It became known about the identification of another marriage in Russian space rockets. We are talking about Proton-M launch vehicles, which belong to the heavy class.
According to the latest data, A new quality control system made it possible to identify defects in Protons, which was developed by Roscosmos specialists. Thanks to this system, defects were detected in missiles, which were produced 4-5 years ago.
It was initially reported, that in early March of this year, defects were identified in two Proton-M rockets. Then about this with reference to the source, “close to the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center”, Vedomosti reported. One of the rockets was supposed to launch Express satellites into orbit, the second was intended for the implementation of the ExoMars-2020 project.
Now there are reports of three launch vehicles with detected defects. According to RIA Novosti, three rockets will be returned from the Baikonur cosmodrome to the above-mentioned Khrunichev State Center.
Official messages about, what specific defects were identified in Proton-M rockets?, no. However, the media mentions problems with the strength of individual parts, which turned out to be overheated during production at the enterprise. So far these statements have not been confirmed by official sources., but they didn’t refute it either.
In connection with “recall” rockets from Baikonur, questions arise regarding the timely implementation of those space programs, for which they were produced, including ExoMars-2020. This program is being implemented by Russia together with European partners.. In May 2016 The launch has already been postponed for years. Then we counted, that the launch should take place in July 2020. This time is the so-called “launch window” for spacecraft, designed for Mars exploration. Will there be a new transfer?, or the mission will still be realized in the summer 2020 of the year?
