Russia informed NASA colleagues about the new possible date of Soyuz MS-02 launch. It will be November 01, 2016, instead of September 23, 2016.
“The Russian party informed NASA Headquarters about Soyuz MS-02 launch preliminarily scheduled for November 01”, – NASA public affairs coordinator in MCC Alexander Koptev stated.
However he pointed out that this is just a preliminary date and the final decision is to be taken by Roscosmos.
“Besides new Proress cargo vehicle launch dates and crew’ landing dates are to be announced but at the present time we cannot do that”, – he specified.
Additional testing of Soyuz conducted at Baikonur hasn’t revealed any more short circuits but the opinions on the new launch date divide.
“Thorough multilevel testing hasn’t revealed repeated short circuit in spacecraft line. Some experts consider the launch possible. Other specialists insist on additional testing or spacecraft replacement proving that crew’s safety is of first priority. Stat Commission is to analyze pros and cons and set the new date. The final decision may be taken today or tomorrow.
Both prime and back-up crews have already come back from Baikonur by two charter flights since the testing in the integration building in Baikonur had revealed short circuit in Soyuz MS-02 lines.