What Type of Faulty Part Was Supplied to the Rocket and Where Was It Manufactured?
Rocket Launch Failure Likely Caused by Faulty Part from Ukraine
Overview
On 9 July 2021, the European Space Agency’s Vega rocket carrying a payload of dozens of small satellites failed to reach orbit due to a problem with the launch vehicle. Investigations later revealed that the failure was likely caused by a faulty component in the rocket’s engine supplied by a Ukrainian company.
Faulty Part Identified
The investigation into the launch failure found that the combustion chamber of one of the rocket’s engines had failed. The analysis revealed that the root cause of the failure was a faulty component in the engine supplied by the Ukrainian firm, Yuzhnoye.
Implications of the Failure
The failure of the Vega rocket was a significant setback for the commercial small satellite industry. The launch had been highly anticipated, with dozens of small satellites on board, including commercial and scientific payloads.
Steps Taken
The European Space Agency has suspended future launches of Vega rockets until the root cause of the failure is fully understood and addressed. The agency has also initiated discussions with Yuzhnoye to improve quality control and strengthen the supply chain process.
Conclusion
The failure of Vega rocket’s launch due to a faulty component from Ukraine underscores the importance of rigorous quality control measures in the aerospace industry. This incident highlights the need for space agencies and private companies to be vigilant in ensuring the integrity and safety of their operations, especially when relying on suppliers from other countries.
