Sea Launch believes there is "strong evidence" suggesting that the failure of its third launch vehicle, resulting in the loss of the first ICO Global Communications satellite on 12 March, was due to a ground software logic error.
The error seems to have resulted in the failure to command a valve to close in the second stage pneumatic system, which performs several functions, including operation and actuation for engine steering.
Data indicate that the system lost 60% of its pressure, leading to a significant deviation in attitude, triggering the automatic flight termination system at T+8min near the end of the second-stage burn. Sea Launch, the Boeing-led US, Russian, Ukrainian and Norwegian consortium, says the investigation into the failure will be completed in mid-May.
Source: Flight International
