THE LAUNCH OF THE Asiasat 2 communications satellite aboard a Chinese Long March 2E has been delayed until later this year following the release of the findings of the accident to a 2E on 26 January.
The destruction of the launcher and its Hughes-built ApStar 2 satellite at T+51s was caused by wind-shear peculiar to the winter conditions at the mountainside launch site at Xichang (Flight International, 2-8 August).
The report says that the conditions either caused structural damage to the payload fairing or created resonance from the unique Hughes interface between the satellite and upper stage, resulting in local structural damage. The explanation is regarded as unsatisfactory by the insurance community.
China Great Wall Industry is further strengthening the fairing and, with Asiasat builder Lockheed Martin, will ensure that the interface dynamics between the satellite and launcher are well within the design criteria.
The Asiasat 2 has a standard design of interface.
Source: Flight International
