China says Long March 7A rocket launch failed after flight anomaly
Investigators are examining the YF-100 main engine after a Long March 7A failure, and the issue could affect nine Chinese rockets.
- A Long March 7A rocket carrying the ChinaSat 4B communications satellite experienced an in-flight anomaly on Monday evening, resulting in launch failure from Hainan's Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. Investigators are examining the YF-100 engine as a potential cause.
- The YF-100 is the most widely used engine in the Chinese space program, having powered Long March 7 and 7A variants for the last decade. Its technology is also central to newer rocket designs, creating potential program-wide exposure if engine faults are confirmed.
- Producing 270,000 pounds of thrust at sea level, the YF-100 supports as many as nine Long March rockets. The engine also powers Tianzhou cargo spacecraft that ferry supplies to the Chinese space station in low-Earth orbit.
- Engine-Related issues could delay China's Chang 7 mission, scheduled to launch on a Long March rocket in about two weeks. The robotic mission comprises an orbiter, lander, rover, and mini-hopper targeting the lunar south polar region.
- Bound for the Shackleton crater near the Moon's South Pole, the Chang 7 mission represents a pivotal step in China and NASA's race to establish operations at the potentially resource-rich lunar south pole. It would be the first rover by any country to explore this region.
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The accident has destroyed a communications satellite and could have consequences for other Chinese launchers if research determines that the origin is in one of the systems shared by the Long March family.
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