China's Deep Blue Aerospace Faces Setback with Nebula-1 Rocket Test

Deep Blue Aerospace's reusable rocket, Nebula-1, failed its high-altitude recovery test in Inner Mongolia, China. The craft completed 10 out of 11 objectives before its landing system malfunctioned, causing a crash. The incident highlights the ongoing competition and innovation in China's burgeoning commercial space sector.

China's Deep Blue Aerospace experienced a significant setback on Sunday when its innovative reusable rocket, Nebula-1, failed to complete a high-altitude vertical recovery test in Inner Mongolia.

The rocket successfully achieved 10 of its 11 planned tasks, including a successful ignition and high-altitude launch. However, a malfunction in the landing system caused it to crash, snapping off its top portion and causing fire damage.

This mishap underscores the challenges faced by private Chinese rocket startups as they strive to compete in the rapidly growing commercial space sector, aiming to reduce costs and increase efficiency through alternative fuels like kerosene, methane, and liquid oxygen.

(With inputs from agencies.)