China has lost a satellite following the failed launch of the Changzheng-7A carrier rocket, according to the state news agency Xinhua. According to the agency, the mission ended in failure due to anomalies following the launch.
The rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Centre on 10 August at approximately 8.00 pm local time. It was due to place the Zhongxing-4B satellite, intended for communications purposes, into orbit.
Xinhua did not provide further details regarding the causes of the accident, noting that the investigation is ongoing.
This is the second failed launch of this type of rocket. Its maiden flight in March 2020 also ended in failure. Subsequently, the rocket carried out 16 successful launches in a row.
China’s Changzheng (‘Great March’) family of rockets forms the backbone of the country’s national space programme, notes DPA.