Cyclone-3 rocket carrying 6 Russian communications satellites fai...

Cyclone-3 rocket carrying 6 Russian communications satellites failed after launch Thurs., resulting in loss of all 6 spacecraft. Spokesman for Strategic Missile Forces said first and 2nd stages of rocket functioned normally, but 3rd failed. Launch failure from Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russian Arctic is 2nd in 2 months for agency, as EarthWatch lost satellite in Nov. 21 launch on Cosmos-3 from Plesetsk (CD Nov. 24 p4). Satellites burned up after re- entry into atmosphere, scattering debris into Arctic Ocean, but officials said debris caused no damage. Russian Aerospace Agency suspended launches on Cyclone-3 rockets until agency can determine cause of failed launch, agency spokesman said. Similar failure nearly cost agency 6 Strela military satellites 2 years ago, but agency saved them.