Los Angeles, California – An explosion spotted in the California sky on April 2 had many spectators believing it was caused by a Space X rocket launched earlier that day. However, aerospace experts have since revealed that the object responsible for the fiery display was actually the Shenzhou-15 rocket, launched by China nearly a year and a half ago.
China’s Shenzhou-15 rocket took off on November 29, 2022, carrying three astronauts on board. The spacecraft, comprised of multiple modules, successfully landed in China in June 2023. A 3,300-pound orbital module from the rocket exploded over Los Angeles at 1:40 a.m., an incident attributed to the module not being designed for reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Although no debris has been found in California, it is speculated that any remnants of the space junk either disintegrated in the upper atmosphere or fell into the Pacific Ocean. The explosion in the sky caused alarm, but fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported on the ground.
Photos from the Shenzhou-15 mission show the spacecraft’s launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, China. The images capture the astronauts’ preparations, the rocket on the launchpad, and their return to Earth in the capsule at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia.
The Shenzhou-15 mission marked another significant milestone in China’s space exploration efforts, demonstrating the country’s advancements in manned space missions. As space agencies worldwide continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, incidents like the explosion over Los Angeles serve as a reminder of the risks associated with space activities.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, the Shenzhou-15 mission remains a testament to China’s progress in space technology and its commitment to furthering scientific research beyond Earth’s borders. As countries continue to explore the vast expanse of outer space, incidents like these highlight the importance of careful planning and consideration to ensure the safety and success of future missions.