GONGYI, China — A test of a rocket engine led to an unintentional launch and subsequent explosion of the Tianlong-3 rocket near Gongyi, central China, this past Sunday, officials from Beijing Tianbing Technology Company, also known as Space Pioneer, confirmed. The incident, which occurred during a routine engine test, resulted in no casualties but ignited a fire on the surrounding hillside.
During what was meant to be a stationary engine test — a common procedure intended to assess the rocket’s propulsion system while anchored to the launch pad — a structural failure occurred. This malfunction caused the rocket to detach and lift off unexpectedly. According to Space Pioneer, the failure in the Tianlong-3’s securing mechanisms during this hot fire test was immediate and unexpected, leading to the rocket’s unplanned flight.
Witnesses captured dramatic footage showing the rocket soaring into the sky before its engines were abruptly shut down by the onboard computer system as designed for safety protocols in such an event. The shutdown caused the rocket to lose thrust and fall to the ground about one mile southwest from the launch site into a forested area, culminating in a large explosion visible for miles.
Local authorities and Space Pioneer acted swiftly in response to the incident. Precautions were taken to evacuate nearby areas and contain the resulting fire on the hillside. These efforts prevented any injuries or loss of life among the local population of approximately 800,000 in the province of Henan.
Space Pioneer has been developing the Tianlong-3 rocket as part of China’s burgeoning private space sector, aiming to rival international competitors like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with reusable rocket technology. This incident highlights the challenges and risks inherent in testing and developing large-scale rocket systems.
Following the accident, the company has publicly committed to enhancing its safety protocols and working closely with local government agencies to safeguard against similar incidents. As part of these efforts, Space Pioneer will review its engineering processes, emergency response strategies, and community communication plans to reinforce safety around its test sites.
The local community and authorities remain on alert for any further repercussions from the incident as investigations continue. Space Pioneer has stated that they are thoroughly investigating the cause of the structural failure to prevent future occurrences. In the meantime, environmental teams are assessing the impact of the rocket’s debris and fire on the local ecosystem.
The development of space technology in China continues to be a national priority, with companies like Space Pioneer at the forefront of innovation. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between advancement and safety in the race to space.