Chinese rocket deorbits over American Midwest after satellite deployment

The upper stage reignited its engine one month after launching from the Gobi Desert.

Senior Space Correspondent

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Rocket breaks apart over Midwest AI illustrationhow this picture was made

WASHINGTON, USA, Oct. 19, 2026 - A Chinese rocket deorbited over the American Midwest approximately one month after launching from a remote spaceport in the Gobi Desert.^[1] The vehicle had deployed 10 satellites into orbit before performing the engine reignition. Space Nugget. Upper stage rockets are the final segment of a launch vehicle that delivers payloads to their intended orbit. Most are left adrift after mission completion; intentional reignition for targeted deorbit is an uncommon procedure.

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A Chinese rocket launched from a remote spaceport in the Gobi Desert about a month ago, released 10 satellites into orbit, and then reignited its engine to deorbit over the American Midwest. · arstechnica.com

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