Krunichev endeavours to limit the most recent damage to Proton with visit to Indonesia

Published: 11/18/1999

The Khrunichev Aerospace Centre is conducting a damage limitation exercise in the wake of the latest Proton crash (www.concise.org. 1st November 1999). Ahead of the results of the current investigation into to the causes of the October crash, a team from Khrunichev went to Jakarta, together with representatives from ILS, which promotes the Centre"s services in the international market, in order to salvage its contract with Asia Cellular Satellite International. AceS intended to launch the Garuda-1 heavy communications satellite from Baikonur on 16th November. The satellite is currently at Baikonur and is first in line for launch. A report in Kommersant suggests that Indonesia has agreed to continue its contract, subject to the findings of the team investigating the crash being evaluated and confirmed by a specially created independent commission. AceS" support of the Khrunichev Centre may reassure other foreign clients waiting in line for the launch of their satellites not to switch to using Zenit-35/L booster rockets launched from the Sea Launch platform or from Western European Ariadne rockets. It is estimated that 70% of Khrunichev"s income is derived from foreign business.

Article ID: 1098