Launch delayed of Russian-Ukrainian rocket with US satellite

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

MOSCOW (AFP) — The launch of a privately funded US space module, Genesis II, has been delayed by a month for testing, the second such delay for it, its American makers said Monday.

Genesis II was scheduled for launch in Russia by a civilian Dnepr rocket, based on a modified intercontinental ballistic missile. But a Dnepr launch vehicle crashed shortly after lift-off last year.

The Nevada company Bigelow Aerospace, which constructed Genesis II, said on its website: "The Russian authorities have requested additional tests on the Dnepr rocket and its ground equipment."

The tests were because of "the failure by Dnepr last year."

"The launch will take place towards the end of June near Yasny in Orenburg region (in the Urals)," said a spokesman for the...