The remains of a Chinese rocket, known as Long March 5B, are set to return to earth in an uncontrolled re entry this weekend.
The rocket launched from China’s Wenchang Space Launch Centre station on the 29th April. Onboard is Tianhe, the first module to launch of a large space station. The mission is the first of 11, transporting the living quarters for the three members of the space crew who will man it.
After a module enters space, the first stage of its launch vehicle will enter an uncontrolled fall. Although some fragments will burn up on re entry, larger parts such as bits of its rocket motors will survive and hit Earth.
The body of the rocket is currently circling Earth. The rocket will begin re entry over the weekend. The US are tracking the Chinese rockets movements, although it’s exact point of descent “can not be pin pointed until it is within hours of its re entry”. The rocket is tumbling which makes predicting its path more difficult, although a maritime impact is preferable.
Criticism of Chinese rocket Long March 5B
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has criticised China, albeit indirectly. He is calling for stricter requirements to ensure safe, thoughtful and considerate plans. Going forward, mission directors will need to pay more attention to how operations are conducted and planned.
This is not the first occurrence where debris off of a Chinese rocket has put the public at risk. In May 2020, fragments from a rocket damaged buildings on the Ivory Coast, although luckily no person was harmed. Mr McDowell, a Harvard Based Astrophysicist, says most countries design their rockets to not fall in an uncontrolled manner.
China do not believe their is nothing to worry about, telling the public that it is ‘not worth worrying about’ and that the debris will likely fall into international waters.
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