(Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)By K J M VarmaBeijing, Jul 2 (PTI) Chinas ambitious space programme suffered a rare setback today as its new heavy-lift carrier rocket, the Long March-5 Y2 failed to put the countrys largest satellite into orbit. An anomaly occurred during the flight of the rocket, which blasted off at 7:23 PM (local time) from Wenchang Space Launch Centre in southern province of Hainan, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. But Xinhua later reported that the rocket launch has failed. The Long March-5 made its maiden flight in November 2016 from Wenchang, sending its payload into pre-set orbit. The Long March-5 uses environmentally friendly fuel, including kerosene, liquid hydrogen, and liquid oxygen, rather than highly toxic propellants, it said.

Source: India Today July 02, 2017 14:48 UTC