Chinese Zhuque-2E Rocket Creates Spectacular Light Show Over Australia
A Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket launched from northwestern China created a dramatic light display visible across Queensland and northern New South Wales on Tuesday evening. The phenomenon occurred as the rocket released excess gases at high altitude where it remained illuminated by the sun despite darkness on the ground. The event highlights increasing commercial space activity and is expected to become more common as satellite launches accelerate.
The Zhuque-2E Y6 rocket, launched by Chinese aerospace firm LandSpace at 4:23pm Beijing time from the Dongfeng space innovation pilot zone, created a striking visual spectacle visible over northeastern Australia approximately 20 minutes after liftoff. University of Southern Queensland astrophysicist Jonti Horner explained that the rocket's high altitude allowed it to remain illuminated by the sun even after sunset on the ground, and the visible glow resulted from the rocket releasing excess gases—a process called passivation—before deploying its payload of direct-to-cell satellites. Observers reported seeing a silvery or blue-tinted glowing cloud that gradually turned red as the rocket and its gas plume moved into Earth's shadow, an effect similar to sunset coloration on clouds. LandSpace declared the mission successful, with the 6-tonne payload consisting of two satellites. Horner noted that such events will become increasingly common as commercial space activity expands globally.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Mystery streak of light from China gives Australians spectacular show
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