Science & Tech · Space · 13 hrs ago
Ukraine strikes Russian rocket plant as space becomes more important to war
Ukraine struck a rocket plant in Samara, Russia, on 15 August, damaging buildings at the Progress Rocket and Space Centre.
The plant makes Soyuz-2 rockets, including rockets used to launch Russia’s Rassvet satellites.
Russia is rapidly deploying Rassvet as an alternative to Starlink, which it was shut out of earlier this year.
Ukraine is trying to reduce its reliance on US and Starlink access and is developing its own space capabilities.
Last month, Ukraine and Denmark’s GomSpace announced the launch of Obria Nano, a first test satellite for a planned Ukrainian communications network of about 245 satellites.
The war is extending into space, where satellites support communications and military systems, and Russia has used Oreshnik missiles that travel into near space.
Ukraine has tested near-space interceptions, while experts warn that rules governing military activity in space are outdated and difficult to enforce.
Ukraine struck the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, a Russian manufacturer of Soyuz-2 rockets, with two Flamingo missiles on 15 August.
The attack damaged two buildings, including a clean room where motherboards for Soyuz launch systems were assembled.
The plant makes rockets used to deliver Russia’s Rassvet satellite system, which is being deployed as a replacement for Starlink.
The strikes highlight how access to space and satellite systems has become more important to the war.
Ukraine is also seeking to develop its own satellite network and space countermeasures.
- Who
- Ukraine carried out the attack. The target was the Progress Rocket and Space Centre.
- What
- Two Flamingo missiles struck two buildings at the rocket and space centre.
- When
- In the early hours of 15 August; the article does not state the year.
- Where
- Samara, Russia, on the Volga River.
- Why
- The sources say the attack hit rockets that deliver Russia’s Rassvet satellite system. They do not state Ukraine’s specific reason for choosing the target.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Two Flamingo missiles struck buildings at the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara.
US air force secretary Troy Meink said Washington had deployed on-orbit space control weapons.
Russian satellite Kosmos 2612 was observed manoeuvring towards a Finnish commercial radar satellite used by the Ukrainian military.
Ukraine and Denmark’s GomSpace announced the successful launch of the Obria Nano test satellite.
- Target
- Progress Rocket and Space Centre
- Location
- Samara, Russia
- Weapons used
- Two Flamingo missiles
- Facility hit
- Building 106A, a clean room for assembling Soyuz launch-system motherboards
- Satellite system
- Russia’s Rassvet
- Ukrainian test satellite
- Obria Nano
What people are saying
on-orbit space control weapons