Russia pins Soyuz failure to production line defect
 

The Russian space agency says a rocket that failed while carrying cargo to the International Space Station on 24 August had a production line defect.

A blocked duct cut the fuel supply to the Soyuz-U's third-stage, causing its engine to shut down prematurely, Roskosmos said in a statement.

The Soyuz failed to put into orbit its cargo ship, which fell back to Earth.

Since the US space shuttle was retired in July, the Russian rockets have become the key link to the station.

They not only fly robotic freighters to the orbiting outpost; they are also the sole means of getting cosmonauts and astronauts to the platform.

Full store

Russia grounded its fleet of Soyuz vehicles after the accident last month, and delayed the next manned mission which was planned for 22 September.

The Roskosmos inquiry report said that the engine defect should not be considered a one-off problem until all other existing Soyuz engines had been re-examined.

No schedule has been given for a resumption of flights.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14852534

Note: 9 September 2011 Last updated at 10:32 GMT

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