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Briz-M programme disorder causes Express-AM4 failure

It ia the conclusion of the Inter-Ministerial Commission analysing causes of Proton-M rocket’s abnormal start on August 18 from Baikonur

MOSCOW, August 30 (Itar-Tass) — Unsuccessful launch of Express-AM4 communication satellite was caused by a disorder in the program of the Briz-M booster’s control system.

Press service of the Federal Space Agency /Roskosmos/ reported on Tuesday that such was the conclusion the Inter-Ministerial Commission analysing causes of Proton-M rocket’s abnormal start on August 18 from Baikonur, which had the Briz-M upper stage and Express -AM4 space apparatus.

“Following analysis of information, the commission has concluded that over formation of the mission profile for the Briz-M upper stage, the time interval of sub turning of the gyro-stabilised platform was cut unreasonably,” the press service said. “This caused the incorrect orientation of the upper stage and, consequently, failed to bring the satellite to the designed orbit.”