The basic version of the collapse of the “Proton-M” in 2013 – violation of safety rules – RBC

Incorrect use of angular rate sensors – the cause of the accident “Proton” in 2013. Investigation Committee today announced the official cause of the accident, which seems to be the beginning of the series of failures in the Russian space industry. Investigative Committee spokesman Markin stressed that the investigation is complete, and the circle of the defendants – exhaustive. This ordinary employees Khrunichev Center – electrician, master and controller.
With us on the direct connection from St. Petersburg, from the studio in the hotel “Kempinski Moika 22″ corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics Tsiolkovsky Valery Kupriyanov.

Vladimir Markin OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation

« According to investigators, Grishin defendants, Nikolayev, Gudkov in 2011 engaged in the installation of “Proton-M” angular rate sensors to yaw channel. As a result of violations of the technological discipline, these sensors have been installed incorrectly – rotated by 180 degrees from full-time position. When starting in 2013. This led to a distortion of the control system and the collapse of the carrier rocket. I would like to emphasize criminal prosecution of these individuals due to the fact that their actions are a direct causal connection of consequences ».

Employees accused of a violation of safety regulations during mining, construction or other work – in this case the other, and now all three faces imprisonment of up to three years or a fine up to 80 thousand rubles. In addition, allegations of malpractice presented the chief of one of the military offices Ministry of Defence. Markin said that if the problem look deeper, the cause of the accident I quote – “In the fall of prestige of working professions and shortage of highly qualified personnel. End quote.

Carrier rocket “Proton-M” with the navigation GLONASS satellites on board was launched from Baikonur in July 13th, the launch broadcast Live, however, immediately after the start of “something went wrong” – so described abnormality leading live broadcast. Proton changed the trajectory, exploded and crashed 32 seconds of flight. There were no casualties or damage. The damage from the crash was more than 5 billion rubles. Add more May 5 the Defense Ministry filed a lawsuit to recover from the Khrunichev Center almost two billion rubles. At present, a preliminary hearing is scheduled.

In May 2014 there was another accident with “Proton” and the next occurred exactly one year later – at least two weeks ago rocket with Mexican satellite on board was burned in the atmosphere. In connection with the latter failed launches of other Russian telecommunications apparatus postponed for two or three months – said today the head of the Ministry of Communications Nikiforov. And to compensate for the damage caused by changes in the timing, he said, should the Federal Space Agency.