Author Topic: LIVE: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015-018 - December 12, 2017 (18:36 UTC)  (Read 47225 times)

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #40 on: 11/22/2017 08:26 pm »
Quote
our #Ariane5 has been transferred from #BIL to #BAF #VA240 #CSG #Galileo

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/933437432988659712

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #41 on: 11/24/2017 06:47 am »
VA 240 launch sticker, which also shows the informal names of the 4 sats: Irina, Alexandre, Zofia, and Nicole.

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #42 on: 11/24/2017 03:31 pm »
Ariane 5 and its Galileo satellites are prepared for Arianespace’s December 12 mission


The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s December 12 year-ending flight for 2017 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana – where preparations also are moving ahead with four satellite passengers that will further expand Europe’s Galileo global navigation system once in their final orbit.

During activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, this heavy-lift vehicle for Arianespace Flight VA240 underwent the assembly process that began by mating its two solid propellant strap-on boosters with the main cryogenic stage.

The next step was integration of Ariane 5’s vehicle equipment bay, which serves as the launch vehicle’s “brain,” providing autonomous control during the various mission phases.

The Ariane 5 ES difference

It was followed by installation of the EPS storable propellant stage, powered by a re-ignitable engine that operates with MMH and N2O4 propellants. This differentiates the Ariane 5 ES configuration from Arianespace’s Ariane 5 ECA version – which has a cryogenic upper stage and typically is used on Arianespace missions with telecommunications satellites to geostationary transfer orbits.

After completion of verifications and systems checkout by production prime contractor ArianeGroup, the Ariane 5 ES launch vehicle will be moved to the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building for payload integration and readiness for rollout to the launch zone.

The mission’s ongoing payload preparations – which so far included the checkout and fit-check procedure for each of the four Galileo satellites – took place inside the Spaceport’s S1A processing facility. This involved a one-by-one verification of the spacecraft’s interface with the payload dispenser that will release them into circular orbit during the mission.

Galileo satellites checked…and fit

After the fit-check procedure in the S1A facility, the four satellites were readied for transfer to the S3B payload preparation center for fueling.

For Ariane 5’s December 12 mission, the heavy-lift vehicle will carry its quartet of Galileo satellites (weighing approximately 715 kg. each) and their dispenser system for a medium-Earth orbit deployment.

Galileo is the European initiative to develop a global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service. As a European Union-funded program, the Galileo constellation will comprise 24 operational satellites, along with spares.

Overall responsibility for Galileo’s management and implementation is held by the European Commission, with the European Space Agency assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.

Ariane 5’s mission with the four Galileo spacecraft will close out a busy year of launch activity for Arianespace, which has performed 10 missions from French Guiana so far in 2017 – all of which were successful. The flights to date involved five launches of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, two with the medium Soyuz and three with the lightweight Vega.
Jacques :-)

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #43 on: 11/28/2017 07:27 pm »
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Getting closer to launch..... our babies together on the dispenser #VA240 #Galileo

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/935600470210613256

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #45 on: 11/29/2017 04:06 pm »

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #46 on: 11/29/2017 04:17 pm »
FM15 to FM18 are the same as Galileo Sat 19 to 22.  Galileo numbering includes the four IOV sats, FM numbers re-started with the FOC sats.

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #47 on: 11/29/2017 06:32 pm »
The VA240 Ariane has been moved from the BIL to the BAF









Source: http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/ariane/vol-ariane-7-transfert-du-bil-au-baf/

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #48 on: 11/30/2017 03:41 pm »
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Our fuel technicians are hard at work preparing for the launch of V240 on December 12. Their protective suits make them look a bit like astronauts, no?

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/936263024217870337

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #49 on: 12/01/2017 08:45 pm »
Quote
Ariane 5   
December 1, 2017

Galileo satellites for Arianespace’s December 12 mission are ready for launcher integration

As preparations advance for Arianespace’s year-ending flight from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the mission’s payload of four Galileo navigation satellites is now ready to join up with its Ariane 5 launcher.

The spacecraft have been fueled and installed on their multi-payload dispenser system, clearing the way for transfer from the Spaceport’s S3B clean room to Ariane 5’s Final Assembly Building.

Designated Flight VA240, the upcoming mission will mark Arianespace’s second use of an Ariane 5 ES version to loft spacecraft for Europe’s Galileo global navigation system – following the first four-passenger launch in November 2016 on the heavy-lift launcher. This came after seven previous missions using the medium-lift Soyuz, which carried a pair of operational satellites each.

Flight VA240 at the service of a European initiative

Galileo is the European initiative to develop a global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service and features innovative technologies developed in Europe for the benefit of all citizens.

The European Commission holds overall responsibility for Galileo’s management and implementation, with the European Space Agency assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.

Each of the Galileo passengers for Flight VA240 weighs approximately 715 kg. and was built by OHB System in Germany, with U.K.-based Surrey Satellite Technology supplying the navigation payload. All four will be deployed into medium-Earth orbit by Arianespace.

Scheduled for a December 12 liftoff, Ariane 5’s mission with the four Galileo spacecraft will close out a busy year of launch activity for Arianespace.

The company has conducted 10 missions from French Guiana so far in 2017 – involving five launches of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, two with the medium Soyuz and three with the lightweight Vega.

http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/galileo-satellites-integration/

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #50 on: 12/05/2017 10:36 am »
Press Release

N°24-2017

Paris, 5 December 2017


Call for Media: Galileo 19-22 ready to launch

The next four Galileo satellites are scheduled for launch on 12 December at 15:36 local time (19:36 CET) from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana atop an Ariane 5 rocket.

This launch will bring the total Galileo constellation to 22, boosting the global availability of navigation signals. Galileo began initial services on 15 December 2016, the first step towards full operations.

Media are invited to take part in an audio briefing on 11 December at 17:30 CET to learn the latest on the status of the system.  Journalists interested in joining the briefing should request access information via email to ESA’s Media Relations Office at: [email protected] by 08  December at the latest.

Covering the launch

ESA TV

In cooperation with Arianespace, ESA TV provides broadcasters with free live videostream of the launch. More information at: http://www.esa.int/esatv/Television

Website

ESA’s Portal will cover the launch live on www.esa.int, providing the web stream and updates of the launch.

Images

The latest high-resolution images can be found at:

ESA’s Multimedia Gallery: http://spaceinimages.esa.int/Images


Social media

Twitter: @ESA and the hashtag #Galileo

In addition, there will be updates on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanSpaceAgency

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+EuropeanSpaceAgency

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ESA


About Galileo

Galileo is Europe’s own satellite navigation system, consisting of both the satellites in space and their associated ground infrastructure, to provide an array of positioning, navigation and timing services to Europe and the world.

The definition, development and in-orbit validation phases were carried out by ESA, and co-funded by ESA and the European Commission. This phase created a mini-constellation of four satellites and a reduced ground segment set up to validate the overall concept, ahead of further deployment.

The current Full Operational Capability phase is fully funded by the EU and managed by the Commission. The Commission and ESA have a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission.

Learn more about Galileo at:

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation
Jacques :-)

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #51 on: 12/05/2017 04:38 pm »

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #52 on: 12/06/2017 01:33 am »
« Last Edit: 12/07/2017 02:55 pm by Jester »
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #53 on: 12/06/2017 08:09 am »
Flight VA240: Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 launch for the Galileo constellation and Europe


December 5, 2017 – For its 11th launch of the year, and the sixth Ariane 5 liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana during 2017, Arianespace will orbit four more satellites for the Galileo constellation.

 This mission is being performed on behalf of the European Commission under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

 For the second time, an Ariane 5 ES version will be used to orbit satellites in Europe’s own satellite navigation system. At the completion of this flight, designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, 22 Galileo spacecraft will have been launched by Arianespace with Soyuz and Ariane 5 launchers.

 A final Ariane 5 ES mission will deploy four additional Galileo constellation satellites in 2018, after which Ariane 6 takes over from 2020-2021 – with its initial two Galileo launches contracted by ESA on behalf of the European Commission in September 2017.

 The Flight VA240 will be from Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) in Kourou, French Guiana.

 The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on Friday, December 8, 2017 in Kourou, to authorize the start of operations for the final countdown.

Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system. Under civilian control, Galileo offers guaranteed high-precision positioning around the world. Its initial services began in December 2016, allowing users equipped with Galileo-enabled devices to combine Galileo and GPS data for better positioning accuracy.

 The complete Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites (along with spares); 18 of these satellites already have been orbited by Arianespace.

 ESA transferred formal responsibility for oversight of Galileo in-orbit operations to the GSA (European GNSS Agency) in July 2017.

 Therefore, as of this launch, the GSA will be in charge of the operation of the Galileo satellite navigation systems on behalf of the European Union. GSA will be responsible for operating these satellites as soon as they separate from the launcher. Satellite positioning operations and system operation will be carried out in conjunction with ESA.

 The Galileo satellites are built by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads supplied by UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is 99% owned by Airbus Defence and Space.
•For further information, download the Flight VA240 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/
   
•To watch a live, high-speed online transmission of the launch (including commentary in French and English from the launch site), go to arianespace.com on December 12 beginning 15 minutes before liftoff.
   
•You also can follow the launch live on your iPhone or iPad (the Arianespace HD app is free).

« Last Edit: 12/06/2017 08:10 am by jacqmans »
Jacques :-)

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #54 on: 12/07/2017 10:47 pm »

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #55 on: 12/07/2017 10:53 pm »
Quote
December 7, 2017
The integration of Galileo satellites with Ariane 5 is complete for Arianespace’s year-ending heavy-lift mission

Arianespace’s Ariane 5 is now complete and ready for its mission next week from the Spaceport in French Guiana, which will orbit four more spacecraft to join the European Galileo constellation of navigation satellites.

During activity in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, the Ariane 5’s build-up process was completed with the lowering of its ogive-shaped payload fairing over the four satellite passengers – which previously were positioned atop the launcher’s core section.

Following final check-out, Ariane 5 will be ready for its rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone on Monday, December 11, positioning this vehicle for a liftoff the next day at exactly 3:36:07 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

The four Galileo satellites, which are clustered around a multi-passenger dispenser system, will be deployed in two phases during the mission to medium Earth orbit (MEO) lasting 3 hours, 55 minutes.

Arianespace’s Ariane 5 at the service of Galileo

Ariane 5’s afternoon liftoff on December 12 will be the year-ending mission in 2017 for Arianespace – completing a busy 12 months that already have involved 10 flights from the Spaceport: five performed with the heavy-lift workhorse, three utilizing the lightweight Vega and two with the medium-lift Soyuz.

Designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace’s numbering system, next Tuesday’s mission will mark the second time an Ariane

http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/galileo-payload-integration/

Photo caption:

Quote
Ariane 5’s final build-up activity at the Spaceport involved the launcher protective fairing’s lowering over the Flight VA240 payload of four Galileo navigation satellites installed atop the launcher vehicle’s central core.

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #56 on: 12/08/2017 06:30 pm »
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We’re another step closer to Flight #VA240: today’s launch readiness review cleared #Ariane5 for its Dec. 12 liftoff with four #Galileo navigation satellites 🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️ @EU_Commission @esa

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/939214763678150657

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #57 on: 12/09/2017 09:52 am »
Jacques :-)

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #58 on: 12/11/2017 08:38 am »

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Re: Ariane 5 VA240 - Galileo-FOC FM015, 16, 17&18 - Dec 12 2017
« Reply #59 on: 12/11/2017 04:10 pm »
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Roll-out to the #ZL3 pad completed for our #Ariane5 ES launcher #VA240 #Galileo #CSG

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940265598445113345

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