Brazilian rocket explosion claims 21 lives
Posted: Sun, Aug 24, 2003, 11:16 AM ET (1516 GMT)
Friday's explosion of a Brazilian VLS-1 rocket, apparently triggered by a booster ignition, killed 21 people, officials said this weekend. The explosion Friday afternoon at the Alcantara launch complex took place as hundreds of technicians were working on the rocket, preparing it for a launch as early as August 25. The explosion destroyed the rocket and its payload of two small satellites; the conflagration was apparently so intense that coroners have had difficulty identifying the bodies of the victims. Investigators believe that one of four solid-propellant booster rockets ignited prematurely, but do not know what could have triggered the explosion. The Brazilian Space Agency plans to complete the investigation within 30 days. The Brazilian government declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the accident, and declared that the country would press ahead with its space program.
Friday's explosion of a Brazilian VLS-1 rocket, apparently triggered by a booster ignition, killed 21 people, officials said this weekend. The explosion Friday afternoon at the Alcantara launch complex took place as hundreds of technicians were working on the rocket, preparing it for a launch as early as August 25. The explosion destroyed the rocket and its payload of two small satellites; the conflagration was apparently so intense that coroners have had difficulty identifying the bodies of the victims. Investigators believe that one of four solid-propellant booster rockets ignited prematurely, but do not know what could have triggered the explosion. The Brazilian Space Agency plans to complete the investigation within 30 days. The Brazilian government declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the accident, and declared that the country would press ahead with its space program.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Monday, February 13
New European rocket Vega makes first flight
AFP — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) Satellites for Climate Checks Get Boost After Durban Talks
Bloomberg News — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) Vega shoots into space
Nature News — 6:39 am ET (1139 GMT) No future for Mars?
Voice of Russia — 6:39 am ET (1139 GMT) ESA’s new Vega launcher scores success on maiden flight
ESA — 6:37 am ET (1137 GMT) |