Posted on 02/01/2013 6:16:52 AM PST by Hoodat
The launch of a Russian rocket carrying an American communications satellite ended in disaster today after it plunged into the sea 40 seconds after blast-off.
Grainy footage of the launch being streamed online was cut shortly after 6.56am GMT when the space-bound vessel got into trouble.
The Swiss-based Sea Launch company sent up their Zenit-3SL rocket from the Odyssey Launch Platform in the Pacific Ocean on Friday.
However, the vessel – along with its Intelsat 27 telecommunications satellite inside - suffered a failure during the first stage of its flight.
It is claimed the rocket’s engines shut off stopped automatically because its trajectory was wrong.
Odyssey sits on the equator and is a launch pad made from a converted oil rig.
A team control its flight from a boat six kilometres away. A team is now searching for the downed rocket. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
SeaLaunch had another dramatic failure exactly six years ago when a rocket blew up right on the launch rig. It took quite a lot of work and time to fix the damage to the rig and their reputation. This won't help with the reputation part.
Generally there is lots of denials of responsibility and finger-pointing when there is any problem. There will be a thorough investigation of all of the data that will point to some one party (probably Russian). Then they will say that they've fixed the problem and try to get on with planned future launches.
MSNBC blaming it on Republicans in 3...2...1...
OK with what you wrote...made my head hurt...wouldn’t a bigger rubber band work? Just askin’.
Da, I know it was an accident, but with Moose and Squirrel snooping around, Natasha and Boris Badinov are always getting into trouble. One must be careful with our accidents.
I’ve been sayin’ that E85 is no good for engines...
I’ve been sayin’ that E85 is no good for engines...
Wonder if they had flight insurance.....
You’re probably right. This Satellite is in someone’s clean bay being dissected as we speak.
P.S. We should rig these Satellites with explosives for this very reason. Try to disassemble and BLAM!!
Yes.
The Earth spins at its fastest rate at the equator, about 1000 mph.
If you launch to the east, your satellite gets a gravity assist in reaching orbital speed of about 17,000 mph.
This means you can launch more weight with less rocket fuel or a less powerful rocket.
Unfortunately, launching a rocket from the ocean, many miles from shore, is a daunting logistical and engineering challenge all by itself.
Vive la France. They have impressive facilities in French Guiana. (Remember Devil's Island?) How come they ain't doing the deal. BTW, the food is fabulous there.
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