ILS Releases Preliminary Information On Proton K/Block DM Launch Anomaly.Business EditorsMOSCOW--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 31, 2002 Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center[1] (ГКНПЦ им. М. В. Хруничева in Russian) is a Moscow-based producer of space-launch systems. , a joint venture partner in International Launch Services International Launch Services (or ILS) was formed in 1995 as a private spaceflight partnership between the United States defense contractor Lockheed Martin (LM) (LM sold their part later) and the Russian firms Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and RSC Inc., (ILS ILS In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Israeli Shekel. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. ) has made available to ILS information regarding the investigation into the Nov. 26 Proton K/Block DM launch, which failed to place the ASTRA 1K Astra 1K was a communications satellite manufactured by Alcatel Space for SES Astra. When it was launched on November 25, 2002 it was the most massive civilian communications satellite ever launched, weighing 5250 kg (0 lb). satellite into proper orbit. The information is a preliminary conclusion from the Russian State Failure Commission investigating the incident. It was forwarded by Vlachislav Ivanov, deputy director general of the Khrunichev Center and deputy chairman of the commission. In summary, the commission exonerated the three-stage Proton K vehicle in the incident and focused on the Block DM upper stage. It stated that the engine of the Block DM experienced excessive temperatures and was destroyed during its second ignition, resulting in the separation of the spacecraft into the wrong orbit. Indications are that there was excessive fuel in the main engine at the time of the second burn, leading to the burn-through. The commission is continuing its investigation into the probable cause Apparent facts discovered through logical inquiry that would lead a reasonably intelligent and prudent person to believe that an accused person has committed a crime, thereby warranting his or her prosecution, or that a Cause of Action has accrued, justifying a civil lawsuit. of the failure, including the indication of excessive fuel. The commission is expected to release its final report and recommended corrective actions A corrective action is a change implemented to address a weakness identified in a management system. Normally corrective actions are instigated in response to a customer complaint, abnormal levels if internal nonconformity, nonconformities identified during an internal audit or next month. ILS' Failure Review Oversight Board will then commence a review of the final report and issue its findings at the appropriate time. |
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