[Satellite Today – 4-24-08] Khrunichev Space Center and International Launch Services (ILS) are beginning a broad-based quality initiative for Khrunichev and its subcontractors, the two organizations announced April 24.
    Key elements of the initiative include appointing a deputy director general responsible for quality control and management, incorporating new subsidiaries into a unified Khrunichev quality management system, recertifying the quality management system to the latest international standards using an independent auditor, implementing yearly audits and recertifications, and re-evaluating all factors to improve the launch vehicle design quality.
    Khrunichev manufactures Russia’s Proton rocket, and ILS market the vehicles for commercial use. Two ILS Proton missions have suffered failures since September, the latest in March, when an upper stage problem left SES Americom’s AMC-14 satellite short of its intended orbit.
    “This is a broad-based initiative and not just focused on the specific issues related to the AMC-14 Proton Breeze M failure,” Vladimir Nesterov, Khrunichev general director, said in a statement. “This will reinforce our dedication to quality across the board, ensure we improve our performance and enhance our position as a leading space company.”