Mumbai: Russia’s most advanced satellite, Express-AM4R, was to be delivered into orbit when the Proton-M rocket carrying the payload blew-up nine minutes after its launch, just a few minutes before it was to enter space.
As reported by RT, the Proton-M rocket that took-off outside the Kazakhstan’s territory on Friday was carrying Russia’s most advanced satellite. The advanced Express-AM4R satellite was designed to provide TV and broadband services.
The rocket disintegrated in the atmosphere itself, after abnormalities within 10 minutes of the launch, have been believed to cause no damage on the ground.
A total of $225 billion was insured on the rocket, satellite and any third-party damages caused by the launch.
The Proton-M rocket was launched on schedule from Baikonur on Friday and ironically, the satellite payload it was carrying was of the same design as the Express-AM4, which apparently also failed to launch in August 2011.
