21 Confirmed Dead in Brazilian Space Rocket Explosion

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, August 23, 2003

21 Confirmed Dead in Brazilian Space Rocket Explosion

At least 21 people were killed and about 20 others injured in the Brazilian rocket explosion, the Brazilian military said on Saturday. The 2.2-million-US-dollar VLS-3 rocket exploded Friday when it was undergoing pre-launch tests in the Brazilian state of Maranhao.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

At least 21 people were killed and about 20 others injured in the Brazilian rocket explosion, the Brazilian military said on Saturday.

Initial information showed that at least 16 people were killed in the rocket explosion.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Ricardo Olanda said "We have recovered more bodies and now know of 21 dead. We don't expect number of dead will increase further."

The 2.2-million-US-dollar VLS-3 rocket, which exploded Friday when it was undergoing pre-launch tests in the Brazilian state of Maranhao, was due to take two satellites into space next Monday from the Alcantara Space Center in the northeastern state.

The rocket exploded probably due to "a failure in the ignition process" at around 1:30 p.m. local time (1630 GMT), Defense Minister Jose Viegas told reporters on Friday.

The blast at the remote base in northeastern Brazil killed mostly civilian technicians and destroyed two research satellites, Viegas said. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, he added.

"The launch pad collapsed and the technicians were working there, so everything indicates they died," Viegas said. "There is no hope that there are survivors."

The VLS rocket was the third prototype in a series. The 50-ton,19-meter vehicle was one of the most simple of its type, with an orbital range of 1,000 km and could carry up to 40 tons of fuel.

This was Brazil's third attempt to send a satellite into space using its own rocket.

A rocket launched in November 1997 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean after experiencing engine problems soon after the lift-off.

In December 1999, another Brazilian rocket developed problems and failed three minutes after the lift-off. Officials destroyed the rocket by remote control.

Brazil, expecting to become the ninth country in the world to send a satellite into orbit with its own rocket, has operated a scientific space program since the early 1970s and sent its first satellite into space in 1993 on board a US Pegasus rocket. The country's space program centers on gravity research, meteorology, telecommunications and environmental research.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Brazilian Satellite Launch Rocket Explodes, Killing 16

US Conducts Land-based Missile Test ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Personages Appeal to Japan to Face up to History ( 2 Messages)

Disgraced Official Highlights Chinks in System ( 3 Messages)

Beijing's Economy Forecast to Grow 9-10 Percent in 2003 ( 2 Messages)

China Puts New Anti-AIDS Drug in Clinical Use ( 2 Messages)