Author Topic: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur  (Read 60339 times)

Online jacqmans

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ESA’s ice mission CryoSat has completed its Flight Acceptance Review, confirming that all the components that make up the mission are ready for launch, which is planned for 25 February 2010 from Baikonur.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM03Q2D62G_index_0.html
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 03:16 am by Chris Bergin »
Jacques :-)

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #1 on: 12/22/2009 02:26 pm »
According to Spaceflight Now, the launch time is 13:57 UTC.

Offline Nicolas PILLET

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #2 on: 12/30/2009 09:46 am »
The Dniepr launcher was delivered today in Baikonur.

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=8789
Nicolas PILLET
Kosmonavtika : The French site on Russian Space

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #3 on: 01/12/2010 11:18 am »
Today at the Baykonur Cosmodrome have began the works with the Dnepr-1 launch vehicle that will be used to launch the European scientific automatic spacecraft CrioSat-2.

In the morning the specialists of space branch conducted the overload of container with the rocket from the railroad car to the transporter-erector aggregate. After completion assembly of operations the rocket will be transported to the Area 109. Silo launch installations are found on this area from where the launches of the Dnepr-1 are carried out at the Cosmodrome. Within the next few days rocket will be loaded into the silo and its checkings and prelaunch servicing procedure will begin.

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=8894
« Last Edit: 01/12/2010 11:20 pm by Satori »

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #4 on: 01/12/2010 07:02 pm »
Tomorrow CryoSat-2 satellite should be delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome aboard An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft.

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #5 on: 01/13/2010 06:03 pm »
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=8916

CryoSat-2 has arrived to cosmodrome today.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #6 on: 01/14/2010 09:47 am »
In what might seem rather appropriate weather conditions, the CryoSat-2 Earth Explorer satellite has completed its journey to the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan, where it will be prepared for launch on 25 February.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM1UZLJ74G_planet_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #7 on: 01/15/2010 02:46 pm »
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=8940

Container with Dnepr rocket was installed into silo 95 at site 109 yesterday, today the third stage will be docked with it.

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #8 on: 01/18/2010 03:37 pm »
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=8974

Checks of CryoSat-2 satellite have begun today.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #9 on: 01/22/2010 02:49 pm »
With liftoff scheduled in just a few weeks, ESA's CryoSat-2 ground teams are in intensive training for the launch and early orbit phase - the critical first steps in the mission's life.

Read more at:


http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMC2QCJD3G_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #10 on: 01/23/2010 06:01 am »
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9040

The preparation to a fueling of Dnepr rocket in silo has begun yesterday.

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #11 on: 01/26/2010 02:59 pm »
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9079

Today ascent stage of Dnepr rocket was docked with CryoSat-2 satellite's mock-up.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #12 on: 01/29/2010 03:52 pm »
The task of preparing a satellite for launch does not always go according to plan, as the launch campaign team in Baikonur has just experienced. Encountering a tricky problem, an ingenious solution was found by calling on the services of a local medical surgeon.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMILKSJR4G_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline cb6785

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #13 on: 01/29/2010 06:58 pm »
Unusual but great work! :D
« Last Edit: 01/29/2010 06:58 pm by cb6785 »
You know, if I’d had a seat you wouldn’t still see me in this thing. - Chuck Yeager

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #14 on: 02/08/2010 05:08 pm »
Richard Francis has been responsible for managing ESA's CryoSat Project since the decision was made to rebuild the satellite following the loss of the original CryoSat in 2005. Prior to his role as Project Manager, he was in charge of the CryoSat mission design as System Manager.

Read the interview at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM7CFXJB5G_0_iv.html
Jacques :-)

Offline osiossim

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #15 on: 02/11/2010 06:08 am »
Preparing to launch RS-20 rocket with the spacecraft "CryoSat-2"

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9271

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #16 on: 02/11/2010 11:50 am »
Last look at CryoSat-2

11 February 2010
As preparations for the launch of ESA's ice mission on 25 February continue on schedule, an important milestone has just been reached with the team at the Baikonur Cosmodrome saying farewell to CryoSat-2 as it was encapsulated in the rocket's 'space head module'.

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMNB5MEG5G_index_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline osiossim

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #17 on: 02/15/2010 07:14 am »
CryoSat-2 the ground truth / ESA TV Exchange -  / 16-02-2010

http://esatv-movies.e-vision.nl/videos/mplo/CRYOSAT2_ANIM_169_TV_02-10-10_wmplow.wmv

or

ftp://esa.contentcoders.com/mpeg2/CRYOSAT2_ANIM_169_MPEG2_02-10-10_mpeg2ps.mpg
« Last Edit: 02/15/2010 07:14 am by osiossim »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #18 on: 02/15/2010 09:26 pm »
The European Space Agency is about to launch the most sophisticated satellite ever to investigate the Earth’s ice fields and map ice thickness over water and land: lift-off scheduled for 25 February.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM3WUMEG5G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #19 on: 02/16/2010 10:46 am »
Following encapsulation at the end of last week, the space head module holding CryoSat-2 has been taken by 'crocodile' to the launch silo.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMJD7NEG5G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #20 on: 02/17/2010 09:24 am »
The original proposal to build a satellite that would measure ice-thickness change came from Prof. Duncan Wingham in 1998. His role as Lead Investigator for CryoSat has been to maintain the scientific integrity of ESA’s ice mission – from the drawing board through to a real satellite mission.

Read full interview at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMKS2NEG5G_0_iv.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #21 on: 02/18/2010 09:59 am »
As Satellite Prime Contractor for CryoSat, EADS Astrium has led a consortium of 30 firms from Europe, the U.S. and Russia to design and build the satellite. In his role as Astrium Prime Project Manager, Klaus Kφble has been leading these efforts for the past three years.

Read full interview at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMWWK7CS5G_0_iv.html
Jacques :-)

Offline JimO

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #22 on: 02/18/2010 07:29 pm »
Russian press reports a delay of a few days for some payload technical issues.


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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #23 on: 02/19/2010 10:43 am »
Russian press reports a delay of a few days for some payload technical issues.

ESA confirms the delay caused by a concern related to the second stage steering engine of the Dnepr launcher.

See http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEME9R7CS5G_0.html

Offline anik

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #24 on: 02/19/2010 09:25 pm »
Launcher Concern Delays ESA’s Cryosat-2 Mission
http://www.spacenews.com/earth_observation/2010-02-19-launcher-concern-delays-esa-cryosat-2.html

"PARIS - The scheduled Feb. 25 launch of Europe’s Cryosat-2 polar ice monitoring satellite has been postponed for at least several weeks following an assessment by designers of the Russian-Ukrainian Dnepr rocket that the converted ballistic missile might not be able to place the craft into its intended orbit without modification, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced Feb. 19"

Offline Danderman

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #25 on: 02/22/2010 08:03 pm »
?????

Is this due to a failure of some 2nd stage element, or is there a larger problem?


Offline patchfree

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #26 on: 02/22/2010 08:09 pm »
No it's a problem of performance of Dniepr which are "at the limits" according to recent path calculations. A possible lack of propellant to reach the orbit.

"Although the fuel supply of the second stage engine should be sufficient to get CryoSat into orbit, the fuel reserve is not as large as they would like it to be, according to the Ukrainian company Yuzhnoye, who developed and is responsible for the launcher. The situation is being reviewed, and measures will be taken to resolve this concern.

Kosmotras, the launch provider, will inform ESA of a new launch date shortly."
« Last Edit: 02/22/2010 08:11 pm by patchfree »
http://kosmosnews.fr l'actualitι spatiale russe en franηais

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #27 on: 02/23/2010 03:19 pm »
Following last week’s announcement that there would be a launch delay, the space head module encasing CryoSat-2 has been removed from the launcher and returned to the integration facilities.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM7SH3KV5G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #28 on: 02/26/2010 02:45 pm »
As ESA’s Mission Scientist for CryoSat, Mark Drinkwater’s role in supporting the preparation of the mission has been to ensure that the satellite and data processing systems are compatible with achieving the mission’s objectives of deriving accurate measurements of ice-thickness change.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM4R34KV5G_0_iv.html
Jacques :-)

Offline osiossim

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #29 on: 03/11/2010 07:40 am »
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1003/10dnepr/

I assume some of the ISCK's customers (satellite manufacturers) pushed journalists to type this kind of article or type it on their own and published on SpaceFlightNow.
« Last Edit: 03/11/2010 07:43 am by osiossim »

Offline Jester

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #30 on: 03/19/2010 08:00 am »
Launch now scheduled for 8th of April

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMIOT9KF6G_0.html
« Last Edit: 03/19/2010 08:01 am by Jester »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #31 on: 03/25/2010 03:23 pm »
The task of having to babysit CryoSat has now officially ended with the arrival of the launch campaign team back in Baikonur.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM1NT8I77G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #32 on: 03/29/2010 09:25 am »
Presse Release N°06-2010
Paris, 29 March 2010

Invitation to the press for CryoSat-2 launch

For the launch of the CryoSat-2 satellite, scheduled for Thursday 8 April at 15:57 CEST, representatives of the press are invited to watch the event live from ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany.

This new launch date has been confirmed by International Space Company Kosmotras following the implementation and validation of a change in the launcher's flight software.

Monitoring variations in the thickness of marine ice floating in the polar oceans and changes in the vast ice sheets that overlie Greenland and Antarctica, ESA's ice mission CryoSat deploys the most sophisticated satellite ever to study the Earth's ice fields.

CryoSat-2 will be placed into orbit 700 km above the Earth by a Russian Dnepr rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Lift-off is scheduled for 15:57 CEST (13:57 UTC) on Thursday 8 April 2010. The launch operator is Kosmotras.

Press representatives are invited to watch the launch live from ESA's ESOC establishment in Darmstadt. A European Press Centre will be open from 12:30 to 17:30 and ESA is hosting a launch event from 14:00 to 16:30. Live televised transmission of the launch will provide pictures from Baikonur and from Mission Control at ESOC for broadcasters. Further details of the TV transmission can be found at http://television.esa.int. ESA senior management and programme specialists will be on hand to give explanations and interviews.

Media representatives wishing to follow events from Darmstadt or watch the launch live from another ESA establishment should fill in the attached accreditation form and to fax it back to one of the numbers provided below. 

CryoSat will be the third of ESA's Earth Explorer satellites in orbit, following the launches of GOCE (in March 2009) and SMOS (in November 2009). It was originally due to be ESA's first Earth Explorer, but the first satellite was lost as a result of a launcher failure in October 2005.

The 700 kg CryoSat spacecraft -whose name comes from the Greek kryos meaning cold or ice- carries the first all-weather microwave radar altimeter. The instrument has been optimised for determining changes in the thickness of both floating sea ice, which can be up to several metres, and polar land ice sheets, which in Antarctica can be close to 5 km thick. The mission will deliver data on the rate of change of the ice thickness accurate to within one centimetre.

Recent record-lows in the extent of summer Arctic sea-ice cover demonstrate that significant changes are occurring in the polar regions. While ice cover has been mapped from space for many years by satellites such as Envisat, there remains an urgent need to determine how ice thickness is changing.

Data from the CryoSat mission will provide the scientific community with hard evidence on how the Earth's ice is changing and will lead to a better understanding of the role ice plays in climate and sea-level change.
Any change to the launch date will be announced on our answering machine at
+49 (0)6151 90 2609 and on the CryoSat website at www.esa.int/cryosat.
For further information please contact:

ESA Media Relations Office
Communication Department
Te: + 33 1 5369 7299
Fax: + 33 1 5369 7690
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #33 on: 03/30/2010 10:34 am »
Nic Mardle is the Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) for CryoSat-2, and is responsible for ensuring that the satellite is properly controlled and for managing the Flight Control Team. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, having served as SOM for the first CryoSat and, like the CryoSat community in general, is looking forward to the satisfaction of seeing it finally in orbit.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMV1QMEG5G_0_iv.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #34 on: 03/31/2010 08:53 pm »
With only seven days to go before launch, CryoSat-2 encapsulated within the Dnepr launcher's space head module has been loaded back onto the 'crocodile' in readiness for transportation to the launch silo tomorrow.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMJEJIK97G_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline arkaska

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #35 on: 04/01/2010 03:24 pm »
In readiness for launch on 8 April, ESA's CryoSat-2 ice satellite has now joined the rest of the Dnepr rocket in the launch silo at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMLOQIK97G_0.html
« Last Edit: 04/01/2010 03:24 pm by arkaska »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #36 on: 04/06/2010 03:05 pm »
A timeline of the most critical events around the launch of ESA's CryoSat-2 satellite, scheduled for 15:57 CEST on Thursday, 8 April 2010.


More at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM4ERZNK7G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #37 on: 04/06/2010 05:29 pm »
Marking one of the last milestones in the campaign to launch CryoSat-2, the dress rehearsal of the countdown procedure has taken place at ESA's European Spacecraft Operations Centre (ESOC) and at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMLZTZNK7G_0.html
Jacques :-)

Offline Zipi

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #38 on: 04/07/2010 05:56 am »
Launch can be followed from ESA's livestream: http://www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency

Or via satellite TV: http://television.esa.int/
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #39 on: 04/07/2010 04:40 pm »
Following yesterday's launch dress rehearsal and the debriefing today, the Russian State Commission has given the go-ahead to launch ESA's ice mission tomorrow at 15:57 CEST.


Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMVPXZNK7G_0.html
Jacques :-)

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Moved for live coverage
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #41 on: 04/08/2010 12:09 pm »
Live images from Baykonur launch complex LC109/95...

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #42 on: 04/08/2010 12:12 pm »
We will be looking at this landscape until suddenly the rocket will emerge from the silo to put Cryosat-2 into orbit...

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #43 on: 04/08/2010 12:13 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #44 on: 04/08/2010 12:16 pm »
ESA webcast will start latter...

CryoSat, ESA's ice mission, is scheduled for launch today at 15:57 CEST (13:57 UT). Live web streaming starts at 15:35 CEST (13:35 UT).
 
CryoSat-2 will be placed into orbit 700 km above the Earth by a Russian Dnepr rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch operator is Kosmotras.
CryoSat will be the third of ESA’s Earth Explorer satellites in orbit, following the launches of GOCE (in March 2009) and SMOS (in November 2009).

The 700 kg CryoSat spacecraft – whose name comes from the Greek kryos meaning cold or ice – carries the first all-weather microwave radar altimeter. The instrument has been optimised for determining changes in the thickness of both floating sea ice, which can be up to several metres, and polar land ice sheets, which in Antarctica can be close to 5 km thick. The mission will deliver data on the rate of change of the ice thickness accurate to within one centimetre. 

« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 12:17 pm by Satori »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #45 on: 04/08/2010 12:18 pm »
A few info about the Dnepr-1 from ESA...

CryoSat-2 will be launched by a Dnepr – a converted SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile – from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
 
Most of the SS-18 missiles, the most powerful weapon in the Soviet arsenal, were decommissioned under the terms of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, but could be adapted for civil use. In 1997, Russia and Ukraine formed the International Space Company Kosmotras to convert the missiles into Dnepr launch vehicles.
Dnepr is a three-stage vehicle. The first and second stages are original SS-18 stages, used without any modification. The third stage is a modified standard SS-18 third stage equipped with a liquid propellant, two-mode propulsion unit that operates based on a 'drag' scheme in which it flies backwards, dragging the satellite behind it to ensure the most accurate orbit injection. 
 
The overall length is 34 m, and the overall diameter is 3 m. The lift-off mass of the rocket is 211 t. It is launched from a silo, being expelled like a mortar round with a charge of black powder, before the main engine ignition some 30 m above the ground.

Over 30 commercial satellites have been launched by Dnepr. Kosmotras also provides the launch services.


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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #46 on: 04/08/2010 12:19 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #47 on: 04/08/2010 12:21 pm »
Speeches have already started at: http://www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #48 on: 04/08/2010 12:25 pm »
Do my eyes deceive me, or is this going to be a launch from a subsurface silo?
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #49 on: 04/08/2010 12:28 pm »
Do my eyes deceive me, or is this going to be a launch from a subsurface silo?

Dnepr's are launched from silos...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnepr-1
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 12:32 pm by Zipi »
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #50 on: 04/08/2010 12:35 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #51 on: 04/08/2010 12:37 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #52 on: 04/08/2010 12:42 pm »
Many people around the launch silo...

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #53 on: 04/08/2010 12:44 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #54 on: 04/08/2010 12:45 pm »
I don't know why, but I can't make snapshots from the VLC... maybe from the feed...

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #55 on: 04/08/2010 12:47 pm »
People are now leaving the launch complex. Launch is scheduled for 1357:04UTC.
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 12:50 pm by Satori »

Offline Chris Bergin

Status check? About an hour to launch?
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #57 on: 04/08/2010 12:52 pm »
Transportantion of CryoSat-2 to the launch complex...

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #58 on: 04/08/2010 12:54 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #59 on: 04/08/2010 12:56 pm »
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 12:57 pm by Satori »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #60 on: 04/08/2010 12:58 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #61 on: 04/08/2010 12:59 pm »
T-58 m

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #63 on: 04/08/2010 01:13 pm »
Do my eyes deceive me, or is this going to be a launch from a subsurface silo?

Dnepr's are launched from silos...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnepr-1


Yeah, I know.  The last Dnepr launch I saw was from an above-ground test silo.  I didn't realise that they also did civil launches from a military-style subsurface silo too.  I would have thought it would have been too difficult to pre-flight the payload down there.
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #65 on: 04/08/2010 01:26 pm »
Speeches & interviews still going on...
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #66 on: 04/08/2010 01:28 pm »
Go/No-go just polled, all GO!
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

Offline Chris Bergin

Thanks for the screenshots, I can't get them to work for me, as it's silverlight.

L-20 minutes.
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #68 on: 04/08/2010 01:42 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #69 on: 04/08/2010 01:43 pm »
Is this launch from Area 109 Pad 95?

 - Ed Kyle

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #70 on: 04/08/2010 01:44 pm »
Running a broadcast about CS2 at the moment. 

It reminds me of something I heard said about another satellite once (don't remember the context): "You guys be careful with that thing.  It is worth more than everything you own, plus the resale value of your organs ten times over!"
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #71 on: 04/08/2010 01:44 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #72 on: 04/08/2010 01:45 pm »
Is this launch from Area 109 Pad 95?

 - Ed Kyle

Yes.

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Offline Chris Bergin

Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #75 on: 04/08/2010 01:50 pm »
Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!

Is this standard on a Dnepr? I've never seen it before.
I always consider space to be the FIRST frontier.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #76 on: 04/08/2010 01:50 pm »
This is one of the most amazing launch systems!!!

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #77 on: 04/08/2010 01:50 pm »
Is this launch from Area 109 Pad 95?

 - Ed Kyle

Yes.

Obrigado!

 - Ed Kyle

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #78 on: 04/08/2010 01:51 pm »
Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!

Is this standard on a Dnepr? I've never seen it before.

Yes, these are the standard launches of the Dnepr.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #79 on: 04/08/2010 01:51 pm »
Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!

Is this standard on a Dnepr? I've never seen it before.

Yes.  It is based on the warhead delivery system.  The low constant thrust allows precise targeting.  Much better to see it launching a Cryosat!

 - Ed Kyle

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #80 on: 04/08/2010 01:52 pm »
Thanks Rui!

edit: ... and Ed. :)
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 01:53 pm by Spiff »
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #81 on: 04/08/2010 01:52 pm »
T-5m!!!
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 01:53 pm by Satori »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #82 on: 04/08/2010 01:53 pm »
Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!

Is this standard on a Dnepr? I've never seen it before.

Yes it is: http://www.kosmotras.ru/en/shema_polet/
Broken man-made things can be fixed (if you find the pieces).

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #83 on: 04/08/2010 01:55 pm »
Switched to internal power

Offline Chris Bergin

T-60 seconds!
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Launch!!
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Pops out of the silo, and wizzzzz, off it goes. Didn't hang around!
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 01:59 pm by Chris Bergin »
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #87 on: 04/08/2010 01:59 pm »
Staging...
I always consider space to be the FIRST frontier.

Offline Chris Bergin

Didn't anyone screen capture the launch. Was very fast
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #89 on: 04/08/2010 02:00 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #90 on: 04/08/2010 02:01 pm »
Didn't anyone screen capture the launch. Was very fast

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #91 on: 04/08/2010 02:01 pm »
Didn't anyone screen capture the launch. Was very fast

Even at the launch site, its hard to see, it moves so fast.

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Well done Ed!
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #93 on: 04/08/2010 02:02 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #94 on: 04/08/2010 02:02 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #95 on: 04/08/2010 02:02 pm »

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #96 on: 04/08/2010 02:03 pm »
The launch seems a bit hairy to my untutored eye.  The rocket pops out of the silo and the engine ignites as soon as it is clear.  Maybe any ICBM guys here will share this thought: Was I the only one who held my breath just in case the engine didn't light and the whole thing clattered to the ground like an oversized shell casing?
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #97 on: 04/08/2010 02:03 pm »
Fairing separation
I always consider space to be the FIRST frontier.

Offline Chris Bergin

7km per second. T+6mins. Fairing jettison.
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Into tug mode ;)
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #100 on: 04/08/2010 02:04 pm »
3rd stage should have done its 180 degree manoeuvre by now. No telemetry confirmation of this yet.
I always consider space to be the FIRST frontier.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #101 on: 04/08/2010 02:05 pm »
Thanks Ed and Klausd!!!!

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #102 on: 04/08/2010 02:06 pm »

Offline Danderman

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #103 on: 04/08/2010 02:07 pm »
If you follow the ground track, in the first few seconds of flight, the rocket passes really, really close to the town of Baikonur, there must be a great view from the city.

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #104 on: 04/08/2010 02:09 pm »

Offline Cbased

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #105 on: 04/08/2010 02:11 pm »

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #106 on: 04/08/2010 02:12 pm »
T+900 seconds.
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #107 on: 04/08/2010 02:14 pm »

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #108 on: 04/08/2010 02:14 pm »
Appears to be a nominal S/C Sep
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Offline Ben the Space Brit

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #109 on: 04/08/2010 02:15 pm »
Everyone seems to be having a party.  I'm presuming that means spacecraft sep?

No sound here at work, I'm afraid.  :P
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #110 on: 04/08/2010 02:16 pm »
CryoSat-2 is in a good condition.
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Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #111 on: 04/08/2010 02:17 pm »
Everyone seems to be having a party.  I'm presuming that means spacecraft sep?

No sound here at work, I'm afraid.  :P

Yep, happy Germans at the control center :)

Project manager is English :)
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Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #112 on: 04/08/2010 02:17 pm »
"The launcher worked perfectly".
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Offline Spiff

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #113 on: 04/08/2010 02:19 pm »
Everyone seems to be having a party.  I'm presuming that means spacecraft sep?

No sound here at work, I'm afraid.  :P

Same here. ;)

Good to see everything went well! Go Cryosat!
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Offline Cbased

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #114 on: 04/08/2010 02:19 pm »
CryoSat-2 is in communication with the tracking station in Malindi, Kenya

Offline klausd

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #115 on: 04/08/2010 02:21 pm »

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #116 on: 04/08/2010 02:21 pm »
Principle investigator for CyroSat (also English) is a happy guy.
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Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #117 on: 04/08/2010 02:22 pm »
Well done Richard!
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Offline Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #118 on: 04/08/2010 02:24 pm »
Successful launch for ESA's CryoSat-2 ice satellite

Europe's first mission dedicated to studying the Earth's ice was launched today from Kazakhstan. From its polar orbit, CryoSat-2 will send back data leading to new insights into how ice is responding to climate change and the role it plays in our "Earth system".

The CryoSat-2 satellite was launched at 15:57 CEST (13:57 UTC) on a Dnepr rocket provided by the International Space Company Kosmotras from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The signal confirming that it had separated from the launcher came 17 minutes later from the Malindi ground station in Kenya.

CryoSat-2 replaces the original CryoSat satellite that was lost in 2005 owing to a launch failure. The mission objectives, however, remain the same: to measure changes in the thickness of the vast ice sheets that overlie Antarctica and Greenland, as well as variations in the thickness of the relatively thin ice floating in the polar oceans.

"We know from our radar satellites that sea ice extent is diminishing, but there is still an urgent need to understand how the volume of ice is changing" said Volker Liebig, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes. "To make these calculations, scientists also need information on ice thickness, which is exactly what our new CryoSat satellite will provide. We are now very much looking forward to receiving the first data from the mission."

The launch of CryoSat-2 marks a significant achievement for ESA's Earth observation programme and brings to three the number of its Earth Explorer satellites placed in orbit, all having been launched within a little over 12 months. CryoSat-2 follows on from the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) mission, launched in March 2009, and the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, launched last November.

Earth Explorers are launched in direct response to issues identified by the scientific community and aim to improve our understanding of how the Earth system works and the effect that human activity is having on natural processes.

In response to this need, CryoSat-2 is carrying the first radar altimeter of its kind to overcome the difficulties of measuring icy surfaces. Its primary payload, the sophisticated SAR/Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL), was developed by Thales Alenia Space to measure the thickness of ice floating in the oceans and monitor changes in the ice sheets on land, particularly around the edges where icebergs are calved.

The CryoSat-2 satellite was built by a consortium led by EADS Astrium. The satellite is in a polar orbit, reaching latitudes of 88°. This is closer to the poles than earlier Earth observation satellites, resulting in an additional area of about 4.6 million sq km being covered. This extra coverage amounts to an area larger than all 27 European Union member states put together. The combination of the technology onboard and a polar orbit will provide evidence to further our understanding of the relationship between ice and climate.

Now that CryoSat-2 is safely in orbit, the Mission Control Team at ESA's European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany is busy with the critical "Launch and Early Operations Phase".
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Offline ArthurGoBoom

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #119 on: 04/08/2010 04:08 pm »
The launch seems a bit hairy to my untutored eye.  The rocket pops out of the silo and the engine ignites as soon as it is clear.  Maybe any ICBM guys here will share this thought: Was I the only one who held my breath just in case the engine didn't light and the whole thing clattered to the ground like an oversized shell casing?

I'm presuming since the SS-18/Dnepr uses hypergolic propellants that it's highly unlikely the engine will fail to start. I do wonder though how many prototypes did just what you describe during development of this launch system.  ;)

Offline Jester

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #120 on: 04/08/2010 06:56 pm »
Hi-Res Launch replay now available:

ftp://esa:[email protected]/Cryosat_II/2010-04-08_cryosat2_launch.mpg
« Last Edit: 04/08/2010 06:58 pm by Jester »

Offline Zipi

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #121 on: 04/08/2010 07:04 pm »
Official ESA Youtube video:
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Offline dsky

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #122 on: 04/10/2010 08:58 am »

Yep, happy Germans at the control center :)

Project manager is English :)

The typical flight control team in ESOC is mixed nationality. In particular, the Flight Director for this mission is Italian (the guy shaking hands with somebody out of view).

The Mission Manager, Tommaso Parrinello, is also Italian but is based in ESRIN where the data processing will be performed. He was there at the event in Rome where we participated. Lot of relief after some very tense moments during the launch itself. The second try is always worst than the first.

Check also out this pictures on ESA's website that show some technical details of the launcher ground system, like the bottom "cover" (cannot find a better term) that is pushed sideways by a rocket, or the rings that fall away.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEM0440OK7G_0.html

In the picture with the British Project Scientist, you also see Volker Liebig, ESA's director of the Earth Explorers Program and, on the left, Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General.
If jokes are admitted in this forum I would say that it is like those old, very European, funny stories, where you have a Brit, a French and a German, and everything managed by Italians. The difference is that this combination seems to have worked out pretty well this time. :)

Why be a rocket scientist, when you can be a spacecraft engineer?

Offline Danderman

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #123 on: 04/10/2010 03:26 pm »
The bottom "cover" is called the "sabot".

Attached is a closeup of a "ring". They are heavy.

« Last Edit: 04/10/2010 03:31 pm by Danderman »

Offline Art LeBrun

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #124 on: 04/10/2010 03:43 pm »
Thank you. Dnepr technology is fascinating to learn about ( better yet to see).
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Offline dsky

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #125 on: 04/10/2010 05:25 pm »
The bottom "cover" is called the "sabot".

Attached is a closeup of a "ring". They are heavy.

Thanks!
I was hoping for a feedback like this.

I assumed that the purpose of the rings is that to keep the vehicle aligned in its "launch tube". Do they also keep the "pressure" at the bottom to increase the effectiveness of the ejection system?

Also, do you have details about the ejection itself? The LV manual doesn't provide info. At the event people talked about "black powder cartridge(s)" but on the commentary we heard about "gas generator".

In closing, during the event ESA TV showed an animation of the entire launch sequence with good details. Do we have that clip around?
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Offline dsky

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #126 on: 04/10/2010 05:41 pm »
In the picture, Tommaso Parrinello, Cryosat Mission Manager, expressing his relief after Malindi acquired signals on the just deployed satellite. Now their job is starting.
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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #127 on: 04/10/2010 05:43 pm »
The three Earth Explorers currently in orbit, in the same 1:4 scale. These models are located in ESRIN.
« Last Edit: 04/10/2010 09:27 pm by dsky »
Why be a rocket scientist, when you can be a spacecraft engineer?

Offline Danderman

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #128 on: 04/10/2010 05:55 pm »
Also, do you have details about the ejection itself? The LV manual doesn't provide info. At the event people talked about "black powder cartridge(s)" but on the commentary we heard about "gas generator".

It smells like gunpowder.

 8)

Offline Art LeBrun

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #129 on: 04/10/2010 06:02 pm »
How is the sabot detached from the Dnepr? I see the charge to laterally blow it off to one side. The air pressure would need to be aligned to the missile very accurately for silo ejection. Hard to believe all that weight is ejected.
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Offline Nicolas PILLET

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #130 on: 04/11/2010 08:27 am »
The bottom "cover" is called the "sabot".

Attached is a closeup of a "ring". They are heavy.

Thanks for the picture Danderman ! Do you know for which flight they were taken ?
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Offline Nicolas PILLET

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #131 on: 04/11/2010 09:45 am »
The pictures of CryoSat-2's preparation let me think it happened in MIK-41, area 42.

But in this release, it is written that prep was in area 31. Any clarification about that ?

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9079
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Offline Danderman

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #132 on: 04/11/2010 01:59 pm »
The bottom "cover" is called the "sabot".

Attached is a closeup of a "ring". They are heavy.

Thanks for the picture Danderman ! Do you know for which flight they were taken ?

They are from the launch of the Demeter satellite in 2004.

Offline Spiff

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #133 on: 04/12/2010 09:04 pm »
Wow, what a strange way to get the bird into orbit. Pulling it on the burn and it "falls out of the back"!

Is this standard on a Dnepr? I've never seen it before.

Yes it is: http://www.kosmotras.ru/en/shema_polet/

I wanted to ask this before, but things got busy during launch. ;)

Ok, I understand that 'dropping' payload out of the back is useful especially on a vehicle designed to drop multiple warheads. But why the 180 degree turn? Seems to me not to be the most efficient way to plan your 3rd stage. What is the reason for this?

Thanks in advance!
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Offline bolun

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #134 on: 04/13/2010 07:36 am »

Esa's Cryosat mission switches on radar instrument

The radar instrument on Europe's Cryosat-2 spacecraft has been switched on and is reported to be working well.

The science phase of the mission is expected to start in a few months' time and continue through to at least 2013.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8615172.stm

Offline Zipi

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Re: LIVE: Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur
« Reply #135 on: 04/26/2010 08:57 pm »
New 1080p HD quality Youtube launch video collection from Roscosmos:


This is really cool video clip, make sure to watch it with full quality and full screen. :-)
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Dnepr – CryoSat-2 - April 8, 2010 – Baikonur - Update
« Reply #136 on: 05/11/2016 08:12 pm »
Changes in ice volume

European Space Agency, ESA

Published on May 11, 2016
This animation shows changes in ice volume in Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic ocean measured by the CryoSat satellite, 2010–15. CryoSat’s readings also contribute to our knowledge of global ocean depth.

More about CryoSat:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/CryoSat

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