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Taiwan-made satellite launcher fails first test, triggers missile panic
🇨🇳 China /Technology

Taiwan-made satellite launcher fails first test, triggers missile panic

From South China Morning Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Taiwan's first domestically developed satellite launch vehicle failed during its initial test on Wednesday.
  • The rocket veered off course after launch, causing panic among nearby villagers who mistook it for a missile.
  • The rocket crashed in an uninhabited mountainous area, with no reported casualties or property damage.

Taiwan's attempt to launch its first domestically developed satellite vehicle ended in failure on Wednesday when the rocket veered off course shortly after liftoff.

The launch, which occurred around 6 a.m. local time from the Jiupeng missile testing base in southern Pingtung county, was intended to place a satellite into orbit. However, witnesses reported that the projectile climbed briefly before abruptly changing direction, moving away from the sea and towards the mountains.

The unexpected trajectory caused alarm among residents in nearby villages. Shouts of "Something’s gone wrong! Oh no! The village!" could be heard in video footage circulating online as the rocket headed towards populated areas.

Fortunately, the rocket ultimately crashed in an uninhabited mountainous region, resulting in thick smoke billowing over the hillside. No injuries or damage to property were reported.

Something’s gone wrong! Oh no! The village!

— LocalsVillagers react in fear as the launched rocket veers off course towards their area.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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