military purposes.

The Long March 7A, one of China's new-generation rockets, is known for its capability to transport large satellites to high orbits, typically burning fuel composed of kerosene and liquid oxygen. Although the rocket suffered a setback during its maiden flight in March 2020, it regained flight capability a year later. It has since successfully completed a series of missions, with its most recent launch sending the Tianlian-3 (01) satellite towards geostationary orbit on July 29.

The launch had been anticipated to set a record for the shortest turnaround period since the previous Long March 7A mission, marking a notable achievement for China's new-generation Long March launchers.