By the end of this year, the launch of Ukrainian communications satellite “Lybid-1” fails.In view of economic problems and underfunding, the space launch of the telecommunications satellite “Lybid-1” is postponed again without date. This year the project financing commitments was not fulfilled by the Canadian contractor.
According to the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU), the scheduled launch of the telecommunications satellite “Lybid-1” can not be carried out before the end of this year. It was a long-delayed project since 2011. The Head of SSAU Lyubomyr Sabadosh told the media that the scheduled launch would be impossible within the available Launch Window, as the Canadian contractor (space equipment manufacturer MDA) had failed to meet relevant technical requirements. The Ukrainian Party itself fulfills its assigned engagements fully and timely.
The Head of SSAU stresses that the difficulties are under discussion with the MDA, and in the near future all the problems are expected to be finally resolved. The start and placement of the satellite “Lybid-1” into orbit were required as a part of running the Ukrainian National Satellite Telecommunications System . Seven years ago, SSAU signed a contract with the Canadian manufacturer MDA, which undertook to carry out a full cycle of designing and prelaunch servicing that communications satellite, and simultaneously assisting in building relevant infrastructure in Ukraine.
Initially, the launch was scheduled 5 years ago, but due to financial and technical problems it was postponed many times. Today, the satellite “Lybid-1” is located in Russia and is stored there. The volume of financial investment in this program from the national budget amounts to some UAH 38.4 million.
