A successful launch by China and France of a satellite designed to study gamma-ray bursts took a dangerous turn on Saturday when debris from the rocket fell on a populated area.
Rocket Debris Falls on Populated Area
The Long March 2C rocket, carrying the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite, lifted off as planned. However, reports indicate that during the launch sequence, parts of the rocket booster fell into a populated area.
While the exact location and extent of the damage remain unclear, social media footage appears to show the debris falling and causing a significant impact. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has yet to comment on the incident.
Safety Concerns Spark Debate
Markus Schiller, a rocket expert and senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, identified the debris as likely being the first-stage booster of the Long March 2C rocket. This booster uses a liquid propellant made up of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH).
“This combination always creates these orange smoke trails. It’s extremely toxic and carcinogenic,” Schiller said. “Every living being that inhales that stuff will have a hard time in the near future,” he added.
This event raises concerns about safety protocols for rocket launches, particularly when the designated launch path includes populated areas. The international space community will likely scrutinize the incident and urge stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Mission Goals and Implications
The SVOM mission itself is intended to study gamma-ray bursts, some of the most energetic and mysterious phenomena in the universe. It’s a crucial scientific endeavor, but the success of the mission is overshadowed by the potential dangers exposed during launch.
