DHAKA: Russia put off the maiden launch of its first new space rocket design since Soviet times for a second day on Saturday.

RIA news agency said, a fresh blow to the country’s once-pioneering industry, reports The Straits Times.

The debut launch of the Angara rocket was first called off on Friday after the vehicle’s booster cut out during a final countdown watched by president Vladimir Putin via video link at the Kremlin.

Angara, built by the Khrunichev space centre, is a key test of Russia’s ability remake a troubled space industry which is struggling to recover from braindrain and years of budget curbs.

‘The rocket will be removed from the launchpad and transferred to a technical stand for comprehensive analysis,’ RIA quoted the Khrunichev centre as saying, adding the new launch time would only be decided after the checks.

BDST: 2008 HRS, JUNE 28, 2014