China fails to launch a rocket carrying a coms satellite, state news agency says

China's attempt to launch a communications satellite, the ChinaSat 4B, aboard a Long March 7A rocket on Monday evening was unsuccessful. The launch originated from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island of Hainan. State media reported that the rocket experienced an anomaly during flight, leading to the mission's failure. The cause of this anomaly is currently under investigation. This marks the first reported failure of the Long March 7A rocket since its initial flight in March 2020.

China experienced a rare failure of its Long March 7A rocket on Monday night. The rocket, carrying the ChinaSat-4B communications satellite, exploded less than 90 seconds after launching from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan island. The explosion resulted in the loss of the satellite. Videos shared on social media by observers near the launch site showed the rocket erupting into a fireball. This incident marks a significant setback for China's newer-generation rocket program.