A commercial Chinese rocket accidentally launched during a ground test on Sunday. The accident seems to have occurred during a static fire test, when the engines are ignited as if for takeoff but the rocket remains secured to the ground. Space Pioneer said the accident occurred because of a structural failure in the connection between the rocket and its testing platform. The commercial space industry has expanded rapidly in recent years alongside the government’s growing space ambitions. ​​Space Pioneer, also known as Beijing Tianbing Technology, is a major player in that industry.

Source: New York Times July 01, 2024 17:56 UTC