Investigation confirms cause of Vega failure
Posted: Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 1:32 PM ET (1832 GMT)
An independent investigation confirmed that improperly connected cables caused the failure of a Vega launch last month. The European Space Agency announced Dec. 18 that the investigation found two cables used in the thrust vector control system of the Vega's upper stage were inverted, causing the stage to tumble seconds after ignition on the Nov. 16 launch. The investigation found that "misleading" procedures contributed to the cables to be misconnected and that inspections failed to detect the problem. The investigation recommended both more detailed inspections of the next two Vega rockets, which have already been built, and changes in assembly and testing procedures for future Vega rockets. Arianespace estimates the Vega will be ready to return to flight by late March.
An independent investigation confirmed that improperly connected cables caused the failure of a Vega launch last month. The European Space Agency announced Dec. 18 that the investigation found two cables used in the thrust vector control system of the Vega's upper stage were inverted, causing the stage to tumble seconds after ignition on the Nov. 16 launch. The investigation found that "misleading" procedures contributed to the cables to be misconnected and that inspections failed to detect the problem. The investigation recommended both more detailed inspections of the next two Vega rockets, which have already been built, and changes in assembly and testing procedures for future Vega rockets. Arianespace estimates the Vega will be ready to return to flight by late March.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Retired Air Force officer nominated to be NASA deputy administrator
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:44 AM ET (1344 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, May 16
The Trump Administration Leaned on African Countries. The Goal: Get Business for Elon Musk.
ProPublica — 5:31 am ET (0931 GMT) Senators Call for Ethics Inquiry into Trump Administration Benefitting Elon Musk and Starlink in Trade Negotiations
ViaSatellite — 5:29 am ET (0929 GMT) Democratic senators ask for probe into whether Trump administration is aiding Musk's Starlink in securing foreign deals
Spectrum News — 5:29 am ET (0929 GMT) SpaceX targeting Friday morning for Starlink mission from Vandenberg SFB
Lompoc Record — 5:28 am ET (0928 GMT) ??Golden Dome’s Price Tag Will Likely Exceed Half a Trillion Dollars, Space Force Chief Says
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 5:27 am ET (0927 GMT) |
