Russia put off the maiden launch of its first new space rocket design since Soviet times for a second day on Saturday, RIA news agency said, a fresh blow to the country's once-pioneering industry.
The debut launch of the Angara rocket was first called off on Friday after the vehicle's booster cut out during a final countdown watched by President Vladimir Putin via video link at the Kremlin.
Angara, built by the Khrunichev space centre, is a key test of Russia's ability remake a troubled space industry which is struggling to recover from brain drain and years of budget curbs.
"The rocket will be removed from the launchpad and transferred to a technical stand for comprehensive analysis," RIA quoted the Khrunichev centre as saying, adding the new launch time would only be decided after the checks.
More than two decades in the making, the new generation rocket is a centerpiece of Putin's plan to reform Russia's space industry and a drive to launch satellites from its own soil, breaking dependence on other ex-Soviet republics.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
