A new China Global Television Network (CGTN) documentary, Countdown at Sea, tells the story of a commercial rocket launch team in China facing a high-stakes race against an approaching typhoon as they prepare for an offshore mission.
Operating at an offshore site about 170 kilometers east of Shanghai, engineers face a critical window where both mission success and future funding hang in the balance. As the 24-hour countdown begins, the team removes the final storm shielding from the rocket and conducts meticulous pre-launch safety checks before initiating a phased evacuation 90 minutes prior to liftoff.
In the final moments leading up to the launch, the engineers remain remarkably calm despite mounting tension. For these space pioneers, the mission sometimes demands personal sacrifice, with some team members missing major family milestones while stationed at sea, motivated by the strong support of their families and an unwavering passion for their work.
The documentary is part of CGTN's Breaking Through series, which traces China's journey from the historic Long March undertaken by the Red Army nine decades ago to its modern-day achievements, highlighting the resilience, ingenuity and determination of its people.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March -- the arduous trek of 1934 to 1936 that helped lay the foundation for the eventual victory of the Chinese revolution.
CGTN documentary captures tension, resilience behind China's offshore commercial rocket launch
