By Reuters
Published: 12:41 GMT, 18 January 2019 | Updated: 17:33 GMT, 18 January 2019
3
View
comments
Scientists have discovered a defect in the engines of Russia's new flagship heavy lift space rocket that could destroy it in flight, an apparent setback to a project President Vladimir Putin has said is vital for national security.
The Angara A5, which was test-launched in 2014, is being developed to replace the Proton M as Russia's heavy lift rocket, capable of carrying payloads bigger than 20 tonnes into orbit.
A launch pad for the new rocket is due to open in 2021.
In July, Putin said the Angara A5 had 'huge significance' for the country's defence and called on space agency Roscosmos to work more actively on it and to meet all its deadlines.
The Angara A5 being test-launched in 2014. In July, Putin said the Angara A5 had 'huge significance' for the country's defence and called on space agency Roscosmos to work more actively on it and to meet all its deadlines.
The Angara A5,