China Successfully Launches New Beidou Satellites, Rocket Booster Incident Raises Safety Concerns

China’s Beidou Satellites: A Milestone in Space Exploration and a Challenge in Rocket Safety

In a recent space mission, China successfully launched two new Beidou satellites into medium Earth orbit (MEO). However, the launch was not without incident, as rocket boosters from the Long March 3B rocket landed near inhabited areas, raising safety concerns. This article will delve into the details of the launch, the purpose of the Beidou satellite system, and the measures being taken to address safety issues.

China’s Beidou Satellite Launch

On December 26, 2023, a Long March 3B rocket equipped with a Yuanzheng-1 upper stage lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The rocket successfully delivered the 57th and 58th Beidou satellites into MEO. Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), these satellites will act as backups and reduce operational risks to the Beidou-3 system.

Rocket Booster Incident

While the satellite launch was a success, there were concerns regarding the rocket boosters. Bystander footage shared on Chinese social media showed that a pair of side boosters from the Long March 3B rocket fell to the ground near inhabited areas in the Guangxi region.

One video depicted a booster falling within a forested area and exploding, while another showed wreckage next to a home. The presence of reddish-brown gas indicative of nitrogen tetroxide and yellowish gas possibly resulting from unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel mixing with air was observed. The use of hypergolic propellants in the rocket boosters poses serious health risks.

Safety Measures and Concerns

This incident is not an isolated one, as boosters falling near inhabited areas have been associated with previous Beidou satellite launches. The launch sites in China were established deep inland during the Cold War to provide protection amid tensions with the U.S. and Soviet Union. Consequently, rocket boosters separate from the main stage and fall to the ground downrange, rather than in the oceans like U.S. and European launches.

To mitigate the risks, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has been conducting tests with grid fins, parafoils, and parachutes to constrain the drop zones. However, it remains unclear if these measures were deployed during the recent mission. Authorities issue warnings and evacuation notices for areas at risk from launch debris, reducing the likelihood of injuries.

Beidou Satellite System

Beidou is China’s own global navigation satellite system (GNSS), designed to rival the U.S. GPS, Europe’s Galileo, and Russia’s GLONASS systems. It consists of a total of 36 active satellites, mostly in MEO, with additional satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO). This configuration ensures continuous and stable signal coverage. China completed the construction of the Beidou system in mid-2020.

Conclusion

China’s successful launch of new Beidou satellites demonstrates its commitment to advancing its space capabilities. However, the incident involving rocket boosters landing near inhabited areas highlights the importance of safety measures in space missions. As China continues to expand its space program, it is crucial to address these safety concerns to ensure the well-being of both the population and the environment.