Russia’s Angara-A5 Rocket Launch Delayed In Last-Minute Decision: Latest Updates
In an unexpected turn of events, the much-anticipated launch of Russia’s Angara-A5 rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome was abruptly called off just minutes before liftoff. The automated abort command was issued by Yury Borisov, the head of Russia’s Roscosmos space corporation, leaving spectators and experts puzzled about the reason behind the cancellation.
The official explanation for the cancellation came later, with Roscosmos announcing that it was due to a failure in the supercharging system of the oxidizer tank of the central unit. This setback raises concerns about the reliability and technical challenges associated with the Angara-A5 rocket.
The Angara-A5 rocket holds significant importance for Russia as it is the first rocket developed and created after the collapse of the USSR. Since its first use in 2014, this would have only been the fourth launch of the Angara-A5 rocket. The previous launch, which took place in late 2021, did not go as planned either, adding to the pressure and anticipation surrounding this latest attempt.
Previously, the Angara-A5 was launched from Plesetsk, a spaceport in the Arctic Circle primarily used for military missions. However, Russia has now shifted its focus to Vostochny, a newer spaceport capable of handling larger payloads. Vostochny was opened in 2016 with the goal of enabling commercial launches and expanding Russia’s space capabilities.
The primary goal of the Angara-A5 rocket is to support the construction of the Russian orbital station. It also serves military purposes and is part of a broader Russian initiative to develop a series of new rockets, all under the Angara name. However, some experts, such as Pavel Luzin from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, suggest that these rockets are already outdated compared to more advanced foreign rocket technologies.
One notable aspect of the Angara-A5 rocket is its positioning as an environmentally friendly option. Unlike the Proton-M launch vehicles that have been used in Soviet and Russian cosmonautics since the mid-1960s, the Angara-A5 does not rely on toxic fuel components. This shift aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of space exploration.
Comparisons can be drawn between the Angara-A5 and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, particularly in terms of payload capacity. The Angara-A5 can carry up to 24,500 kilograms to low-Earth orbit, which is similar to the Falcon 9’s capability. However, unlike the reusable Falcon 9, the Angara-A5 is a single-use rocket. This distinction raises questions about the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of Russia’s space missions compared to those of private companies like SpaceX.
Despite the setback, the next launch attempt for the Angara-A5 rocket is scheduled for Wednesday, 10th April. The anticipation surrounding this launch remains high as Russia seeks to establish itself as a major player in space exploration and strengthen its on-the-ground space infrastructure.
As the world awaits the next chapter in Russia’s space journey, it is clear that the success of the Angara-A5 rocket is not only crucial for Russia’s space ambitions but also for its reputation among the global space community. The outcome of this launch will determine whether Russia can overcome technical challenges and secure its place as a leading force in the ever-evolving world of space exploration.
