MOSCOW: A defect has been discovered on part of a Russian space rocket that is due to launch next month carrying satellites into orbit for US startup OneWeb, two Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday (Jan 30).
The Russian Soyuz is scheduled to blast off from Guiana Space Centre carrying the first satellites into space for Virginia-based startup OneWeb, which plans to create a worldwide internet service using a network of satellites.
Russia's RIA news agency cited three sources as saying that a "breach" had been discovered in the rocket's Fregat upper stage.
A source quoted by TASS news agency said a tiny perforation had been found in one of the upper stage's pipes and that the damage had possibly been caused during transportation.
Both reports said the problem could mean the launch is delayed.
The Russian Soyuz is scheduled to blast off from Guiana Space Centre carrying the first satellites into space for Virginia-based startup OneWeb, which plans to create a worldwide internet service using a network of satellites.
Russia's RIA news agency cited three sources as saying that a "breach" had been discovered in the rocket's Fregat upper stage.
A source quoted by TASS news agency said a tiny perforation had been found in one of the upper stage's pipes and that the damage had possibly been caused during transportation.
Both reports said the problem could mean the launch is delayed.
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/defect-found-on-russian-rocket-ahead-of-us-oneweb-launch-11186224