Tsiklon 3
Launch vehicle Tsiklon 3
Launch site Plesetsk, Russia
Date/Time 1998-06-15
Description Third stage partial failure
Cause Ground control error (?)
Payload 3 x Strela [Kosmos] (Communications satellites, Russian military)
3 x Gonets D1 (Communications satellites, Russian Aerospace Agency)
Desired orbit Low Earth orbit

 
The six satellites ended up in a lower than expected orbit but still could be used as planned.

Officials said an incorrect command was sent to the rocket's third stage.

Launch Failures Chronology