Automatics failure - most probable reason for Soyuz TMA-1 ballistic descent

The most probable reason for the Soyuz TMA-1 spaceship's descent along a ballistic descent path on May 4 is a failure in the craft's automatic equipment, a RIA Novosti correspondent cites the S.P.Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

But it is only a preliminary conclusion of the fact-finding technical commission, it added. The commission is actually engaged in understanding why the craft was moving along a steep, ballistic path.

"The return of Soyuz TMA-1 to the earth in the ballistic-descent regime is normal. It only differs by a two-fold G-load on the aerodynamic-braking path in the upper atmosphere and Soyuz crews are always prepared to react to it", the Energia Corp. said.

"The commission has to locate the failure, specify its origin and issue recommendations to prevent repetition during later Soyuz TMA flights. Now another Soyuz is docked to the International Space Station. It will carry to the earth the 7th live-in expedition in October", Energia said.