The recent, out-of-the-ordinary failure of a Chinese aerospace mission was calmly accepted by Chinese netizens, as some lauded the nation’s honest attitude toward its shortcomings.

On June 19, the Zhongxing-9A communications satellite failed to reach its orbit due to a malfunction of its carrier rocket, Long March-3B, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Zhongxing-9A is China’s first independently produced broadcast and television satellite. It was designed to provide television services to all of China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Specifically, the satellite is equipped with a wave beam targeting the South China Sea, and can help provide service to the Chinese government, military and ordinary citizens on the islands of the South China Sea.

In response to news of the unsuccessful mission, Chinese netizens joked that it is “once-in-a-lifetime” experience to see a Chinese aerospace or aviation mission fail. Many more gave credit to CASC for being honest and transparent in assessing the results of the mission, which encouraged public confidence.

“Failure is not the end. What is important is that we rise above this. Go, Chinese aerospace missions!” wrote one netizen.