Deep Blue Aerospace, a prominent Chinese rocket startup, is gearing up for another high-altitude vertical recovery mission scheduled for November. This comes after its reusable rocket, Nebula-1, encountered challenges during a recent test flight.
The Nebula-1, fueled by oxygen and kerosene, successfully completed 10 of the 11 key verification tasks during its first high-altitude vertical recovery flight test on Sunday. However, an anomaly during the final landing phase caused a fracture in the rocket body.
Zhao Ya, Deep Blue's executive president, explained, \"There was a problem with the engine's thrust control servo tracking command, causing the rocket to land at a height exceeding its design parameters. As a safety precaution, the rocket shutdown command was triggered, resulting in partial damage to its body.\"
Despite the setback, Zhao expressed optimism, stating that the test provided valuable data and experience to identify and address problems, thereby enhancing the rocket's performance and reliability.
Other phases of the 179-second test flight were commendable. The rocket performed exceptionally well during takeoff, ascent, and descent stages, and achieved a precise landing at the center of the recovery field.
Shou Tuo, a senior aerospace industry observer, noted that the test demonstrated the successful overall design of Nebula-1 and verified the reliability of its liquid oxygen and kerosene engine.
Positive sentiments were echoed by Chinese netizens. Cao Meng-Aerospace, a Weibo user, commented, \"I have always felt that it is more important to get cognition, rather than the result. Let's continue to work hard.\"
Reference(s):
China aerospace startup sets for rocket vertical recovery missions
cgtn.com
