Briefly

19 dead after landslide in Southwest China

Nineteen people have been confirmed dead following a landslide on Sunday in Leshan city in Sichuan province, according to local officials. The collapse took place at around 6 am at a forest farm in Yongsheng township in the city's Jinkouhe district. A rescue team of 180 people took part in the rescue work. The reason for the landslide is under investigation.

6th engine trial for lunar missions sets record

China has completed the sixth trial run of the main engines for its future crewed lunar missions, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The test of the 130-metric-ton liquid oxygen kerosene engine brought cumulative test run times to 3,300 seconds, setting a record for the longest trial of a single 100-ton class engine in China, the corporation said. As the main engine on the rockets that will comprise the country's planned crewed lunar missions, the engine requires a greater level of performance and reliability.

Standard for civilian drones published

On Friday, China published its first mandatory national standard for the civil drone industry to ensure the sector's healthy development. The policy, due to take effect on June 1 next year, will address the quality and safety risks presented by unmanned civil aerial vehicles, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation. The standard includes mandatory technical requirements covering 17 areas including electronic fences, remote identification and emergency disposal processes. The standard is applicable to micro, light and small drones, but does not apply to model airplanes.

Xinhua