China's Long March 7A rocket explodes after liftoff, sparking engine‑level concerns

A Long March 7A rocket exploded about 1 minute 20 seconds into flight after liftoff from Wenchang, with the payload believed to be a military communications satellite; the cause is not yet known, but a failure in the YF-100 engine could have broad implications for multiple Chinese rockets and potentially delay the Chang'e 7 lunar mission, with officials offering no immediate comment.