The Russian rocket that exploded during lift-off on Tuesday morning has already cost the country's government more than $200 million — the estimated value of the three GLONASS satellites that the Proton-M was carrying. But the crash might also be accompanied by significant ecological tolls and human health problems due to the toxic nature of the outdated fuel combination the rocket relies on.
"These propellants are carcinogenic, toxic, and highly reactive," said Mike Gruntman, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California. "As the explosion occurred near the launch site, it would cause a major contamination of the area."
via The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/2/4487096/russian-rocket-explosion-proton-heptyl-contamination
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