The administrator of the American space agency and others accused Beijing of acting recklessly by allowing its rocket to fall to Earth seemingly uncontrolled on Sunday after carrying a space station into orbit. The Chinese space agency said most of the 30-metre (100ft) long main stage of the Long March 5B rocket burned up above the Maldives. China also shares the results of re-entry predictions through international co-operation mechanisms.”The rocket carried the main section of the Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, space station into orbit on April 29. China’s space agency has not said why the Long March was sent temporarily into orbit. Nasa administrator Bill Nelson accused China in a statement of “failing to meet responsible standards” in handling space debris.

Source: Irish Independent May 10, 2021 11:26 UTC