AFAIK the only things that's known are:1) that there was a break in the com-link with the launcher just after 2th stage engine start. The communication wasn't restored.2) AFAIK both satellites haven't communicated back to groundstations (jet?)This communication link failure is definetly a big anomaly, but the launch sequence is programed inside the upperstage. If only the com-link failed; the launch sequence continues and eventually the satellites would send data to the ground. I think this is a very nasty situation because both the current status and cause are unknown.Most likely the ground tracking network/ orbit clasification is required to clear up the situation.I really hope satellite signals will be received.I don't know if the Ariane 5ES uses the same launch vehicle control system. So I can't judge the extend of the concequences of this launch anomaly. Thanks for covering this launch. Let's hope for the best.
With the benefit of its electric thruster orbit-raising package, the SES 14 telecom satellite with NASA's GOLD science instrument is expected to be able to reach its planned position in geostationary orbit.The status of the Al Yah 3 satellite, which has a conventional chemical orbit-raising engine, has not been confirmed.
So *IF* there has been no actual communication any of the payloads, were all the updates after the telemetry drop just lies?? (all updates after page mid-page 7 in this thread)Because they certainly did not make it sound like they were just reading off a timeline printed up ahead of time. (This reminds me of the Indian launch last year where we were getting announcement after announcement that thing were nominal, when they clearly were not)
SpaceflightNow reporting sources saying the payloads are in *some* orbit.https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/956690661906026496Stephen Clark: "With the benefit of its electric thruster orbit-raising package, the SES 14 telecom satellite with NASA's GOLD science instrument is expected to be able to reach its planned position in geostationary orbit.The status of the Al Yah 3 satellite, which has a conventional chemical orbit-raising engine, has not been confirmed."
Faring isn't large enough. JWST was built around the Ariane 5. JWST is Ariane 5 and Ariane 5 only without major structural modifications, and with the budget already overrun, it's Ariane 5 or bust. Likely will face delay as they re-asses the risk along with ArianeSpace.
Quote from: Lars-J on 01/25/2018 11:55 pmSo *IF* there has been no actual communication any of the payloads, were all the updates after the telemetry drop just lies?? (all updates after page mid-page 7 in this thread)Because they certainly did not make it sound like they were just reading off a timeline printed up ahead of time. (This reminds me of the Indian launch last year where we were getting announcement after announcement that thing were nominal, when they clearly were not)It was a simulation after telemetry was lost. Nothing nefarious, that is pretty standard.
Quote from: spacetraveler on 01/25/2018 11:58 pmQuote from: Lars-J on 01/25/2018 11:55 pmSo *IF* there has been no actual communication any of the payloads, were all the updates after the telemetry drop just lies?? (all updates after page mid-page 7 in this thread)Because they certainly did not make it sound like they were just reading off a timeline printed up ahead of time. (This reminds me of the Indian launch last year where we were getting announcement after announcement that thing were nominal, when they clearly were not)It was a simulation after telemetry was lost. Nothing nefarious, that is pretty standard.Obviously, but phrased very deceptively. How else would you interpret the comment relayed on page 9: "Commentator affirming Malindi has AOS." ?
Quote from: wxmeddler on 01/25/2018 11:47 pmFaring isn't large enough. JWST was built around the Ariane 5. JWST is Ariane 5 and Ariane 5 only without major structural modifications, and with the budget already overrun, it's Ariane 5 or bust. Likely will face delay as they re-asses the risk along with ArianeSpace.Not really. It was built around Delta IV. The Delta IV fairing could work, with the little intrusions.
Hmmm... it sounds like maybe on orbit, but not the correct orbit? What could potentially be the cause of that?
Arianespace just released a statement saying both satellite providers have AOS of their respective payloads.
Quote from: rockets4life97 on 01/26/2018 12:10 amHmmm... it sounds like maybe on orbit, but not the correct orbit? What could potentially be the cause of that?Exactly. Could still be in some kind of unstable LEO for all we know.
I am so laughing it this turns out to be faulty antenna.