The Surrey Satellite-built FA SatAlpha failed to separate from its mother satellite, Ukraine's Sich 1, after a delayed launch aboard a Tsyklon booster from Plesetsk on 31 August. The small satellite, built for the Chilean air force, received signals from the ground, but could not respond to them. There was an apparent failure in the Sich's deployment mechanism (Flight International, 26 July-1 August). As Chile considers its options, talks have started for SSTL to provide a replacement spacecraft, FAS at B Vravo, for launch in six to nine months.
Source: Flight International