Putin's megarocket plans grounded after engineers find flaw that could cause new 'heavy lift' rocket to explode
- Angara A5 was first was test-launched in 2014
- Being developed to replace the Proton M as Russia's heavy lift rocket
- Engines are producing low frequency oscillations that could ultimately destroy it
Scientists have discovered a defect in the engines of Russia's new flagship heavy lift space rocket that could destroy it in flight, an apparent setback to a project President Vladimir Putin has said is vital for national security.
The Angara A5, which was test-launched in 2014, is being developed to replace the Proton M as Russia's heavy lift rocket, capable of carrying payloads bigger than 20 tonnes into orbit.
A launch pad for the new rocket is due to open in 2021.
In July, Putin said the Angara A5 had 'huge significance' for the country's defence and called on space agency Roscosmos to work more actively on it and to meet all its deadlines.
The Angara A5 being test-launched in 2014. In July, Putin said the Angara A5 had 'huge significance' for the country's defence and called on space agency Roscosmos to work more actively on it and to meet all its deadlines.
The issue with the Angara A5 was brought to attention by scientists at rocket engine manufacturer Energomash in a paper ahead of a space conference later this month.
The paper, reported by RIA news agency on Friday and published online, said the engines of the Angara A5 could produce low frequency oscillations that could ultimately destroy the rocket.
A special valve had been fitted to mitigate the issue, but in some cases the oscillations continued, it said.
Energomash did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Russia's space programme has been dogged by mishaps in recent years, including failed cargo delivery missions into space and the aborted launch in October of the manned Soyuz mission to the International Space Station.
A Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-10 space ship blasting off. Scientists have discovered a defect in the engines of Russia's new flagship heavy lift space rocket that could destroy it in flight, an apparent setback to a project President Vladimir Putin has said is vital for national security.
Russia's current heavy lift rocket, the Proton M, has had a nearly 10 percent failure rate in more than 100 launches since it entered service in 2001, creating pressure to reorganise and improve the space programme.
The second launch of the Russian heavy class Angara A5 carrier rocket with a new upper stage and a spacecraft model was due to be held in late 2019.
The first launch of the rocket was held in December 2014, while the third one is planned for 2020.
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