United States Secretary Of Defense Called No Planned Rocket Fire Of China

China's Long March 5B rocket launch. (Source: Screenshot of CGTN)

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Thursday that there were no plans for his side at this point to shoot down the remains of a large Chinese rocket, which is expected to fall back through the atmosphere this weekend.

As is known, China's Long March 5B rocket was launched from China's Hainan island on April 29, carrying the Tianhe module, which will be the residence for three crew members on a permanent Chinese space station.

The launch of Tianhe is the first of 11 missions required to complete China's first space station.

"The hope is that the rocket will land in the sea and the latest estimate is that it will fall between Saturday and Sunday," Minister Austin said.

Previously, The Global Times, a Chinese tabloid published by the People's Daily, wrote in its report that the rocket was out of control and could cause damage as a Western sensation.

The United States itself has stated its commitment, to address the risk of congestion due to space debris. And it wants to work with the international community "to promote responsible space leadership and behavior.

To note, the United States Space Command is tracking debris from a Chinese rocket that sent part of the space station planned to orbit last week.

"The United States is committed to addressing the increased risk of congestion due to space debris, and increased activity in outer space. We want to work with the international community to promote responsible space leadership and behavior," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. a briefing.