The launch of the Proton-M launch vehicle has been postponed due to defects in the upper block, Roscosmos announced on its Telegram channel.
The corporation explained that during planned pre-launch checks of all systems, a “local discrepancy in the upper block of the rocket“ was discovered. “The launch of the launch vehicle has been postponed in order to correct the defects“, Roscosmos announced. They added that this will not affect the planned scientific program.
“The scope of work has already been determined; after we complete the necessary measures, we will continue the preparation of the launch vehicle as usual“, said Roscosmos Deputy Director General Ivan Danilov.
The heavy-lift rocket “Proton-M“, carrying the “Electro-L“ No. 5 satellite, was to be launched on December 15 at 15:20 Moscow time. On December 12, it was sent to the Baikonur launch pad, and the next day Proton-M and the Electro-L satellite were transported to the launch site.
The Electro-L No. 5 spacecraft is a Russian hydrometeorological satellite designed for weather analysis and forecasting, climate monitoring, and emergency response. It was delivered to Baikonur in November.