China conducted a test launch of a missile from the Wuzai launch center on 3 January. The missile exploded in mid-flight. The incident is somewhat curious in that it has been described as a space launch attempt, perhaps indicating that this was the first test of the KT-1 satellite booster variant of the DF-31 ballistic missile. This might have been a sub-orbital test that was deliberately detonated rather than a failed launch.Stephen V Cole