Russia abruptly aborts launch of new-generation rocket
June 27, 2014 23:04
The test launch of Russia's newest rocket ended in embarrassment today as authorities were forced to abort the flight overseen by President Vladimir Putin due to a last-minute glitch.
The mishap is the latest blow to the Russian government's plans to overhaul its famed space programme after a series of setbacks.
The next-generation Angara rocket was scheduled to blast off from Plesetsk in northern Russia when officials reported a sudden automatic launch abort, footage of which was broadcast on national television.
The Kremlin strongman, who was overseeing the rocket's planned launch via live linkup, gave space officials and the defence ministry an hour to look into the glitch before reporting to him.
"Work in a calm manner, without haste and fuss," he said in televised remarks.
The launch has been postponed until tomorrow.
Designed to succeed Proton and other Soviet-era launchers, the Angara is billed as the first rocket to have been completely built after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Officials say the next-generation spacecraft is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors because it is fuelled by oxygen and kerosene rather than hugely toxic heptyl.
The Khrunichev Center, the state-run spacecraft maker which developed the rocket, declined to say what went wrong.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances