Cannes, June 5, 2014 – Thales Alenia Space announced today that it will construct a powerful telecommunications condominium satellite, Inmarsat S – Europasat / Hellas-Sat 3, for Inmarsat and Hellas-Sat. The satellite will provide Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS).The MSS payload is designed to deliver an S-band service across all 28 member states of the European Union; the FSS/BSS coverage zones are Europe, Middle East and Southern Africa. The Inmarsat S – Europasat payload will offer enhanced mobile services across Europe through a hybrid network, which combines S-Band satellite services with a Complementary Ground Component (CGC) infrastructure. Inmarsat S – Europasat will serve the aviation passenger connectivity services, as well as the safety services for Public Protection & Disaster Relief (PPDR) all over Europe. The Hellas-Sat 3 payload will deliver DTH and Telecom services in its designated coverage areas, maintaining and expanding Hellas-Sat business reach with additional capacities....Built on the Spacebus 4000 C4 platform from Thales Alenia Space, Inmarsat S – Europasat / Hellas-Sat 3 will deliver a multi-beam mission in S-band and Ka-band for Inmarsat as well as a powerful Ku/Ka-Band mission of 44 Ku and 1 Ka transponders for Hellas-Sat. The satellite will weigh about 5.9 tonnes at launch and will offer payload power of about 12.3 kW. Inmarsat S – Europasat / Hellas-Sat 3 will be positioned at 39° East....
21 July 2016: Inmarsat, the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, announced today that construction and associated sub-system tests of the satellite for its market-changing European Aviation Network (EAN) in-flight connectivity solution has been completed on schedule by Thales Alenia Space.The key milestone was achieved on schedule following an extensive two-year build process in Toulouse and Cannes, France. The completed S-band payload module was shipped in early July to Thales Alenia Space’s testing center in Cannes, where satellite integration (‘mating’) was also successfully completed. The satellite is now undergoing rigorous system end-to-end testing before it is declared ready for flight in 2017....Over the coming months, Inmarsat’s new S-band satellite will be put in a thermal vacuum chamber with no pressure to simulate the space environment and cycled through extreme high and low temperatures to ensure it operates nominally. Mechanical and acoustic testing will then replicate the launch environment, followed by final phase testing to compare any shifts or variations in measurements against the initial base line. Once these tests are complete, the satellite will be prepared for launch by SpaceX at Cape Canaveral in Florida, scheduled to take place in 2017....
So the satellite is of such size that it can be launched with Falcon Heavy while reusing all cores, or can also be launched with F9 on fully expendable mode?
We have been talking to SpaceX about different options,” Inmarsat spokesman Christopher McLaughlin said. “It’s never easy to fix a launch date far in advance but as of now it appears that we can get a Falcon Heavy launch in the first quarter of 2017, or a Falcon 9 launch in the second quarter.”
This was pretty much expected, SX is behind schedule as far as their manifest is concerned. QuoteWe have been talking to SpaceX about different options,” Inmarsat spokesman Christopher McLaughlin said. “It’s never easy to fix a launch date far in advance but as of now it appears that we can get a Falcon Heavy launch in the first quarter of 2017, or a Falcon 9 launch in the second quarter.” This one is interesting. One of the main reasons this payload was booked on FH in the first place is that it was too heavy for DPL with F9. The fact that SX is quoting a F9 FT option for Q2 2017 might mean one of the three following things. 1. F9 FT in Q2 2017 will be able to cover this mass and still perform DPL.2. SpaceX is offering a SES-9 style campaign, with a very small possibility for successful landing to offset the delay.3. SpaceX is offering an expendable F9 launch with max performance to offset the delay.
FH being delayed till sometime in 2017 and this being Q2 of 17 is tight planning. Also, if the client won't accept a reused vehicle SpaceX would have to build a fresh FH. That's a lot of metal to bend and Merlin's to build.Throw it uphill with an expendable F9 FT+. It would be good nostalgia to see an expendable launch.
This is an interesting 'feature' of the new FT version, being able to cover for FH on payloads between 5500 and 8300kg. Earlier it was mentioned that the FH would be cheaper in fully reusable mode than expendable F9, but good to have a back-up capability so payloads like EuropaSat are not lost to others. The pair of ViaSats at 6400kg fall nicely into that category.
It would be good nostalgia to see an expendable launch.
4. Option 3 with used but nice S1....
Quote from: wannamoonbase on 08/03/2016 09:09 pmIt would be good nostalgia to see an expendable launch.Huh? No thanks.
I was responding to the "expendable nostalgia" stuff.
Then, you're really going to dislike the Red Dragon launch when they splash 3 cores.
...Then, you're really going to dislike the Red Dragon launch when they splash 3 cores.
Quote from: wannamoonbase on 08/05/2016 10:40 pm...Then, you're really going to dislike the Red Dragon launch when they splash 3 cores.We should have a thread devoted to making fun of confident naysayers like this post after they're proven wrong.
So Inmarsat 5 F4 really is launching on Falcon, and EuropaSat/HellasSat 3 may move to a different launch vehicle but final decision not made yet.SpaceNews: Inmarsat, juggling two launches, says SpaceX to return to flight in DecemberQuoteInmarsat has three launch contracts with SpaceX. Up to now, it had planned to launch its Inmarsat 5-F4 Ka-band broadband mobile communications satellite on a Falcon 9 in late 2016; an S-band aeronautical-connectivity satellite on a new Falcon Heavy rocket in early 2017; and the first of the Inmarsat-6 satellites after that.QuoteInmarsat has decided to stick with SpaceX for the 5-F4 satellite, but to seek alternatives for the mid-2017 S-band satellite launch.“It’s largely a function of where you are in the manifest,” Pearce said of Inmarsat’s launch reasoning. “With Inmarsat 5 F4, we’re well up in the queue — I think we are number five or six....With the S-band EAN satellite, he said, the reasoning is different.“We are further [back in] the queue and therefore there’s a risk of further delays because SpaceX not only has to get back to flight but to demonstrate that it can maintain a very good launch schedule. So you could presumably have a day-to-day delay....Pearce said it remain possible that SpaceX will be able to confirm a May or June launch, but that would be difficult to achieve in the deadline Inmarsat has to find an alternative rocket....“It’s probably more likely we would look to exercise one of the options we have been quietly cultivating behind the scenes,” Pearce said. “We’ve talked about one of them, which is the [International Launch Services] Proton launch that we have up our sleeve anyway. But we do have other options as well...”
Inmarsat has three launch contracts with SpaceX. Up to now, it had planned to launch its Inmarsat 5-F4 Ka-band broadband mobile communications satellite on a Falcon 9 in late 2016; an S-band aeronautical-connectivity satellite on a new Falcon Heavy rocket in early 2017; and the first of the Inmarsat-6 satellites after that.
Inmarsat has decided to stick with SpaceX for the 5-F4 satellite, but to seek alternatives for the mid-2017 S-band satellite launch.“It’s largely a function of where you are in the manifest,” Pearce said of Inmarsat’s launch reasoning. “With Inmarsat 5 F4, we’re well up in the queue — I think we are number five or six....With the S-band EAN satellite, he said, the reasoning is different.“We are further [back in] the queue and therefore there’s a risk of further delays because SpaceX not only has to get back to flight but to demonstrate that it can maintain a very good launch schedule. So you could presumably have a day-to-day delay....Pearce said it remain possible that SpaceX will be able to confirm a May or June launch, but that would be difficult to achieve in the deadline Inmarsat has to find an alternative rocket....“It’s probably more likely we would look to exercise one of the options we have been quietly cultivating behind the scenes,” Pearce said. “We’ve talked about one of them, which is the [International Launch Services] Proton launch that we have up our sleeve anyway. But we do have other options as well...”
Why would Inmarsat not switch this to a Falcon 9 launch, like they hinted at in August? Furthermore, why would they not swap it with Inmarsat 5 F4 (which weighs more), as this satellite is so much more important for the company financially?
2017Date – Satellite(s) – Rocket/Upper stage – Cosmodrome – Time...Not early than the second quarter - Europasat (HellasSat-3) – Proton-M/Briz-M – Baikonur...Changes on November 29
VA238 with GSAT17 & HS3-IS currently planned for 28 June
DutchSpace @DutchSpace 16m16 minutes agoIt's busy at #CSG , the #Ariane5 EPC has arrived for the #VA238 launch planned for 28th of June
GSAT-17 Spacecraft was flagged off from ISRO Satellite Centre to launch pad on 11th May 2017: http://www.isac.gov.in/flagoff-GSAT-17.jsp
DutchSpace @DutchSpace 22s23 seconds agoSome #CSG updates: #VA237 planned for 01/06/2017 at 20:45 local #VA238 planned for 28/06/2017 at 18:20 local
Keeping up the launch cadence! @isro’s #GSAT17 satellite arrived in French Guiana for @arianespace’s #Ariane5 mission in late June #VA238
DutchSpace @DutchSpace 3m3 minutes agoNice shot of @isro #GSAT17 Arrived at #CSG on Monday, shown here undergoing fitcheck for launch on #Ariane5 #VA238
Solid booster rollout for mating with core stage. Flight VA238. Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S and GSAT-17
Ariane 5 core cryogenic stage is positioned for launcher build-up. Flight VA238. Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S and GSAT-17
Erection of Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage inside the Launcher Integration Building. Flight VA238. Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S and GSAT-17
Ariane 5 May 22, 2017Parallel Ariane 5 mission preparations are underway for Arianespace’s next dual payload heavy-lift launchesAriane 5 build-up for Arianespace's Flight VA238The build-up process for Flight VA238’s Ariane 5 at the Spaceport began with erection of the core cryogenic stage and its positioning over the launch table inside the Launcher Integration Building ([see previous post] photos left and center), followed by the first of two solid booster rollouts for mating with the core stage ([see previous post] photo at right).The Spaceport’s ability to support Arianespace’s launch cadence by enabling multiple missions to be readied in parallel is demonstrated once again with the two Ariane 5s currently undergoing processing in French Guiana.Inside the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5 for Flight VA238 is taking shape for a June 28 liftoff with a dual-satellite payload: the Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S multi-mission relay satellite for Inmarsat and Hellas-Sat; and the Indian Space Research Organisation’s GSAT-17 communications spacecraft.This heavy-lift vehicle’s build-up process began with the positioning of its core cryogenic stage over one of two mobile launch tables for Ariane 5. It cleared the way for the transfer of two large solid propellant boosters from their remote preparation zone to the Launcher Integration Building, where they will be mated to the Ariane 5’s core stage.Ariane 5’s build-up performed by Airbus Safran LaunchersThe basic build-up will then be completed with integration of Ariane 5’s cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay, followed by checkout and functional tests.Performing this entire phase of launcher integration activity is Arianespace’s parent company and Ariane 5 prime contractor: Airbus Safran Launchers.Flight VA238’s launcher will then be ready for transfer to the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, where it will receive the Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S and GSAT-17 satellite passengers.The Final Assembly Building currently is occupied by the Ariane 5 for Arianespace Flight VA237, which is set for a June 1 liftoff with the ViaSat-2 and Eutelsat E172B telecommunications satellites. This Ariane 5 is installed on the second mobile launch table used by Arianespace’s heavy-lift vehicles, and awaits its dual-passenger payload integration.Arianespace is targeting a total of 12 missions in 2017 utilizing its family of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and light-lift Vega. So far in 2017, the launch services company has performed five flights from the Spaceport: two each with Ariane 5 and Soyuz, along with one Vega mission.
The GSAT-17 satellite for Arianespace Flight VA238 undergoes pre-launch processing in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility.
European Aviation Network satellite shipped to spaceport24 May 2017: The satellite which will power Inmarsat’s revolutionary European Aviation Network (EAN) has been shipped to the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana in preparation for launch in June.Inmarsat’s S-band satellite is part of a condominium satellite, or ‘condosat’, constructed by Thales Alenia Space, which incorporates a second payload for Hellas-Sat. It will be launched by Arianespace on an Ariane 5 rocket.The first of its kind worldwide, the EAN will combine high capacity, multi-beam satellite coverage with a complementary 4G LTE ground network, developed by Deutsche Telekom, to provide high-speed passenger Wi-Fi on flights across all European Union states.Busy routesDesigned specifically for high-traffic flight paths and busy airport hubs, the integrated network will deliver high-speed capacity so that passengers can enjoy a reliable broadband service in the air that matches their expectations on the ground.The Hellas-Sat satellite will provide fixed satellite and broadcast satellite services to Europe, the Middle East and Southern Africa.Built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000 C4 platform, the condosat will weigh about 5.8 tonnes at launch and will offer payload power of approximately 12.7 kW. It will be positioned at 39° East.
Hello, Hellas-Sat 3/Inmarsat S! This satellite is now in French Guiana for June #Ariane5 launch on Flight #VA238. @InmarsatGlobal @HellasSat
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobalOur #EANsat is unboxed & undergoing final tests prior to launch on an #Ariane5 🚀 to bring #inflightwifi over Europe! http://www.inmarsat.com/aviation/aviation-connectivity-services/european-aviation-network/
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 2m2 minutes agoHealth check complete & our #EANsat has been moved to @Arianespace fuelling zone. Getting launch-ready to deliver #inflightwifi over Europe!
Ariane 5 June 9, 2017GSAT-17 “opens up” during testing ahead of this Indian satellite’s June 28 launch on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 missionThe next launch of Arianespace’s heavy-lift Ariane 5, scheduled for June 28 from the Spaceport in French Guiana, will carry a dual payload: the Indian Space Research Organisation’s GSAT-17 communications satellite and the Hellas Sat 3 – Inmarsat S EAN multi-mission relay satellite for Inmarsat and Hellas-Sat.In advance of the liftoff, GSAT-17 has been undergoing ground-based checkout activity, including the deployment of its solar panels and antenna reflectors in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility’s S5C large clean room hall.Such deployment testing is a routine procedure with Indian satellites prior to launch. For the solar panels’ extension, an overhead latticework helped support the solar panels as they opened to their full length – simulating the zero gravity conditions in space. Upon validating the proper operation, Indian technicians stowed the panels against the satellite in their final liftoff configuration. Afterwards, the satellite’s two antenna reflectors were similarly deployed and restowed during activity in the clean room.Launching aboard the upcoming Ariane 5 mission – designated Flight VA238 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system – GSAT-17 will be deployed second in the flight sequence, following Ariane 5’s release of Hellas Sat 3 – Inmarsat S EAN. GSAT-17 is based on the I-3K extended spacecraft bus, with a liftoff mass set at 3,425 kg. The satellite’s relay payload is composed of Ku-band, Normal C-band and Extended C-band transponders. The satellite also carries CxS and SxC transponders as well as DRT and SAR transponders.Arianespace is targeting a total of 12 missions in 2017 utilizing its family of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and light-lift Vega. So far this year, the launch services company has performed six flights from the Spaceport, composed of three with Ariane 5, two utilizing Soyuz and one with Vega.
GSAT-17 undergoes ground-based checkout activityOne of GSAT-17’s two solar panels is extended during checkout activity in the Spaceport’s S5 preparation facility (photo at left). Also undergoing deployment testing were the satellite’s antenna reflectors (photo, right).
Biggest fuelling job ever? Our #EANsat is now ready to be mated to #Ariane5 🚀. Countdown to #EuropeanAviationNetork #inflightwifi continues!
DutchSpace @DutchSpace 14m14 minutes agoLaunch getting closer... @isro #GSAT17 being integrated on top of #Ariane5 #VA238 launcher inside #BAF at #CSG
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 2m2 minutes agoExcited to confirm our #EANsat 🛰️will launch w/ @Arianespace on an #Ariane5 🚀on 28 June at 21:59 BST! Find out more: https://www.inmarsat.com/inmarsat-s
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 25s25 seconds agoAnd it’s goodbye #EANsat! Our spacecraft is safely in the #Ariane5 🚀& ready for launch on 28 June. Watch live here: https://www.inmarsat.com/inmarsat-s
Momentum is building for #VA238! Today’s successful launch readiness review clears the way for #Ariane5 rollout tomorrow, liftoff on June 28
#EANsat launcher rolling out
All is going according to plan: #Ariane5 has reached the launch zone for tomorrow’s #VA238 launch for @HellasSat @InmarsatGlobal & @isro
Ariane 5 June 27, 2017Ariane 5 reaches the launch zone for Arianespace’s June 28 liftoffArianespace has delivered another Ariane 5 to the launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, clearing the way for tomorrow's heavy-lift mission with a pair of satellites: Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN and GSAT-17.Riding atop a mobile launch table, Ariane 5 today completed its transfer from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building – where payload integration occurred – to the dedicated ELA-3 launch complex. With this rollout completed, the final countdown will begin for a June 28 liftoff at the start of a 1-hr., 17-min. launch window opening at 5:59 p.m. local time in French Guiana.Tomorrow’s mission is designated Flight VA238, and it has an estimated payload performance of 10,177 kg. – a total that factors in Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN and GSAT-17, plus the dual-satellite dispenser system and integration hardware. Both passengers are to be deployed to geostationary transfer orbit during a 39-min. flight sequence.Continuing the Arianespace launch tempoHellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN is the mission’s upper passenger and will be released first in the flight sequence at 28 min. after liftoff. Produced by Thales Alenia Space, it is a two-payload “condosat” to be operated by Hellas Sat and Inmarsat. Once in orbit, the Hellas Sat 3 component will deliver direct-to-home and telecom services to maintain and expand Hellas Sat’s business reach; while the Inmarsat S EAN component provides the satellite portion of Inmarsat’s new European Aviation Network.GSAT-17, to be deployed from Ariane 5’s lower passenger position, was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to strengthen its current fleet of 17 telecommunications satellites. The spacecraft’s separation will occur approximately 41 min. after liftoff.As the fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight so far in 2017, tomorrow’s launch will continue a busy year of mission activity for Arianespace’s full family of launchers, which also has included two flights performed with the medium-lift Soyuz and one using the lightweight Vega.
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace Flight VA238 moves into position at the ELA-3 launch zone.
#EANsat on launch pad @InmarsatGlobal
DutchSpace @DutchSpace 5m5 minutes agoNumbers & Apogees for tonight's #Ariane5 #VA238 launch: launcher serial: L591 requested performance: 10135,5 kg HS3:5780kg GSAT17: 3476 kg
Is this Ariane-5ECA (L591)?
Quote from: Satori on 06/28/2017 02:33 pmIs this Ariane-5ECA (L591)?Yes.
Strange. I saw a red, but the webcast died before I could screenshot it?
Jun 29, 2017India's GSAT-17 Communication Satellite Launched SuccessfullyToday (June 29, 2017), GSAT-17 became India’s third communication satellite to successfully reach orbit in the past two months. GSAT-17 was launched in the early morning hours using the European Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana. The 3477 kg GSAT-17 carries communication payloads in C-band, Extended C-band and S-band for providing various services to the country. The satellite also carries equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite based search and rescue services.After its lift-off at 0245 hrs (2:45 am) IST and a flight lasting about 39 minutes, GSAT-17 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 249 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 35,920 km, inclined at an angle of 3 degrees to the equator.ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-17 immediately after its separation from the launch vehicle. Preliminary health checks of the satellite revealed its normal functioning.In the coming days, orbit raising manoeuvres will be performed to place GSAT-17 satellite in the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) by using the satellite’s propulsion system in steps.During the final stages of its orbit raising operations, the two solar arrays and both the antenna reflectors of GSAT-17 will be deployed. Following this, the satellite will be put in its final orbital configuration. GSAT-17 will be positioned at its designated orbital slot in the geostationary orbit and will be co-located with some of the Indian operational geostationary satellites. Later, it is planned to turn on the communication payloads of the satellite. After the successful completion of all the in-orbit tests, GSAT-17 will be ready for operational use.
Inmarsat confirms successful launch of S-band satellite for the European Aviation Network29 June 2017: Inmarsat (LON: ISAT), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has confirmed the successful launch of its S-band satellite (Inmarsat S EAN) for the European Aviation Network (EAN). The launch is a key milestone for Inmarsat’s unique EAN service, which is on course to commence commercial service in the second half of 2017.The Inmarsat S-band satellite, built by France’s Thales Alenia Space, was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket by Arianespace at 22:15 BST/17:15 EDT from Kourou in French Guiana. Following satellite separation at 22:43 BST/17:43 EDT, telemetry from the satellite was acquired by the Mingenew Ground Station in Western Australia at 22:50 BST/17:50 EDT.The launch team from Inmarsat and Thales Alenia Space will now raise the satellite into its geostationary orbit over Europe and the Middle East, at which point the spacecraft will deploy its solar arrays and reflectors, and undergo rigorous payload testing.Inmarsat’s EAN is the world’s first dedicated aviation connectivity solution to integrate space-based and ground-based networks to deliver a seamless WiFi experience for airline passengers throughout Europe. Inmarsat’s strategic partner, Deutsche Telekom, is well advanced in the construction of the complementary ground network, which will be fully integrated with the S-band satellite to deliver a truly seamless service for Europe’s airlines and their passengers.International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes world renowned airline brands such as British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, is confirmed as the launch customer for the new service. IAG has begun equipping its aircraft and aims to have 90% of its short haul fleet complete by early 2019.The successful launch of the S-band satellite underlines the momentum that Inmarsat is building in the high-speed broadband inflight connectivity (IFC) market, which Inmarsat entered in October 2016 with the commercial introduction of GX Aviation, a worldwide service powered by its Ka-band, Global Xpress (Ka) satellite constellation.Inmarsat now has over 1,200 aircraft installations expected under signed contracts for its IFC services. Mandates have been won from leading airlines worldwide including Avianca, Qatar Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa Group, International Airlines Group, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle.“Inmarsat and its partners have been making very strong progress in the IFC market and the successful launch of our S-band satellite means that the start of our revolutionary European Aviation Network is now just months away,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat.“We first announced our plans for EAN in 2014, seeking to take advantage of a visionary and unique commercial and technological opportunity created by the European Commission’s DG CONNECT and subsequently supported by Member State telecoms regulators. It is a testament to the continued support of European Institutions and national regulatory authorities, the hard work of multiple teams across Inmarsat and the commitment of our vital strategic partners, including Deutsche Telekom, Thales Alenia Space, Thales Aviation, Cobham and Arianespace, that we now stand on the threshold of a new aviation WiFi service that will transform the experience of passengers flying throughout Europe.“Although Inmarsat is a relatively new entrant into the high-speed aviation passenger broadband market, we have secured commitments for our IFC services from major airlines in Europe and across the world. Their confidence underlines the strength of Inmarsat’s IFC strategy and the long-term, scalable capabilities of our two core IFC networks – GX Aviation and EAN. We are focused on delivering the most reliable, seamless connectivity services to airlines and remain the only major provider to deliver guaranteed performance commitments.”
Every bit helps: June 28 Ariane 5 launch featured new @RUAG_Group fairing; 4 panels instead of 14; 107kg less weight = + 10kg to GTO.
Image of the new 4-panel fairing, via esa.intAccording to ESA the Ariane 6 fairing will be similar, further reduced to only 2 separate composite panels.
Jun 30, 2017The first orbit raising operation of GSAT-17 Satellite has been successfully carried out by LAM Engine firing for 5912 sec from 04:38 hrs IST on June 30, 2017.Orbit Determination results from this LAM firing are: - Apogee X perigee height was changed to 35803 km X 13291 km. - Inclination is 0.977 deg. - Orbital period is 15hr 02 min
Awesome coverage, thank you!Apologies if this has been asked elsewhere. I saw in NSF's article that Inmarsat had originally contracted to have their satellite launched by a Falcon 9, then contemplated switching to a Proton rocket, before settling on Ariane.How is this possible? Isn't every satellite custom-built to integrate with the rocket on which it launches? Wouldn't they have had to redesign and move attach points, at minimum, for every switch?
Jul 01, 2017The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-17 Satellite has been successfully carried out by LAM Engine firing for 2896 sec from 11:03 hr IST on July 01, 2017.Orbit Determination results from this LAM firing are: - Apogee X perigee height was changed to 35812 km X 30314 km. - Inclination is 0.13 deg. - Orbital period is 21hr 39 min.
Jul 02, 2017The third and final orbit raising operation of GSAT-17 Satellite has been successfully carried out by LAM Engine firing for 492 sec from 08:51 hr IST on July 02, 2017.Orbit Determination results from this LAM firing are: - Apogee X perigee height was changed to 35813 km X 35447 km. - Inclination is 0.088 deg. - Orbital period is 23hr 48 min.
Jul 02, 2017Deployment of both the Solar arrays and two antenna reflectors have been successfully completed by 16:15 hrs IST.
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 10m10 minutes agoOur #EANsat has successfully reached GEO orbit & deployed its solar arrays & reflectors! 🛰️ Our #EuropeanAviationNetwork is coming!