Express-AM11 Spacecraft Failure

(19 April 2006) On March 29, 2006 at 3:41 a.m. (Moscow time) due to a sudden external impact the Express-AM11 satellite (96.5 East) experienced failure.

According to preliminary findings of NPO-PM satellite manufacturer the telemetry information showed, that failure had been caused by a sudden external impact on the spacecraft resulting in an instantaneous depressurisation of the thermal control system fluid circuit followed by a sudden outburst of the heat-carrying agent. Due to the external impact and outburst of the heat-carrying agent from the thermal control system a significant disturbing moment was generated followed by the spacecraft orientation loss and rotation. At present, provision of services via the Express-AM11 satellite is impossible and a decision to terminate its operation was taken.

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It should be noted that the US has restarted their anti-satellite program. One tactic used to disrupt foreign satellites is to ram a "micro-satellite" into the target satellite, disabling it. The Russian Express-AM11 was launched April 26, 2004. Since then the US has launched a few that could be responsible for the AM11.

12/21/04: Heavy Lift Vehicle Operational Launch Service Demonstration Payload [HLVOLSDP], test by USAF, NRO A5, also included here are the National Recon Office's TR01, TR05

March 2006: Defense Support Program [DSP] 23, classified by USAF

This may just be conspiracy theory, but the Bush administration wants to weaponize space, and should be darn close to testing...

Army Spac