Russia Removes US, UK, Japan Flags From Rocket Carrying OneWeb Satellites

The head of Russian space agency Roscomos shared a video showing workers covering up the flags of countries participating in a space program from a rocket scheduled to launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Roscomos chief Dimitry Rogozin shared the nearly 2-minute long clip showing workers at the launch pad covering up the flags of Japan, U.S. and the U.K. on the rocket. The Russian Soyuz rocket carrying 36 OneWeb satellites is scheduled to launch Friday.

“The launchers at Baikonur decided that without the flags of some countries, our rocket would look more beautiful,” said the translation of the tweet shared by Rogozin, according to OpIndia.

Several countries collaborated for the OneWeb project, which aims to launch a total of 648 satellites into orbit. The constellation of satellites is part of London-based company OneWeb’s plan to provide global internet coverage from space.

Of the total number of satellites, 428 have already been launched into space with Soyuz rockets, and the next batch of 36 OneWeb internet satellites is scheduled to launch from Baikonur. However, Roscosmos said in a statement Wednesday that the rocket will be removed from the launchpad unless OneWeb agrees to their demands.

The launch will only take place if the U.K. government sells its stake in the company and if OneWeb guarantees that these satellites will not be used for military purposes, the statement said, according to CNBC.

U.K. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said the U.K. government will not be selling its shares.

Rogozin responded to this by saying OneWeb will not be able to complete their project without Roscosmos’ help. He also said he was giving the U.K. two days to think about their decision.

OneWeb’s chief of government, regulatory and engagement Chris McLaughlin told CNBC: “We’ve not been complacent – we’ve been looking after, as a priority, the safety and security of our people and of our compliance with ITAR [International Traffic in Arms Regulations].”

In Rogozin’s interview with Russia 24 TV channel, he said Roscosmos contacted OneWeb and its partner Arianespace for “comprehensive legally binding guarantees” that met their demands, according to the BBC.

The launch is currently scheduled at 22:41 GMT, which is 5:51 p.m. in Washington, DC.

"If by 21:30 on March 4 we do not receive confirmation, the rocket will be removed from the launch pad and the satellites will be sent to the assembly and test building," Rogozin added in the interview.