WATCH: Chinese rocket falls back to earth; Explosion in residential area

In a startling incident, part of a Long March 2C rocket carrying a satellite, jointly launched by China and France, fell back to Earth near a residential area and exploded shortly after liftoff. The launch, which occurred at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at 3:00 am local time on June 22, was intended to place the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite into orbit.

Shortly after the spacecraft's ascent, a segment of the rocket, identified as a booster, detached and plummeted to the ground. A video circulating on social media captured the moment the rocket component crashed near a populated area, prompting panic as residents scrambled for safety. The Long March 2C rocket uses a hypergolic mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), which are highly toxic. Concerns have been raised online about the potential health risks from inhaling these substances.

🙀 Behind the scenes of SVOM launch https://t.co/Fcc0OAY3ac pic.twitter.com/5fiM4oz2GY

— China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) June 22, 2024

Mission Success Despite Incident

Despite the alarming incident, Chinese authorities declared the mission a success, confirming that the SVOM satellite reached its intended orbit. The satellite, described as the most powerful yet for studying distant stellar explosions, will focus on investigating gamma-ray bursts and other celestial phenomena. According to China’s National Space Administration, the satellite is expected to significantly advance astronomical research.

🚀 Liftoff at 07:00UTC on June 22, Long March 2C launched Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) X-ray telescope from Xichang. https://t.co/rFJyvrWiUo pic.twitter.com/mgf7jkgdG4

— China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) June 22, 2024

China-French Space Collaboration

This launch marks the first joint astronomy satellite project between China and France, underscoring Beijing's growing capabilities in space exploration. China's expanding space program has fostered partnerships with European and Asian countries, highlighting its increasing influence in the field.

Recent Advances in China's Space Program

In related developments, China recently announced a significant achievement with its Chang'e-6 lunar probe, which successfully transferred lunar samples from the moon's far side to a spacecraft in lunar orbit. The unmanned spacecraft is set to return to Earth around June 25, potentially making China the first country to retrieve material from the moon's permanently shadowed regions.

The successful launch and subsequent recovery missions demonstrate China's advancing prowess in space technology and exploration, despite the recent rocket debris incident causing concern among the public.