Rocket failure marks rare setback for China’s satellite network plans
- Top performer Ceres-1 ends successful launch streak, fails to deliver latest addition to Jilin-1 constellation’s 100-plus satellites
- Commercial space firm Galactic Energy said abnormal performance was detected during flight and the cause is being investigated
Its latest rocket failed to send a high-resolution imaging satellite into orbit. The company made the announcement six hours after the 12.59pm Beijing time lift-off from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in the Gobi Desert.
“Abnormal performance was detected during the flight of the rocket. The specific reasons are being further analysed and investigated,” Galactic Energy said on its official WeChat account.
In a video seen by the South China Morning Post, the rocket fired at least two flames before ascending and disappearing into the clouds.
A rocket engineer in Beijing, who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media, said it appeared to be second- or third-stage engine breakdown.
In its WeChat statement, Galactic Energy “sincerely apologised” to the mission’s customers and the “friends who have cared about and supported us”.