by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Aug 15, 2024
China has initiated necessary measures and is closely observing the affected orbital area following the breakup of a Chinese rocket, according to a statement by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that a Long March 6A rocket, which was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on August 6, disintegrated in low-Earth orbit last week, creating a debris cloud consisting of hundreds of fragments.
"The mission of the rocket was a peaceful use of the outer space consistent with international law and universal practice," the spokesman stated.
"As a responsible major country, China attaches great importance to space debris mitigation," Lin said, adding that China has taken active efforts to fulfill relevant international obligations and regulate its aerospace activities in conducting outer space activities.
"We've made it a rule to always take space debris mitigation measures after satellites and carrier rockets complete their missions, in order to help protect the environment of the outer space and ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities," Lin said.
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China National Space Agency (SPX) Aug 15, 2024
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