Part of a spacecraft launched by China and France on Saturday (June 22) returned to Earth shortly after liftoff and exploded near a residential area, forcing people to run for their lives.
The Long March 2-C rocket was carrying the Space Variable Object Observation (SVOM) satellite when it lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Pad at 3:00 a.m. on June 22. When the rocket lifted off, its booster fell back to Earth. area.
The incident, with videos now circulating on social media, caused panic among people as they ran for cover.
The booster is said to carry a hypercholic mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). Both components are considered toxic to humans.
For Chinese officials, however, the mission was a roaring success. The satellite, designed to study distant bursts of galaxies, has successfully reached orbit, according to the report.
China’s National Space Administration said the satellite will help scientists study celestial phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts. The work will play a key role in advancing astronomical discoveries, Reuters reported.
It is the first spacecraft jointly developed by China and France. Cooperation with European and Asian powers shows how China excels and advances scientifically in space and lunar exploration.
Earlier, China said its Chang’e-6 lunar probe had moved rock samples from the far side of the moon to a lunar orbiter. The spacecraft is likely to reach Earth on June 25. If it does, China will be the first country to bring back rocks from the far side of the moon.
(with inputs from agencies)
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