The launch of a Vega rocket with a military satellite in the United Arab Emirates ended in an accident.
The launch of the Vega launch vehicle with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) military satellite Falcon Eye 1 ended in an accident. This was announced by the vice president of Arianespace Luce Fabreghett, the broadcast of the launch was carried out on the company's website.
The rocket launched from the Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana. Malfunctions began about two minutes after the start. According to Fabregett, a “serious anomaly” led to the loss of the mission. Before that, the company reported that the rocket deviated significantly from the flight path
Fabregett promised that Arianespace specialists will investigate the causes of failure in the coming hours. After that, the company will publish an official report on the incident. She also apologized to the UAE for the loss of the satellite.
The launch of the rocket was repeatedly postponed. Initially, it was planned on the night of July 5-6, then it was moved a day later due to strong high-altitude winds above the spaceport site. Later, the start was postponed to July 11.
Video announcement:
