A test launch of the i-Space (China)’s Hyperbola-1 (SQX-1) three-stage solid rocket launch vehicle aka Shyang Quxian-1 has been deemed a success. The launch took place at 0400 GMT on 7 April 2023. While no live satellites were on board, an object, believed to be the upper stage/instrumented dummy spacecraft was tracked in a 504 x 295 km orbit at 97.3 degrees inclination. The launch ends a run of three launch failures after a maiden orbital flight success in July 2019. Previous failures in February 2021 were caused by falling debris breaking a steering grid fin, in August 2021 due to a fairing separation failure, and in May 2022 when a leak affected the attitude control of the second stage.
The successful Hyperbola-1 (SQX-1) launch on 7 April 2023. Courtesy: Via Cosmic Penguin/Twitter
