The launch of two pairs of Cluster science satellites aboard Starsem-operated Soyuz Fregat boosters from Baikonur are set for 12 July and 9 August after the replacement of thruster seals on the spacecraft, says the European Space Agency (ESA).
The launches were delayed from their original June and July dates when it was discovered that some of the four satellites' 10N thrust attitude control thrusters produced by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Dornier Satellitensysteme had faulty soft polymer seals.
The 12 July date for the first launch could be in doubt, as it coincides with the Baikonur launch of a Proton booster carrying the Russian Zvezda service module for the International Space Station.
Source: Flight International
