The latest Beidou satellite launch, occurred on December 25, 10:26 p.m. EST, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

China's National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully sent two satellites into orbit. However, the event ended when rocket debris fell near inhabited areas.

This incident adds to previous reports of booster-related incidents associated with Beidou satellite launches.

A bystander captured video of the fiery crash and shared the footage on X.

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Beidou Satellite Launch History

The latest satellite launch occurred on December 25.

 While the satellites reached their intended medium Earth orbit (MEO), the side boosters of the Long March 3B rocket fell back to Earth, landing in South China's Guangxi region. 

Bystander footage, shared on social media, showed one of the boosters crashing in a forested area. There was an explosion when the rocket hit the ground.

Reports also mentioned wreckage from another booster landing near a residential area.

Analysis of the bystander footage revealed the presence of reddish-brown gas indicative of nitrogen tetroxide, along with yellowish gas, potentially from unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel mixing with air. 

Both nitrogen tetroxide and UDMH pose serious health risks. This incident echoes a previous episode in 2019 when a booster associated with Beidou satellite launches fell back to Earth, destroying a home.

CNSA -China’s NASA

The China National Space Administration (CNSA), responsible for coordinating China's space activities, has faced criticism in the past. Notably, the uncontrolled reentry of the massive Long March 5 rocket, leading to space debris, drew international attention. The presence of inland launch sites, in contrast to coastal ones, raises concerns about rocket debris falling near populated areas.

Despite the challenges, the 57th and 58th Beidou satellites launched are designed as backups, contributing to the Beidou-3 system. This system comprises satellites in various orbits, ensuring continuous and stable signal coverage for China's global navigation systems. 

The recent incident highlights the importance of balancing technological advancements with safety measures in space exploration.