A Ukrainian Zenith-2 rocket crashed before it could launch 12 US Global Star communication satellites into orbit. This happened on the evening of September 9, shortly after takeoff from Baikonur launch site. The Southern Design Bureau states that the rocket’s first stage operated normally, but when the second stage was activated two onboard computer channels broke down in succession, whereupon an emergency engine switch-off command was issued, and the rocket crashed.
Only several days ago a number of experts spoke of the importance of Ukraine’s participation in international space projects, since our space industry had long been idle. In addition, such projects promise substantial revenues. The Global Star contract was worth over $100 million.
The Global Star system was envisioned as a supplement to the existing cellular communication system and the satellites were slated for activation after exhausting ground station capacities.
The Southern Design Bureau’s Cyclone and Zenith rockets have attracted the world space giants’ attention. Zenith convincingly won the 1995 international tender staged by America’s Space System Loral Co. All told, the personal satellite communication system is to consist of 48 basic space vehicles and 8 reserve ones. Some experts believe that another Ukrainian rocket failure would inflict major losses on the Ukrainian rocket industry. Meanwhile deputy department head Volodymyr Kovtun of the Ministry of Industrial Policy says the breakdown should not damage the rocket-builders’ image: “Ukraine developed a carrier rocket which has undergone serious tests, was studied for many years, and was highly appraised by international experts. Thus I don’t think that the breakdown should be blamed on the rocket, rather on those who launched it.”
Yuri Aleksieyenko told Reuters that the reasons for the breakdown are known, and the investigation will not take much time. He stressed that there are no causes for severing contract with Global Star as yet and that the planned October 22 and December 23 launches should be carried out.
Some sources indicate that Ukraine may have to pay Global Star part of a $500 million indemnity for the accident.







