Did Energia transfer MLM to Baikonur yet?
Also unofficially the launch has slipped to April 2014 at the earliest.
And to follow-up on my previous post: I've just been informed by one of my sources that the recent Proton failure is now 'very likely' to add additional delay to the launch of MLM.I'll try to get this confirmed thru at least one other source.
Quote from: woods170 on 07/30/2013 05:55 pmAnd to follow-up on my previous post: I've just been informed by one of my sources that the recent Proton failure is now 'very likely' to add additional delay to the launch of MLM.I'll try to get this confirmed thru at least one other source.you mean delay past April 2014?
Yes. One of the contractors received indications, from Russia, of such an additional delay (past April 2014) this week. And since it is only Tuesday...
Quote from: woods170 on 07/30/2013 07:00 pmYes. One of the contractors received indications, from Russia, of such an additional delay (past April 2014) this week. And since it is only Tuesday... If that's true, it will definetly delay Node module. Even current schedule (MLM in April, Node in the end of June) seems too agressive to me.
The latest rumor on the NK Forum, member Sashka_1959 write:"Said that there is a problem, "flows" charging valve. It is necessary to cut out and replaced. Will "train" at KS (Complex mockup)."
The Russians originally planned to launch the MLM aboard a Proton rocket at the end of the year, but officials say the flight is expected to slip several months into the spring of 2014.
As per Novosti kosmonavtiki forum, MLM launch is planned at the end of September 2014.
What on (or off) Earth is the reason for the delay this time? This is getting ridiculous.
From what was said on NK forum, testing has uncovered some serious issues with fuel transfer system. There has been a meeting with all subcontractors involved, but not sure what the decision is. I'd speculate that they will need to do a major repair, but before doing it on a flight model, they'll do a rehearsal on a static mockup.
Quote from: asmi on 08/19/2013 08:14 pmFrom what was said on NK forum, testing has uncovered some serious issues with fuel transfer system. There has been a meeting with all subcontractors involved, but not sure what the decision is. I'd speculate that they will need to do a major repair, but before doing it on a flight model, they'll do a rehearsal on a static mockup.Which begs the question, how was MLM able to get all the way through Khrunichev without it being noticed?
Quote from: anik on 08/19/2013 06:48 pmAs per Novosti kosmonavtiki forum, MLM launch is planned at the end of September 2014.What on (or off) Earth is the reason for the delay this time? This is getting ridiculous.
Better to catch it on the ground. I wish they had, on Fobos-Grunt.