The delayed Astra 2E satellite will now launch on September 15, 2013, following the completion of the ILS Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) investigation into the failed GLONASS Proton launch.
FROB agreed with the earlier findings of the Russian investigation that the root cause of the failure was due to the improper installation of the three yaw angular rate sensors located on the Proton launch vehicle, which caused the vehicle to deviate from its flight path shortly after lift-off.
“We very much appreciate the time, effort and participation of our customers, the insurance underwriters and technical experts in the FROB process. They worked tirelessly with us to ensure that the review was conducted thoroughly. As we work towards the return to flight of the Proton vehicle, we thank all of our customers for their continued support,” said ILS vice president of programs and operations, John Palmé.
The Proton M/Block DM mission with three GLONASS navigational satellites for the Russian Federal Government failed on launch on July 2, 2013.
The remaining manifest will be confirmed in the next few weeks.
