Russia delayed the launch of its newest space rocket for the second time, pushing back the send off to Saturday.
The debut launch was supposed to happen Friday, but was canceled during its final countdown due to undisclosed problems.
The Russian rocket, called Angara, was built and designed in the Khrunichev space center for nearly two decades. It was expected to be Russia's centerpiece in renewing its status as a pioneer in the space industry. The test launch on Friday was seen by Russian president Vladimir Putin via video feed. He immediately ordered a full report explaining the reason the launch was postponed.
"The rocket will be removed from the launchpad and transferred to a technical stand for comprehensive analysis," RIA quoted the Khrunichev Center. The report also explained that the new schedule for the launch would be announced after all the tests and checks were done.
The development of Angara was seen as Russia's first move of independence following the fall of the Soviet Union. The success of this project would enable Russia to release its dependency on Kazakhstan, where the former country leases a launchpad. Angara would also be the first rocket built and launched after 1991.
Experts believe Russia's rush to launch its own spacecraft stemmed from hostile relations with the Ukraine after claiming Crimea. A separatist rebellion was brewing at Ukraine's eastern part, and Russia reportedly had to assert its power.
"This is the first launch vehicle that has been developed and built from scratch in Russia," Igor Lissov, an expert with trade journal Novosti Kosmonovatiki said, quoted by Reuters. "Everything else we have is a modernisation of our Soviet legacy."
