OneSpace Technology Group, a Chinese private space launch group based in Beijing, has failed in its second attempt to orbit a satellite.
According to Reuters, Chinese state media reported that the rocket failed to reach orbit after it lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern China. It was confirmed that there was an anomaly in the very early stages of the launch.
The rocket attempted to orbit the Lingque-1B remote sensing satellite, developed by Beijing-based ZeroG Lab.
Undeterred by the anomaly, OneSpace CEO, Shu Chang, confirmed that his company will continue with its research and development
Spurred on by the success of companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, China is eager to develop its launch capabilities and there are now many Chinese companies engaged in small satellite launch development, many of which are backed by venture capital. Both OneSpace and iSpace are examples of companies that have seen launch success.
The Chinese government has emphasised the importance of the space industry for the country and it is listed as a priority. Private investors have been encouraged to become involved and the government has opened up government launch sites in an attempt to accelerate progress. Remote sensing, communications, broadcasting, navigation and positioning are key areas of development. China’s goal is to send a manned space station into orbit by 2022.
