A recent launch of China’s Lijian-1 rocket, designed for commercial satellite deployment, ended in failure after a mid-flight malfunction. The anomaly occurred three seconds after the third-stage engines ignited, forcing the rocket’s self-destruct mechanism to engage. Despite this setback, CAS Space, the operator of the rocket, remains focused on advancing its spaceflight capabilities.
By Julian James
Mission Details and the Malfunction
The mission aimed to place multiple satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), typically located 310 to 560 miles above Earth. The rocket experienced a critical issue shortly after the third stage ignition, causing it to veer off course. The onboard self-destruct system automatically activated to ensure safety. CAS Space has launched an investigation into the exact cause of the malfunction, following five prior successful launches with the Lijian-1.
The Lijian-1 Rocket: A Compact Space Workhorse
Standing approximately 98 feet tall with a diameter of 8.7 feet, the Lijian-1 is a relatively small, four-stage rocket. It can carry up to 4,400 pounds into low Earth orbit (LEO) or 3,300 pounds into an SSO at 310 miles. For comparison, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 stands 230 feet tall, with a diameter of 12 feet, and can deliver 50,265 pounds to LEO or 18,300 pounds to a geostationary orbit 22,236 miles above Earth.
Future Prospects for CAS Space
Despite this incident, CAS Space is pushing forward with plans for its Kinetica-2 rocket, set to debut later this year. The Kinetica-2 will be a reusable rocket capable of carrying 26,455 pounds to LEO and 17,200 pounds to an SSO. This new system is expected to significantly expand CAS Space’s launch capabilities, positioning it as a stronger competitor in the global commercial space industry.
Looking Ahead
Failures like this highlight the inherent challenges of rocket launches, even for experienced operators. They also underscore the importance of rigorous testing and innovation in spaceflight. CAS Space’s response to this setback will likely influence its trajectory in the competitive landscape of commercial space exploration.
The failure of the Lijian-1 rocket underscores the complexities and risks inherent in space exploration, even for seasoned operators. CAS Space’s commitment to advancing its technology, including the development of the reusable Kinetica-2, demonstrates resilience and a forward-thinking approach. Such challenges often serve as catalysts for innovation, driving the global space industry toward greater reliability and capability.
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.