The so-called "ballistic trajectory" resulted when the service module of the Soyuz TMA-11 capsule took too long to detach, agency official Alexei Krasnov said, RIA-Novosti reported.
Krasnov stressed that the ballistic trajectory was within the technical parameters of the Soyuz. "Yes, it is tense and the stresses are unpleasant for the crew, but it is still an acceptable variation of the re-entry procedure," he said.
The steeper-than-usual descent on April 21 subjected the capsule's three-person crew to severe gravitational forces and caused the Soyuz to land 420 kilometers off target.
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.