Video: People run for cover as part of Chinese rocket explodes in residential area
As the rocket lifted off, its booster fell back on Earth over a populated area.
A piece of a spacecraft jointly launched by China and France on Saturday (Jun 22) stormed back to Earth shortly after the launch and exploded near a residential area, forcing people to literally run for their lives.
Long March 2-C rocket had a Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite on board as it lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at 3.00 am on June 22. As the rocket lifted off, its booster fell back on Earth over a populated area.
The incident, videos of which are now circulating on social media, caused panic among the residents as they ran for cover.
The booster is said to carry a hypergolic mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). Both of the elements are considered Toxic for humans.
However, for the Chinese authorities, the mission was a roaring success. The satellite, meant for studying the farthest explosions of stars, reached the orbit successfully, as per claims.
Chinaβs National Space Administration said the satellite will help scientists study celestial phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts. Reuters reported that the mission will play a key role in advancing astronomical discoveries.
This is the first spacecraft made jointly by China and France. Collaboration with European and Asian powers shows how China is getting better at exploring space and the moon, and becoming scientifically advanced.
Previously, China said its Chang'e-6 moon probe moved rock samples from the far side of the moon to a spaceship orbiting the moon. The spaceship might come back to Earth around June 25. If it does, China could be the first country to bring back rocks from the far side of the moon.
(With inputs from agencies)