China Launches New Beidou Satellites, Rocket Booster Lands Near House

Space News ,China :- China added two new satellites to its Beidou positioning and navigation system in a recent launch, enhancing the capabilities of the Beidou-3 system. The successful launch involved a Long March 3B rocket with a Yuanzheng-1 upper stage, deploying the satellites into medium Earth orbit (MEO) at 21,532 by 22,193-kilometer orbits inclined by 55 degrees.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) under CASC, these satellites serve as backups, reducing operational risks to the Beidou-3 system, as stated by a CASC announcement. Notably, these are the 57th and 58th Beidou satellites launched to date.

Despite the success of the satellite launch, a noteworthy incident occurred during the mission. The booster stages from the Long March 3B rocket were reported to have fallen near inhabited areas in Guangxi, downrange of the Xichang launch site in Sichuan province. Videos on Chinese social media depicted boosters falling within a forested area, with apparent explosions and wreckage near homes.

The presence of reddish-brown gas indicative of nitrogen tetroxide and yellowish gas possibly resulting from unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel mixing with air was observed in the footage. Both the nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and UDMH fuel pose serious health risks.

This incident is not an isolated case, as previous Beidou satellite launches have also witnessed boosters falling near populated areas. China choice of deep inland launch sites, established during the Cold War for strategic reasons, leads to booster stages falling on land rather than in oceans, as seen in U.S. and European launches.

While authorities reportedly issue warnings and evacuation notices to mitigate the risks associated with falling debris, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has been experimenting with technologies like grid fins, parafoils, and parachutes to limit drop zones.

China orbital launch endeavors in 2023 have set a new national record, with this Beidou launch being the 65th of the year. Despite the absence of launch failures, CASC fell short of its goal of over 60 launches, with commercial space actors contributing 16 launches to the total.

The Beidou satellite launch followed other recent missions, including the deployment of Tianmu-1 meteorological satellites and Shiyan-24C experimental satellites. As China continues its space exploration efforts, further launches are anticipated in the closing days of 2023.