Rocket Explosion Kills Russian Soldier

A Russian soldier was killed on Tuesday by raining debris when a Soyuz-U rocket exploded 29 seconds after launch from the Plesetsk launch facility – eight other soldiers were also injured in the accident. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it’s unusual considering the reliability of the Soyuz vehicle. This launch failure could push back a schedule taxi mission on October 27 if the agency decides to inspect all Soyuz spacecraft.

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast with Dr. Pamela Gay.

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