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China launches rival to SpaceX Falcon 9 with zero warning
On Monday China launched its latest rocket, Long March 12B, for the first time with reportedly no advance warning. Typically, government space agencies and private space companies provide airspace and maritime warnings before launch—but state-owned rocket maker China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) apparently did neither. Airspace and maritime warnings are standard global safety procedures prior to rocket launches. The International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization normally issue such advance alerts to ensure air traffic and shipping can avoid potential hazards, such as falling debris, from a space launch. International law mandates that nation states are responsible for any damage that might be caused from rocket launches from their territory. Space analysts have previously warned that China doesn’t always fully abide by these international norms, however, especially when it comes to safely disposing of debris from its rocket launches. The spacecraft, which is similar in capability to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, lifted off at 4:40 A.M. EDT from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone in the Gobi Desert, with news of the launch spreading first on Chinese social media, according to SpaceNews. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism...
