Russia performed the first test launch of new Angara-1.2PP light booster, the first ecologically friendly booster that has been designed since USSR collapse, – the spokesman for Aerospace Defence troops reported. The first Angara launch was planned for June 25, but shifted to June 27 because of additional testing. Nevertheless on June 28 automatic system aborted the launch 19 seconds prior to lift-off.
According to NPO Energomash official report the launch was aborted due to the pressure drop in spherical tank of air oxidizer damper pressurization that does not relate to the first stage of the thruster.
The thruster itself (RD-191 D012) passed checkout testing at NPO Energomash test facility nominally. All faults were eliminated in time directly at Plesetsk spaceport without transporting the booster to the manufacturing plant.
The launch of Angara-1.2PP booster on July 9, 2014 was provided by Aerospace defence operational crews for Ministry of Defence and Roscosmos needs. The first stage and nose fairing are expected to fall in the southern part of Pechora Sea. The second stage with payload dummy will land in 20 minutes at Kura testing area (Kamchatka Peninsula).
The first Angara launch confirmed the accomplishment of important state mission since putting Angara into operation will enable Russia to orbit all kinds of satellites launching them from its territory and without polluting the atmosphere thus providing our country with guaranteed space access.
