China's Rocket Launches Raise Environmental Concerns
May 26, 2026 at 13:57
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✦ AI Summary
- China's rocket launches surged from 20 to 93 annually
- Rapid growth mirrors trends seen in the US, especially with SpaceX
- Concerns arise over China's disposal practices for spent rocket stages
China has become a major player in the space industry, launching 64 rockets in 2022 and hitting a record 93 launches last year, solidifying its position as the second-most prolific space nation.
As both state-owned and private companies expand their operations, this growth mirrors similar developments in the United States, driven largely by SpaceX.
However, analysts express concern over China's disregard for established norms regarding the disposal of spent rocket stages, which pose environmental risks as they remain in orbit.
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