International Launch Services Inc. (ILS) confirmed that the first after July crash launch of Proton-M booster may be postponed because of the troubles with the first stage, – RIA-Novosti reports.
The launch of Proton booster with Astra 2E telecommunication satellite was postponed on technical grounds concerning booster.
Launch date will be determined later. At Baikonur spaceport Khrunichev Center (Proton developer) specialists received the data on the problems arouse with the first stage. It became clear that additional testing of the rocket was needed. For this purpose the booster will be delivered back to the integration building for further testing.
ILS company doesn’t give any details on those technical reasons but notes that both satellite and booster are out of any danger.
Earlier ILS reported that the first launch will take place on September 15. The spokesman for rocket and space industry reported to RIA-Novosti on Thursday that preliminary date of Proton launch will be September 30.
