Fragment of Soyuz-2.1b rocket fell in Yakutia: specialists are checking the radiation background

A fragment of the separating part of the Soyuz-2.1b rocket was discovered in the Vilyui region of Yakutia, the Republic's Rescue Service reported. The fall was recorded by rescuers together with representatives of Roscosmos in the Yugyuletsky settlement of the Vilyui ulus on December 28 at 22:31 Yakutsk time.

Specialists and scientists from Moscow, Khabarovsk and Yakutsk are already working at the scene. They are conducting radiation measurements and analyzing the composition of the debris to determine the level of possible environmental pollution and the degree of safety of the territory.

Later, the rescue service reported that one separating fragment of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was found in the Vilyui region in a sparse forest. The fragment was found during work to collect snow samples for radiation measurement.

The search for other separating parts and the evacuation of fragments of the carrier rocket will be continued in the spring, at a more favorable time for work.

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket was launched from the Amur Cosmodrome Vostochny on Sunday. Its mission was successful — the carrier put the Fregat upper stage into orbit, which delivered 52 satellites for various purposes. The fall of the fragment occurred in the calculated stage separation zone, which is a standard procedure for launches of this class.

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