Over the weekend, suspected debris from a Chinese rocket was witnessed plummeting to the ground over a village in southwest China, causing panic among villagers. The incident occurred shortly after a Long March 2C carrier rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.
The rocket successfully placed the Space Variable Objects Monitor satellite into orbit, a joint project between China and France to study gamma-ray bursts. This launch is part of China's efforts to establish itself as a major player in space exploration, aligning with President Xi Jinping's vision of making China a dominant space power.
Footage shared on Chinese social media platforms captured the dramatic scene of debris falling over the village, with witnesses reporting a loud explosion upon impact. The debris was identified as the first-stage booster of the Long March 2C rocket, which uses toxic and carcinogenic liquid propellants.
Experts like Markus Schiller highlighted the risks associated with such incidents, emphasizing the toxicity of the propellants used by Chinese rockets. He explained that due to the location of China's launch sites, debris falling over populated areas is not uncommon.
China's inland launch sites, including Xichang, Jiuquan, and Taiyuan, have been operational for decades, with a fourth site opening in Hainan Island in 2016. In contrast to Western space agencies, China continues to use highly toxic propellants for its rockets, leading to concerns about public safety.
While no immediate injuries were reported from this incident, past occurrences have resulted in damage to property and injuries. The international space community has criticized China for its handling of rocket debris, particularly when uncontrolled reentries pose risks to populated areas.
As China expands its space program and conducts more launches, the issue of debris management remains a significant challenge that requires careful attention and mitigation strategies.
