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International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => Russian Launchers - Soyuz, Progress and Uncrewed => Topic started by: anik on 03/21/2008 07:23 pm

Title: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: anik on 03/21/2008 07:23 pm
http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153443178

Proton-M rocket for the launch of Inmarsat 4-F3 satellite has arrived to Baikonur cosmodrome yesterday.
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: Jirka Dlouhy on 03/21/2008 07:37 pm
Do you have any information about waiting for this launch because of failure of Proton-M aboard with AMC-14?

Thanks
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 05/06/2008 08:41 am

50 days after the failed launch of AMC-14, Roskosmos is ready to resume launching Proton-M/Briz-M.

ITAR-TASS reports that the deputy head of Roskosmos has declared this Monday to journalists that the reasons for the failure had been eliminated and that nothing prevented the launch of Proton-M/Briz-M.

Also Monday, the Russian government has published Decision N° 618-r authorizing the Ministry of Defense to lend equipment and personnel for the launches of Astra-1M, Nimiq-4 and Inmarsat-4F3 with Proton-M/Briz-M.

Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 05/06/2008 09:46 am
I bet these next three launches will use the 5-burn/9 hour Briz-M mission profile (longest burn lasting less than 18 minutes) :)


(Two last messages are moved from "Proton-M/Briz-M launches to resume soon" thread - anik)
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 05/06/2008 04:28 pm

Quote
 (Two last messages are moved from "Proton-M/Briz-M launches to resume soon" thread - anik)

Anik, I take note that you prefer to incorporate my two messages in the already existing "Inmarsat 4F3 launch" rather than maintaining the specific thread I tried to create for Proton-M/Briz-M flight resumption.

Be aware that Astra-1M and Nimiq-4 could well be launched before Inmarsat-4F3, that's why IMHO a specific thread for Proton-M/Briz-M launch resumption might be more appropriate ....

Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 05/06/2008 05:07 pm
Quote
input~2 - 6/5/2008  8:28 PM

Be aware that Astra-1M and Nimiq-4 could well be launched before Inmarsat-4F3, that's why IMHO a specific thread for Proton-M/Briz-M launch resumption might be more appropriate

Astra 1M launch is currently scheduled in the fourth quarter (source: SES schedule (http://www.ses.com/ses/siteSections/group/services/satellitefleet/NextLaunches/index.php)).

I know nothing about launch dates for Nimiq 4 and CMBStar satellites, but they were always planned after Inmarsat 4-F3 launch.

The rocket for Inmarsat 4-F3 is already on Baikonur cosmodrome. According to Khrunichev schedule (http://www.khrunichev.ru/khrunichev/live/) and today's Kazakhstan Today report (http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153447204), the next launch of Proton-M rocket with Briz-M upper stage will be with Inmarsat 4-F3 satellite.

So it was sober decision to include your posts into this thread. I do not want to watch equal discussions in two separate threads. :)
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 05/06/2008 07:20 pm

"the next launch of Proton-M rocket with Briz-M upper stage will be with Inmarsat 4-F3 satellite."

Time will tell if you were right  

 

Title: RE: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 05/15/2008 02:34 pm
FROB concludes first phase of review
http://www.ilslaunch.com/proton-return-to-flight-communication

"May 13, 2008 -- The members of the ILS Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) have concluded two weeks of meetings in Moscow, and concurred with the Russian investigative commission on the cause of the recent Proton Breeze M failure.  Both boards determined that the failure was caused by a ruptured exhaust gas duct, which led to a shutdown of the turbo pump feeding the Breeze M engine.  
 
The next phase is for the FROB to evaluate the corrective actions to be taken before the vehicle is cleared for return to flight for ILS missions.  Khrunichev will be performing additional analysis and engine tests that are scheduled for completion in mid-June, after which the FROB will reconvene in Moscow"
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 05/30/2008 05:04 pm
ILS Close to Return to Flight as Khrunichev Takes Control
http://www.space.com/spacenews/

"PARIS - The builder of the Proton-M launch vehicle has begun tests of a newly designed gas duct to replace the model that failed March 15 and will announce a return to flight date and an updated manifest by the end of June, according to the president of the company that sells Proton launch services worldwide"
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 06/17/2008 08:19 am
PROTON BREEZE M CLEARED FOR RETURN TO FLIGHT
http://www.ilslaunch.com/news-061608

"MOSCOW, June 16, 2008 – The Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) convened by International Launch Services (ILS) has cleared the Proton Breeze M to return to flight this summer, following its examination of test results and analysis regarding a redesigned engine component.

The Russian-built launch vehicle suffered a failure during the March 15 launch of the AMC-14 satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.  During that mission, the Breeze M upper stage shut down two minutes before the end of the planned second burn of its engine.  As a precaution, the AMC-14 satellite was released into a lower-than-planned orbit.

A Russian State Commission investigated the failure, analyzed possible scenarios and reviewed the processes, hardware and systems related to the engine and its supporting systems.  Both the Proton booster and the Breeze M upper stage are built by Khrunichev Space Center, which is the primary shareholder of ILS.

On April 21 the commission announced its conclusions: that the failure was caused by a ruptured exhaust gas conduit, which led to a shutdown of the turbo pump feeding the Breeze M engine.  The commission recommended a number of corrective actions, with the primary step being Khrunichev’s replacing the existing conduit with a thicker-walled conduit.

ILS assembled an independent FROB to review the Russian commission's findings in early May. 

Khrunichev subsequently performed additional modeling as well as component and certification engine testing to determine root cause and validate the recommended corrective actions.  The FROB reconvened in Moscow last week to review the analysis and test results.  The FROB agreed that the root cause of the failure was that the conduit walls were thinner than the minimum specification, which when combined with other factors led to the rupture.

Khrunichev has successfully completed certification testing of a flight engine with the new conduit. The new conduit is being incorporated in all future engines.

The FROB was led by ILS Chief Technical Officer Jim Bonner.  Membership included propulsion experts, members of the insurance community, and representatives of the customer for upcoming launches. 

Bonner said: “The Khrunichev team, including Khimmash, manufacturer of the Breeze M main engine, demonstrated its commitment to mission success at every level.  We are confident that the root cause has been determined and that the corrective actions provide more than enough margin to prevent this from happening again.”

Bonner continued, “In addition to making this change in the engine, Khrunichev has moved forward with its overall quality initiative by completing a detailed quality assurance review, including an independent audit, in support of near-term Proton Breeze M missions.”

“I appreciate all the energy shown throughout this intensive and thorough process,” ILS President Frank McKenna said. “We thank our customer participants and the insurance community for their contributions to the FROB.  ILS is committed to continued improvement and visibility, as part of the steps we and Khrunichev are taking to enhance the overall reliability of Proton.”

McKenna added:  “We anticipate that Inmarsat, which is the next scheduled commercial customer, will announce its selection of a launch date soon.  So now the ILS-Khrunichev team must turn our focus toward making that and all other Proton launches successful.”

ILS is scheduled to begin briefings in July for the underwriting and customer communities"
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: satlaunch on 07/01/2008 08:27 am
INMARSAT AND ILS SET AUGUST 14 FOR PROTON FLIGHT WITH INMARSAT SATELLITE

http://www.ilslaunch.com/news-070108

International Launch Services (ILS) has scheduled its next Proton Breeze M commercial mission for August 14 (August 13 GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, with the launch of the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite.

The satellite is scheduled to be shipped to Baikonur in early July for a six-week launch programme.  The satellite, an EADS Astrium Eurostar 3000 model, will weigh approximately 6 metric tons at liftoff, perfectly suited for the Proton Breeze M’s lift capability.  Khrunichev Space Center of Moscow, the majority shareholder in ILS, manufactures the Proton system.

The Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite will complete Inmarsat’s next-generation global satellite network, providing broadband MSS services to users everywhere.

This is the first ILS mission since a Breeze M upper stage suffered a failure during the AMC-14 mission in March.  The Proton Breeze M is ready to return to flight now that a Russian State Commission and an ILS-led independent review panel have concluded their inquiries into that incident and corrective actions have been completed.

“Having participated in the failure review process in its entirety, I am satisfied that the appropriate actions have been taken to deal with recent failures and to reassess the quality of the Proton vehicle. Inmarsat now expects to transport the satellite to the launch site and complete certain other formalities in sufficient time to target the launch date announced today,” said Gene Jilg, Chief Technology Officer for Inmarsat.

“We thank Inmarsat for its support and patience,” said ILS President Frank McKenna.  “We know how important this satellite is for the continued success of Inmarsat’s growing broadband services, and we look forward to the start of the campaign in the coming days.”
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 07/01/2008 06:47 pm
http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153452839

Briz-M upper stage for this launch has been delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome by aircraft on June 27th.
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 07/07/2008 02:05 pm
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3674

Inmarsat 4-F3 satellite was delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome by An-124-100 "Ruslan" aircraft yesterday.
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 07/08/2008 03:25 am
Inmarsat-4 F3 Blog
http://www.ilslaunch.com/inmarsat-4-f3
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: anik on 07/09/2008 04:14 am
Inmarsat-4 F3 Mission Overview
http://www.ilslaunch.com/assets/pdf/INMARSAT-4-F3-Mission-Overview.pdf
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: roy on 07/27/2008 05:49 am
what the location orbit position will be Inmarsat 4-F3 ?
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 07/28/2008 01:45 pm
what the location orbit position will be Inmarsat 4-F3 ?

POR 178°E
98°W
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: input~2 on 08/04/2008 02:30 pm
The orbital slot will be 98°W, not the 178°E announced previously.
See this news release (http://www.inmarsat.com/About/Newsroom/00024177.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False) from Inmarsat announcing a launch delay of a "matter of days" due to the launcher.
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/04/2008 04:37 pm
ILS presser too:

PROTON LAUNCH WITH INMARSAT SATELLITE DELAYED

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, Aug. 4, 2008 – The launch of a Proton M Breeze M vehicle with the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite has been delayed to allow time to replace and retest a launcher electrical component.

During prelaunch testing in Baikonur, a problem was discovered with the flight computer on the Breeze M upper stage.  The vendor-supplied flight computer was replaced over the weekend.

To ensure mission success, Khrunichev specialists will thoroughly check out the new component. The launch will be delayed by a matter of days and a new target launch date will be announced later this week after testing is complete.

Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 08/05/2008 11:49 am
The launch could be rescheduled to 19th august, according to "Los Garba".

http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/russie-f9/lancement-proton-m-inmarsat-4-f3-13-08-2008-t6147.htm
Title: Re: Inmarsat 4-F3 launch
Post by: Satori on 08/05/2008 12:46 pm
The launch could be rescheduled to 19th august, according to "Los Garba".

http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/russie-f9/lancement-proton-m-inmarsat-4-f3-13-08-2008-t6147.htm

That is the date that is being announced by  RIA Novosti (http://en.rian.ru/science/20080805/115728182.html).
Title: Re: Inmarsat-4 F3 launch
Post by: anik on 08/11/2008 02:59 pm
According to http://www.kt.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153457516 the launch is preliminarily planned on August 18 at 22:43 UTC.
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/13/2008 05:00 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY

ILS PROTON TO LAUNCH INMARSAT-4 F3 AUG. 19

 

Aug. 13, 2008

 

Payload:                          Inmarsat-4 F3 communications satellite
Eurostar 3000GM bus
Separated spacecraft mass: Approx. 13,140 lbs (5,960 kg)

 

Launch Vehicle:               Proton M/Breeze M

702,000 kg (1,547,000 lbs), including payload

                                        58.2 m (191 ft)

 

Launch Date:                   Aug. 19 (Baikonur)

                                        Aug. 18 (GMT, London, U.S.)

 

Launch Time:                   04:43 Baikonur

                                         22:43 GMT

                                         23:43 London

                                         18:43 EDT

                                       

Launch Site:                    Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

                                        Launch Pad 39

 

Launch Customer:           Inmarsat, London

 

Satellite Manufacturer:    EADS Astrium, France

 

Launch Vehicle                Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center,

Manufacturer:                  Moscow

 

Launch Services             

Provider:                          International Launch Services (ILS), Reston, Va.

 

Satellite Use:                   Mobile broadband services, delivering enhanced voice and high-speed data services to users on land, at sea and in air across the globe.

 

Satellite Statistics:           —  L-Band, C-Band, Nav Band, and TTC Band

—    Orbital location:  98 degrees West longitude

—    Anticipated service life into the 2020’s

 

Mission Profile:                The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, will lift off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, with the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite on board. The first three stages of the Proton will use a standard ascent trajectory to place the Breeze M fourth stage and the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite into a suborbital trajectory from which the Breeze M will then place itself and the spacecraft into a low Earth circular parking orbit. Once Inmarsat-4 F3 is in the parking orbit, it will be injected into a geosynchronous transfer orbit following four additional burns of the Breeze M.

 

Target Orbit                     Apogee: 35,786 km (22,236 miles)

at Separation:                  Perigee:  4,271 km (2,654 miles)

Inclination: 22.8 degrees

 

Spacecraft Separation:    Approximately 9 hours, 3 minutes after liftoff

 

ILS Mission Statistics:     —  3rd ILS launch of 2008

¾    46th Proton launch for ILS

¾    9th Eurostar satellite launched on a Proton

 

More Information:            Satellite coordinates for viewing the live launch broadcast in North America and Europe will be posted later, as well as information on watching the webcast.  Launch status updates are available on the ILS U.S. domestic Launch Hotline at 1-800-852-4980.

 

Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: anik on 08/13/2008 05:42 pm
http://www.kt.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153457761

The fuelling of low pressure tanks of Briz-M upper stage by propellants is performing today.
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: roccosturmann on 08/13/2008 11:54 pm
Hey guys.

Do you know if ILS or Inmarsat will broadcast the launch live via web?

Thanks! ;)
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: William Graham on 08/14/2008 01:25 am
Hey guys.

Do you know if ILS or Inmarsat will broadcast the launch live via web?

Thanks! ;)

ILS usually provide a webcast.
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: nomadd22 on 08/14/2008 01:39 am
Mackay's salesman was trying to sell me BGAN gear for our Hawaii ship just this week, referring to the new I4. That's going to be a little low in the sky if they're going to 98.
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: anik on 08/14/2008 07:11 pm
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3953

The rollout of Proton-M rocket with Briz-M upper stage and Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite to the launch pad 200/39 is planned tomorrow.
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Jirka Dlouhy on 08/15/2008 12:53 pm
Launch of Inmarsat 4 F3 is declared at August 19 (ILS, Khrunichev) Baikonour time
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: anik on 08/15/2008 07:49 pm
Baikonur: Proton Breeze M vehicle with Inmarsat 4F-3 Satellite Now On Its Launch Pad
15.08.2008

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=208

"Yesterday the Russian State Commission confirmed the launch readiness and authorized rollout of the integrated launch vehicle (ILV) - Proton Breeze M launcher with Inmarsat 4F3 satellite - to launch pad 39 (Area 200).

The rollout was completed early this morning. The vehicle has been raised to its vertical launch position. According to schedule, the launch team has begun routing  charging and testing operations"

Information about launch from Khrunichev website - http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/eng/pl_pusk.htm

"The Proton-M Breeze-M launch vehicle with the Inmarsat-4F3 satellite on board is scheduled to be launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on 18.08.2008 at 22 h 43 m 00 s UTC (19.08.2008 02 h 43 m 00 s Moscow Local Time)"
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: input~2 on 08/18/2008 06:58 am
So apparently it will be a Briz-M 5-burn sequence, not the risky 3-burn sequence! :D

Remember my comment on April 22:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=11859.msg271347#msg271347
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 05:14 pm
Webcast should start 5 hours from now:
http://streamvox.streamos.com/vyvx/ils081808/
Main Page:
http://www.ilslaunch.com/
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: bobthemonkey on 08/18/2008 06:34 pm
Little article on the launch, from the BBC of all people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7568867.stm
Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: roy on 08/18/2008 07:11 pm
what location posisiton will be inmarsat 4F-3

Title: Re: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: anik on 08/18/2008 07:18 pm
what location posisiton will be inmarsat 4F-3

Quote from http://www.inmarsat.com/About/Newsroom/00024229.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False

"Following its launch, the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite will undergo a period of deployment and several weeks of comprehensive tests and manoeuvres before being positioned in geostationary orbit at 98 degrees west"
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 09:52 pm
30min till live coverage from ILS
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:12 pm
live coverage in less than 8 min
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2008 10:20 pm
Will welcome help with screenshots if anyone is able.

Best I can get is this...
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:20 pm
Coverage has started
T-22min

Sorry Chris...not able to provide pics tonight...
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:20 pm
Yup, will do.  Need a video as well?
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2008 10:22 pm
Yup, will do.  Need a video as well?

We've got the video covered, but will appreciate images.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: ckiki lwai on 08/18/2008 10:25 pm
tada!
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:27 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:28 pm
T-15min
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:29 pm
From the CEO of Inmarsat:
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:31 pm
Today's launch marks the completion of the I4 constellation, so that they have full capability for the comms services they provide.

The Inmarsat sat is as big as ATV (about like a double decker bus)
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:33 pm
Great image of the Protons assembly line, along with some nice info about Proton's history:
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:34 pm
history of the launch site
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:34 pm
Rollout and verticalization:
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:36 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:36 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:36 pm
Live again, T-7 min.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:37 pm
Balmy weather, with highs around 40ºC.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:37 pm
Already posted in reply 49. :)

Some simulations.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:40 pm
breeze M burn
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:41 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2008 10:41 pm
T-120 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 10:41 pm
Launch team completing final checks, and looking at weather.

T-2 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:41 pm
payload sep
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:42 pm
All go for launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:43 pm
Main events of first stage flight:

- T-2.5sek: ignition sequence starts
- T-1.6sek: first stage ignition, 40% thrust
- T-0.9sek: 100% thrust
- T-0: Liftoff
- T+1min6sec: Max Q
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2008 10:43 pm
LAUNCH!
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:43 pm
Liftoff!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
Into the roll and flying through MaxQ
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
So many sparks... but that looked nominal.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
clear night, so tracking will be good
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:45 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/18/2008 10:45 pm
separation!

mentions the fire in the hole type staging
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:45 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: rocketnerd on 08/18/2008 10:46 pm
"Proton is shining like a star in the night over Kazakhstan"
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:46 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:46 pm
Beautiful separation, you could see the exhaust escaping through the stage 1-2 interface!

Also the first stage falling away is some sight.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:46 pm
2nd/3rd stage sep scheduled at T+5min32sec
Fairing sep at T+5min46sec
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:46 pm
First stage separation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:48 pm
everything nominal
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:48 pm
"Still visible in the sky."
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:48 pm
Getting short of things to say...

"Get her on the phone!!" :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/18/2008 10:49 pm
possibly may see stage 3 separation
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:49 pm
Stage 2-3 sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 10:49 pm
Fairing sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:50 pm
Fairing sep occured

Stage 3 sep is due at T+9min46sec

Breeze M first ignition at T+11min50sec
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:50 pm
The first stage should have impacted downrange by now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 10:50 pm
Launch video now available in the free video section.

Video is from shortly after liftoff to stage 1-2 separation.  I screwed up from T-10 to T-1, so sorry about that!

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=14062.0
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: ckiki lwai on 08/18/2008 10:51 pm
LOL
Woman: You used the word nominal a lot? What does it mean?
John: It means normal, but we don't use the word normal because it has other meanings in science as well, besides nominal sounds cooler.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:52 pm
now playing EADS video
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:52 pm
Lots of transponders in this huge sat... and of course the eye-catching unfurlable antenna.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/18/2008 10:53 pm
AP/US separation!
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 10:53 pm
Stage 3 shutdown and separation confirmed.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 10:54 pm
Great to see the screen with the pathes of the spend stages
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:55 pm
And by now the second stage and fairing halves should have impacted the ground as well.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 10:57 pm
Still waiting for confirmation of Briz-M first ignition.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 10:58 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 11:01 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 11:01 pm
Confirmation of the first Breeze M burn start.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 11:01 pm
Launch video now available in the free video section.

Video is from shortly after liftoff to stage 1-2 separation.  I screwed up from T-10 to T-1, so sorry about that!

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=14062.0

And the higher resolution of the video is now up.  The audio and video will be a tick out of sync.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ford Mustang on 08/18/2008 11:04 pm
ILS launch coverage is now ending.

You can stay up to date with the launch at http://www.ilslaunch.com/ .

Expected confirmation of satellite separation is just before 4:00 AM EDT.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 11:04 pm
Breeze M/Inmarsat now out of reach of tracking station. Live webcast is coming to an end.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 11:04 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/18/2008 11:07 pm
end of live coverage
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: cb6785 on 08/18/2008 11:10 pm
Timeline for the rest of the flight:

- 1st shutdown T+19min39sec
- 2nd ignition T+1h5min3sec
- 2nd shutdown T+1h22min13sec
- 3rd ignition T+3h25min30sec
- 3rd shutdown T+3h35min42sec
- APT jettison T+3h36min32sec
- 4th ignition T+3h37min59sec
- 4th shutdown T+3h44min34sec
- 5th ignition T+8h42min10sec
- 5th shutdown T+8h47min44sec
- Inmarsat separation T+9h3min0sec
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: William Graham on 08/18/2008 11:11 pm
Did anyone notice the sparks which appeared to be coming from the lightning tower nearest the camera. I was wondering whether this could indicate some form of damage to the launch facilities.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: PDJennings on 08/18/2008 11:16 pm
Did anyone notice the sparks which appeared to be coming from the lightning tower nearest the camera. I was wondering whether this could indicate some form of damage to the launch facilities.

I believe those are particles of concrete flying out of the flame trench.  In past years, there wasn't as much seen.  I am not sure if that is particular to Pad 39 or just the current refurb process on the flame trench.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/18/2008 11:20 pm
Did anyone notice the sparks which appeared to be coming from the lightning tower nearest the camera. I was wondering whether this could indicate some form of damage to the launch facilities.

I believe those are particles of concrete flying out of the flame trench.  In past years, there wasn't as much seen.  I am not sure if that is particular to Pad 39 or just the current refurb process on the flame trench.

We're halfway across the world for this one.

EDIT:  Me stupid.  39 here, 39 there, flying debris everywhere...
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: eeergo on 08/18/2008 11:21 pm
There are sparks flying in every Proton launch, no idea whether they're some kind of nominal "engine plug" or pad material. However, I remember seeing at least another launch with lots of sparks, perhaps a bit less than this one but quite a lot nevertheless.

I'm guessing dirt and stones can get pretty hot if they're caught by the exhaust and Baikonur pads don't seem to be as impolute as Canaveral's. There must be quite a lot of stuff sitting on the pad to form that cloud Protons make in every launch, given the hypergols shouldn't form it.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: maxx on 08/19/2008 12:59 am
from the blog:
Quote
Posted by ILS Communications Team, 8:42 p.m. EDT on 18 August 2008

The Breeze M upper stage of our Proton M rocket continues its climb into space with the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite. We have received confirmation that the 1st and 2nd burns of the upper stage occurred and shut down as scheduled.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: manlymissileman on 08/19/2008 01:04 am
I realize this is proprietary info but I'm curious what's the $$$ range for the cost to the customer of a commsat like this?  Just the sat hardware itself without ground ops/insurance/launch.  Any pointers?
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Danderman on 08/19/2008 02:43 am
3rd and 4th burns are now complete, per the blog.

Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/19/2008 02:58 am
I believe that the 3rd burn should have been completed by now (10:43 pm EDT).


Quote from: ILS
We have confirmed that the Breeze M upper stage has successfully completed its 3rd & 4th burns, as well as jettisoning its additional propellant tank. The vehicle is now in a 5-hour coast period, during which we will have nothing to report. The 5th burn is scheduled for around 3:35 a.m. Eastern time, or 7:25 GMT. Separation of the Inmarsat 4 spacecraft is scheduled to follow that by about 16 minutes.

http://www.ilslaunch.com/inmarsat-4-f3
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Danderman on 08/19/2008 03:02 am
Does anyone know where the 3rd stage impacts during such missions?

 ???
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: input~2 on 08/19/2008 05:25 am
Does anyone know where the 3rd stage impacts during such missions?

In the Pacific
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Nigel on 08/19/2008 05:27 am
Somebody must be in a different world.  Who really cares about sparks and damage tot eh launchpad.  ILS is in the business of launching satellites and the launchpad can be repaired - DUH!!!


Did anyone notice the sparks which appeared to be coming from the lightning tower nearest the camera. I was wondering whether this could indicate some form of damage to the launch facilities.

I believe those are particles of concrete flying out of the flame trench.  In past years, there wasn't as much seen.  I am not sure if that is particular to Pad 39 or just the current refurb process on the flame trench.

We're halfway across the world for this one.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Andrewwski on 08/19/2008 05:45 am
Obviously you didn't see 39A after STS-124...

I know, totally different story, but the pads are important as well.
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: satlaunch on 08/19/2008 08:02 am
Fifth burn and spacecraft seperation confirmed. Mission accomplished!

http://www.ilslaunch.com/inmarsat4f3-mission-control
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: satlaunch on 08/19/2008 08:23 am
ILS PROTON SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES INMARSAT-4 F3 SATELLITE


BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, Aug. 19, 2008 – A Proton Breeze M launch vehicle successfully lifted the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite into orbit today, marking the third mission of the year for International Launch Services (ILS).

The Proton Breeze M vehicle, built by Khrunichev Space Center of Moscow, lifted off from Pad 39 at the cosmodrome at 4:43 today local time (18:43 EDT Monday, 22:43 GMT Monday).  After a 9-hour-3-minute mission, the launcher released the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite, a Eurostar 3000GM model built by EADS Astrium, is expected to go into service at 98 degrees West longitude, where it will deliver mobile broadband services over the United States for Inmarsat of London.

“This is a major milestone event for Inmarsat.  ILS is proud to be a part of the construction of their global service with the successful Proton launch of Inmarsat-4 F3 today,” said ILS President Frank McKenna.

“Congratulations to ILS on another successful Proton launch. The F3 launch has been highly anticipated. This satellite will enable Inmarsat to complete its BGAN services to subscribers across the globe,” said Andrew Sukawaty, president and CEO of Inmarsat.  “We thank ILS for its due diligence in returning to flight successfully."

http://www.ilslaunch.com/news-081908
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: Satori on 08/19/2008 03:17 pm
Does anyone has the serial numbers of the 8K82KM Proton-M and Briz-M used on this launch?

Thanks!
Title: Re: LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18
Post by: manlymissileman on 08/20/2008 01:32 am
I realize this is proprietary info but I'm curious what's the $$$ range for the cost to the customer of a commsat like this?  Just the sat hardware itself without ground ops/insurance/launch.  Any pointers?

this http://spaceflightnow.com/proton/i4f3/ says $1.5 billion investment (not sure if just for F3 or the entire trio)

[edit] anyways, congrats on the successful return to flight!  (it appears everything went smoothly after the Breeze change)