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The original launch date for the RS-20 (converted SS-18 ICBM, commercially known as Dnepr) cluster launch mission was scheduled for March 27, 2007. The rocket was to lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome with the following payloads on-board: EgyptSat-1 (Ukraine/Egypt), SaudiSat-3, SaudiComsat-3, SaudiComsat-4, SaudiComsat-5, SaudiComsat-6 and SaudiComsat-7 (Saudi Arabia) and P-Pod deployers carrying 7 CubSat nanosatellites.
All payloads have successfully passed necessary pre-launch checkout and testing. All tests of the launch vehicle up to the integration with the Space Head Module were successfully completed as well.
Following the integration of the Space Head Module containing 14 satellites with the launch vehicle, the fully assembled rocket underwent a series of final electrical tests. During this phase, the LV diagnostics system detected an anomaly in the 3rd stage telemetry harness.
To date, the faulty cable has been replaced and pre-launch preparations have been resumed.
To ensure the absolute success of this launch mission and to allow for completion of all necessary electrical checkout of the rocket, the State Launch Committee, also mindful of the other launch missions scheduled to fly from the Baikonur Cosmodrome within the same timeframe, has set the new date for this launch on 17-18 April 2007.
29.03.2007 |
