Russia determines cause of failed satellite launch

 　　MOSCOW, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia's space agency said Tuesday that a Proton-M rocket launch failed earlier this month because of a malfunction¹ in the upper stage.

　　The conclusion was reached by an independent investigation² commission following a series of checks, Roscosmos said in a report that was posted on its website.

　　"The commission reported that the time span reserved for the gyrostabilized platform's turn was miscalculated and narrowed, which caused the Briz-M upper stage's disorientation and the satellite's journey to a wrong orbit," the agency said.

　　Other systems in the upper stage performed well, the agency said, adding it has lifted a ban on launches of the Proton-M carrier rockets equipped with the Briz-M upper stage.

　　Local media reported the Briz-M, manufactured by the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, has had five failures over its 12-year history of operation.

　　On Aug. 18, a Proton-M carrier rocket failed to deliver a communications satellite into orbit. After the failure, Russia suspended launches of Proton-M rockets pending³ the outcome of an investigation into the failure.

1 malfunction   

vi.发生功能故障，发生故障，显示机能失常

参考例句：

• There must have been a computer malfunction.一定是出了电脑故障。
• Results have been delayed owing to a malfunction in the computer.由于电脑发生故障，计算结果推迟了。

2 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。

3 pending   

prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的

参考例句：

• The lawsuit is still pending in the state court.这案子仍在州法庭等待定夺。
• He knew my examination was pending.他知道我就要考试了。