Overview
- The solid-fuel launcher lifted off from Jiuquan at 11:02 p.m. EST on Sunday, with the first three stages performing nominally before the fourth stage shut down about 510 seconds after ignition, preventing orbital insertion.
- Accounts of the payload differ, with Xinhua citing Jixing Platform 02A04 and North China University-1 while UPI reports two Jilin-1 satellites plus a Zhongbei University craft, but none reached their intended orbit.
- This was the rocket’s 22nd flight and its second failure, and Galactic Energy said it will draw lessons to optimize design and quality-management systems.
- The failure occurred during a busy period for China’s space program as a Long March 12 successfully delivered the 13th batch of Guowang satellites, contributing to the country’s record annual launch pace.
- The setback coincided with a delayed Shenzhou 20 crew return from the Tiangong station, adding to operational pressures across China’s space activities.