중국 로켓, 85초 만에 ‘펑’…2100억 위성 실은 창정 7A 화염 휩싸여

A new Chinese rocket carrying a communication satellite exploded approximately 85 seconds after liftoff, leaving the satellite to disintegrate over the South China Sea. This failure of the main workhorse rocket used to launch high orbit satellites raises concerns about upcoming space launch schedules. On October 10, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post reported that the Chang Zheng 7A rocket, which housed the Fenghua 4B communications satellite, experienced an anomaly during its ascent and failed in its mission.

Footage from the launch site showed the rocket arcing upwards before engulfing in black smoke and flames. It is unclear whether the anomaly caused the explosion or if the flight termination system destroyed the vehicle. Experts analyzed infrared tracking imagery which captured the rocket's tail bending just before it disintegrated, suggesting it was during the most intense phase of atmospheric pressure, known as 'maximum dynamic pressure.'

The specific purpose and payload of the Chang Zheng 7A are undisclosed, but it is believed to carry high-end communication satellites, valued at over 10 billion yuan (around 2100 billion won). This satellite falls among the most expensive of its kind produced by China. The successful launch of the Long March 7A in 2020, following a failed attempt in March, marked it as the rocket's shortest preparation time since its inception.

This failure has immediately impacted other launch schedules. The first private space company in China, Landspace, postponed the launch of its 'Jiuyan 3Yao2' rocket scheduled for November 11 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center due to this incident. The Landspace's next launch, scheduled for the 24th, involves sending the Chang'e 7 rover to the south pole of the moon.

The Landspace's Chang'e 5 rocket, which would have carried the Chang Zheng 5 rocket, also anticipated to carry the Chang Zheng 7A, could be affected if the explosion was due to an engine issue.