A recent launch of China’s Zhuque-2E rocket triggered a giant white streak of light visible in at least seven U.S. states, due to the dumping of experimental fuel into space. The streak appeared at 1:24 a.m. ET on Saturday (May 17) and lasted around 10 minutes before fading away. Experts say it was caused by a “fuel dump” at an altitude of around 155 miles (250 kilometers), which froze into tiny crystals that reflected sunlight toward Earth’s surface.
The streak was mistakenly identified as STEVE, an aurora-like phenomenon, but astronomers confirmed it was the result of the rocket de-orbiting process. Similar light shows have occurred when SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets dump their fuel before re-entering the atmosphere.
China’s Zhuque-2E rocket uses a new type of rocket fuel called “methalox,” a hybrid of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, which is easier to store and burns cleaner than traditional fuels. The rocket successfully launched six satellites into low-Earth orbit, but its unique technology has raised questions about the potential applications of this new fuel source in space exploration.
The incident highlights the growing interest in alternative fuels for rockets, with methane being a desirable option due to its ease of storage and clean-burning properties.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/giant-white-streak-appears-over-multiple-us-states-as-chinese-rocket-dumps-experimental-fuel-in-space