Kazakhstan has asked Russia to pay $89.5 million as compensation for environmental damage caused by a rocket that exploded near the Baikonur launch site in July, Interfax reported Friday.
The Russian made Proton-M space vehicle exploded shortly after its launch which purportedly was due to incorrectly installed speed sensors. There was about 600 tons poisonous fuel on board containing chemicals including heptyl, amyl, and kerosene.
According to the Kazakh Environment and Water Resources Ministry, soil at the accident site has already been cleaned and detoxification of the area has been completed, reducing the chemical contamination to the maximum allowed level.
The Kazakh government has sent a request to Roscosmos asking it to pay for the damages. Roscosmos representatives said earlier they were willing to discuss the issue with Kazakhstan.
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