Federal Space Agency has called the cause of the loss of “progress” – RBC

Launch vehicle “Soyuz-U” with transport cargo vehicle “Progress M-16M»

Photo: RIA Novosti

Roscosmos called preliminary cause of the loss of the spacecraft “Progress M-27M”, has entered into an extraordinary situation when starting April 28. As told at the briefing the head of the Russian Space Agency, Igor Komarov, at this stage of the investigation confirmed the abnormal version of the separation of the third stage carrier rocket “Soyuz-2.1a” and depressurization of the tanks of the third stage.

«The work of the State Commission managed to collect telemetry data and other data of the objective of research and they confirmed the separation of abnormal version comprising two successive separation associated with depressurization, i.e. after the opening off the main engines of the third stage booster rocket first oxidizer tank, and then the fuel tank of the third stage launcher media “, – quotes RIA Novosti Komarova.

He said that the cause of depressurization establish a special working group. Final conclusions on the causes of the accident are expected no later than May 22.

The first deputy head of the Russian Federal Space Agency Alexander Ivanov said at a briefing, because of the continuing investigation into the causes of the accident “Progress”, the Ministry of Defence recommended to postpone the launch of the carrier rocket “Soyuz -2 “with a military satellite from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. “Before the end of the emergency commission – it will last until May 22 – We recommended that the Ministry of Defence to suspend the start to this term,” – he said.

In turn, First zamgenkonstruktora RSC “Energy” Vladimir Solovyov said Roscosmos plans to move ISS crew landing in June. Earlier it was planned that three members of the ISS crew will return to Earth on May 14. “We have talked to them on this subject, they are, of course, with the understanding all accepted and agree to enslave another month in orbit” – said Solovyov.

He added that the beginning of July of the current year is planned launch to the ISS cargo spacecraft “Progress”, and only then go to the ISS next manned mission. According to Solovyov, this is done to ensure the safety of the flight.

The rocket “Soyuz 2.1a” the ship “Progress” was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the morning on April 28. After separation of the third stage, the truck stopped coming telemetry. “Progress” was not able to enter the calculated orbit. the attempts to take control of an emergency “Progress” have been unsuccessful. In late April, the Federal Space Agency acknowledged the loss of “progress”. May 8th agency reported that the spacecraft burned up in the dense layers of the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.

The truck was supposed to deliver to the ISS necessary for the flight crew station fuel, oxygen, equipment for scientific experiments, parcels for cosmonauts and astronauts and gifts for members of the crew for the upcoming holidays, as well as food. After the loss of “progress” the astronauts said that the station has everything you need for the continuation of the mission.