Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 accidentally crashes following a test launch

The Tianlong-3, a Chinese rocket, experienced a crash on Sunday following an accidental launch during a ground test, according to a statement from its company Space Pioneer, as reported.

Space Pioneer, a top company in the commercial rocket industry, focuses on liquid-propellant rockets.

As per sources, the event happened because of a structural failure where the initial stage of the Tianlong-3 rocket separated from the launch pad. The rocket touched down in a mountainous region of Gongyi city in central China. Space Pioneer stated that a problem with the connection between the rocket body and the test platform was the reason for the first-stage rocket separating from the launch pad.

Beijing Tianbing Technology, also known as Space Pioneer, stated that the first-stage rocket detached from the launch pad due to a breakdown in the connection between the rocket body and the test platform.

Following the launch, the onboard computer ceased operation automatically, causing the rocket to crash in the deep mountains 1.5 kilometers [0.9 miles] to the southwest of the testing platform. The rocket fuselage landed on the mountain and broke apart into pieces.

According to the company's statement, no injuries occurred due to the crash because individuals in the vicinity were evacuated before the rocket test. In April 2023, Space Pioneer made history as China's first commercial launch provider by sending a liquid carrier rocket into orbit with the successful launch of the Tianlong-2 rocket.