The partial launch failure of a Ukrainian Tsiklon 3 was caused by the rocket's upper stage engine, which shut down almost a minute too early during its second and final burn, according to Kommersant newspaper.

The payloads were released into a 280 km x 645 km orbit instead of the planned 650-km circular orbit.

According to the report, Sich 1M will be able to reach its operational orbit using on-board propulsion. This will however consume so much fuel that the spacecraft's operational life will be slashed from three years to one year.

KS5MF2 has no on-board engine and will burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.

• Tsiklon 3 (2000-12-27)
• Tsiklon 3 (1998-06-15)

Launch Failures Chronology