Chinese Long March 7A Rocket Explodes Seconds After Launch, Satellite Destroyed

August 11, 2026

New Delhi: A Chinese Long March 7A rocket exploded into a massive fireball shortly after launch, destroying the communications satellite it was carrying to orbit, according to a report.

The rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island on Monday night but broke apart approximately 85 seconds after liftoff.

The failure is being investigated, with the cause of the incident yet to be established.

Rocket Breaks Apart Shortly After Liftoff

Video footage of the launch showed the Long March 7A travelling upwards before breaking apart and erupting into a large fireball.

The incident marked a rare failure for the Long March 7A, which has been described as a workhorse of China’s space programme.

China’s state news agency Xinhua confirmed the launch failure about three hours after the incident, stating that the rocket had “experienced an anomaly during flight.”

The incident received comparatively limited coverage in Chinese state media, while videos of the launch circulated on social media platforms.

Communications Satellite Destroyed

The rocket was carrying the Zhongxing-4B, also known as ChinaSat-4B, a communications satellite intended to provide radio, television and other communications services to users around the world.

The destruction of the satellite represents a setback for China’s satellite launch programme as the country continues to expand its capabilities in space.

The Long March 7A was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, a subsidiary of state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

18th Long March 7A Mission

The failed launch was the 18th mission of the Long March 7A.

Before this incident, the rocket had recorded only one previous failure, during its maiden flight in 2020.

The failure comes as China continues to pursue ambitious space goals under President Xi Jinping, including plans to strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in space science and technology.

China is also competing with the United States in areas including reusable launch vehicles, lunar exploration, satellite technology and other advanced space capabilities.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Long March 7A failure.