The MEASAT 3a satellite was damaged after the craft was attached to the Block DM-SLB upper stage of the Zenit rocket, according to officials with Sea Launch Co., a parent company of the launch provider, the report added.
It is believed that an overhead crane operated by a technician impacted the 5,181lb satellite, which was already fueled with toxic propellant for its maneuvering thrusters, officials said.
It appears that the accident occurred while moving ground support equipment in Area 31 at Baikonur before the craft was encapsulated inside the rocket’s payload fairing.
