Filed on July 11, 2019 | Last updated on July 11, 2019 at 07.45 am

Falcon Eye 1 satellite has been lost in space, causing the mission to end prematurely.

UAE's military and civilian satellite, Falcon Eye 1, has been lost in space after the launcher carrying it to orbit experienced a technical glitch a few minutes into the liftoff.

However, the country is already preparing to launch Falcon Eye 2 despite the failed mission.

The UAE Space Agency was using the launch services of a commercial space launch firm called Arianespace and its European rocket Vega. At 5.53am on Thursday (UAE time), the rocket blasted off from the Guiana Space Centre but it went off trajectory after just two minutes. The mission controller then said they had lost communication with Vega. The reason of the failure is still unclear.

The CEO of Arianespace, Stephane Israel, tweeted: "A launcher anomaly occurred during Flight #VV15 shortly after ignition of the Zefiro 23 second stage, leading to premature end of the mission. Data analyses are in progress to clarify reasons for this failure. An independent enquiry commission will be set up in the coming hours."

A launcher anomaly occurred during Flight #VV15 shortly after ignition of the Zefiro 23 second stage, leading to premature end of the mission. Data analyses are in progress to clarify reasons for this failure. An independent inquiry commission will be set up in the coming hours. - Stéphane Israël (@arianespaceceo) July 11, 2019

It took four years to build the Falcon Eye 1. It was developed for the UAE Armed forces and was built by Airbus Defence and Thales Alenia. The launch of the military satellite was postponed twice due to bad weather conditions, with the initial date being on July 6 and then on July 8.

The launch was being live-streamed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the ground control staff could be heard saying that they "lost telemetry", which is the communication link between the launcher and ground control.

At 6.10 minutes into the launch, the ground mission controller said: "We've been informed that we've lost telemetry. A slight telemetry lost. Flight director has informed us we've lost the link for telemetry."

At 9.09 minutes, an Arianespace spokesperson said: "Ladies and gentlemen, as you have seen after two minutes of the launch, a major anomaly occurred, resulting in the loss of the mission. On behalf of Arianespace, I wish to express our deepest apologies to our customers for the loss of their payload and tell them how sorry I am. In the coming hours, we will get more information."

The normal launch sequence would've enabled Falcon Eye 1 to be released into the desired orbit within 57 minutes into liftoff.

This was Vega's 15th flight and its first failure. Now, Falcon Eye 2, which is part of the overall Falcon Eye satellite system, will be launched. The date of the launch is yet to be announced.

sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

How much did the mission failure cost the UAE?



Building a satellite, especially one that has dual uses for military and civilian, costs millions of dollars, according to space experts. But, to use the services of commercial space launch firms also comes with a hefty price tag.

Vega had its inaugural flight in 2012 and it was reported back then by international media that it was charging nearly $42million (Dh154m) per launch. However, it is unclear whether Falcon Eye 1 had a satellite insurance, which has become increasingly common for governments and private entities to get.



Arianespace announces independent probe

In a statement, launch firm of Falcon Eye, Arianespace announced a probe into the failure of the launcher. "The European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace immediately decided to appoint an independent inquiry commission. This commission is tasked with analysing the reasons for the failure and defining the measures needed to ensure the resumption of Vega flights while fulfilling all requisite safety and security conditions. The inquiry commission is co-chaired by the Inspector-General of ESA and the senior vice-president, Technical and Quality of Arianespace," the statement said.

Timeline of events

- Liftoff of Falcon Eye 1 took place on time at 5.53AM (UAE time) from the Guiana Space Centre.

- Within 2.35 minutes into the launch, the rocket can be seen going off its targeted flight path.

- 6.10 minutes into the launch, ground control says they have lost communication with the rocket.

- At 9.09 minutes, an Arianespace spokesperson confirmed it is a failed mission and that the rocket, including Falcon Eye 1, has been lost in space.

- Had things gone normally, Vega would've delivered Falcon Eye to its desired orbit within 57 minutes into liftoff.