China’s Long March 7A Rocket Explodes About 85 Seconds After Launch

A Long March 7A rocket launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in southern China broke apart roughly 85 seconds into flight. Video shows the first stage disintegrating and a bright flash of light spreading debris across the sky. The vehicle was carrying a classified payload that analysts believe to be a military communications satellite. The exact cause of the failure has not been explained, and the incident raises questions about the reliability of China’s expanding space program.