Russia’s Space Agency Roscosmos has aborted the test launch of its Angara A5 heavy-lift rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, just minutes before the scheduled liftoff on Tuesday. The launch, which was to be the first of its kind at Russia’s newest spaceport, has been postponed by at least 24 hours due to a technical malfunction.
Announcements at the launch pad indicated that the delay was caused by a malfunction in the pressurizing system of the oxidizer tank. Yuri Borisov, head of Roscosmos, confirmed the issue, stating that safety protocols necessitated the postponement.
The Angara A5 rocket represents a significant step in Russia’s space ambitions, being the first heavy booster designed entirely in post-Soviet Russia. It is intended to carry modules for Russia’s planned space station and to launch satellites for the GLONASS navigation system, which is Russia’s equivalent of GPS.
The Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in Russia’s Far East, offers strategic advantages due to its closer proximity to the equator compared to older sites like the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. This allows rockets like the Angara A5 to deliver heavier payloads into orbit, enhancing Russia’s capabilities in space exploration and satellite deployment.
The Angara A5 has previously had three successful test launches from Plesetsk. The transition to Vostochny marks an important milestone in reducing Russia’s reliance on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, which was inherited from the Soviet era.
This postponement follows a similar incident last month when the launch of a Soyuz spacecraft carrying three crew members to the International Space Station was delayed due to a technical glitch. Despite these setbacks, the Soyuz mission successfully reached the ISS and returned safely.
The delay of the Angara A5 launch underscores the complexities of modern space technology and the rigorous safety measures that govern space missions. The global space community, including Asia’s rapidly advancing space programs, closely watches these developments as nations pursue strategic interests beyond Earth.
Russia has not announced a new launch time, but efforts are underway to resolve the technical issues promptly. The successful deployment of the Angara A5 is anticipated to bolster Russia’s position in the international space arena.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
