Kazakhstan has suggested cancelling launches from Russian Military Ashuluk Polygon

Published: 5/18/2000

Its seems that the Russian and Kazakhstan authorities are predestined to clash over rocket launches in and around the Central Asian republic after the incidents with Proton last year. Erlan Indrisov, Kazakhstan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, reported the crash of a Russian rocket-target Strizh-3 on 21st April, fortunately not fatal, and that an investigation team was working to establish the cause of the crash. Indrisov said that Kazakhstan had suggested that the Russians halt launches from Ashuluk Polygon until the investigation is completed and the two countries can act upon its recommendations. . According to reports, the Strizh-3 unexpectedly changed course, crashing and exploding 2 km from Primorie Village in the Atyray region of Kazakhstan without damage or casualties. The rocket was launched from the Ashuluk Military Polygon in Russia's Astrakhan region and it is not known why its self-destruct system did not destroy the rocket in mid-air when it veered off its course.

Article ID: 1788