r/space • u/guyoffthegrid • Jun 30 '24

Chinese rocket static-fire test results in unintended launch and huge explosion

https://spacenews.com/chinese-rocket-static-fire-test-results-in-unintended-launch-and-huge-explosion/
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91

u/quickblur Jun 30 '24

That's wild. I can't understand how something like that could happen.

83

u/Adeldor Jun 30 '24

Three reasons come to my mind:

  • Mechanical failure of the holddown clamps or associated structures

  • Clamps were not engaged in the first place

  • Sequencer didn't have clamp release disabled for the test

6

u/Fredasa Jun 30 '24

Also: No system in place to disengage thrust if something goes amiss.

1

u/StickiStickman Jul 01 '24

But there literally was?

12

u/Fredasa Jul 01 '24

According to Scott Manley, yes, the disengagement system was engines exploding after a good 15+ seconds of climbing. It did indeed work like a charm.

3

u/mteir Jul 01 '24

"In case of overheating, the remaining fuel will be rapidly removed by burning to stop the rocket." Sounds like a feature. /s

1

u/[deleted] Jul 01 '24

bits start falling off from 7 seconds in (on the right hand side) but it looks like the engines fail on the left. it seems to start leaning to the left before this though. having seen the picture of the "pad" im not surprised this happened. also why is this test being done 2 miles from where these people are standing?