A modified RS-20 intercontinental ballistic missile carrying the first two Saudi Arabian research satellites, as well as one Malaysian and two Italian satellites, is to be launched into space from the Baikonur cosmodrome on Sept. 26, sources in Baikonur's Federal Space Center told Interfax on Monday.
Earlier, the RS-20's launch had been set for August 25, but was cancelled following its automatic shutdown during pre-launch preparations. One of the sensors showed pressure problems in the fuel tank of the carrier-rocket's first stage.
The Federal Space Center said that the malfunctioning rocket had been sent to the Russian manufacturer. Taking into account "the rocket's age and combat-duty period, it will be scrapped," experts said.
A new RS-20 rocket will be joined with the head on Tuesday, the Federal Space Center said.
The same source said that it is important for Russia to launch the rocket before the end of September, as otherwise Russia will have to pay large penalties to its foreign partners.
