An uncontrollable Chinese rocket caused alarm across Europe on Friday after trajectory predictions suggested a small chance it could strike parts of the UK, prompting Britain to prepare its emergency alert systems.
The rocket, Zhuque-3, ultimately crashed harmlessly into the South Pacific Ocean at 12:39pm GMT on January 30, around 1,200 miles southeast of New Zealand. A UK Government spokesman said it was «extremely unlikely» any debris would reach Britain, but mobile networks were nonetheless placed on standby as a precaution.
Concerns grew as the rocket rapidly lost altitude and prepared to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, with early models indicating possible risk corridors over the UK, Poland and Belgium. Harvard–Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell said there was only a «few per cent» chance of re-entry over the UK.
The Zhuque-3 was developed by Landspace and is designed to be partially reusable, similar in concept to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. It was launched in December from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, although its booster stage reportedly failed during ascent.
The incident coincided with a visit to Beijing by Keir Starmer, who met Chinese leaders as the rocket re-entered the atmosphere.
Experts warn that such incidents may become more frequent. Dr Mike Peel of Imperial College London said the growing number of commercial and government launches increases the risk of uncontrolled re-entries, even though most debris burns up before reaching the ground.
From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.
