NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => Russian Launchers - Soyuz, Progress and Uncrewed => Topic started by: Stan Black on 08/30/2013 02:41 pm
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Payload: Ekspress-AM8
Rocket: Proton-M 8К82КМ with improved energy-mass characteristics (phase 3) № 93553
Upper stage: DM-03 11С861-03 № 5Л
Fairing: 813ИНМ
Launch site: Baikonur 8П882К (ПУ № 24)
State Centre for Space Research and Production, in the name of M.V. Khrunichev
Государственный космический научно-производственный центр имени М.В. Хруничева
Proton-M
Fairing 813ИНМ
Изготовление головного обтекателя типа 813ИНМ для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8» (813ХХХ-0000-0СБ)
155 776 000 Russian ruble
Contract date: 5th April 2013
Contract number: 100-1033/13/125
Contractual period: January 2013 to June 2014
Delivery: June 2014
[source (http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/contract/contractCard/common-info.html?reestrNumber=0173100007013000143)]
Delivery of launch vehicle, fairing and upper stage to the launch site
Подготовка к транспортировке, транспортировка ракеты-носителя «Протон-М» с РБ 11С861-03 и ГО 813ИНМ для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8» и возврат порожнего транспорта
27 122 100 Russian ruble
Contract date: 26th December 2013
Contract number: 100-С075/14/15
Contractual period: 1st January 2014 to 25th November 2014
[source (http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/contract/contractCard/common-info.html?reestrNumber=0173100007013000396)]
S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation «Energia»
Ракетно-космической корпорации «Энергия» имени С.П. Королёва
DM-03
Routine maintenance on DM-03
Проведение регламентных проверок разгонного блока 11С861-03 № 5Л изготовленного для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8».
2 902 000 Russian ruble
Contract date: 25th November 2014
Contract number: 351-С251/14/367
Contractual period: November 2014
[source (http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/contract/contractCard/common-info.html?reestrNumber=0173100007014000209)]
- location of work Energia
Delivery of DM-03 to Khrunichev for onward shipment, along with Proton-M to the launch site
Подготовка к транспортировке, транспортировка РБ ДМ (11С861-03 с адаптером) для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8» и возврат порожнего транспорта
2 823 000 Russian rubles
Contractual period: 25th December 2014
[source (http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/order/notice/ok44/view/common-info.html?regNumber=0173100007015000029)]
Centre for Operation of Land-Based Space Infrastructure (TsENKI)
Центр эксплуатации объектов наземной космической инфраструктуры (ЦЭНКИ)
Launch campaign
Подготовка и запуск РН «Протон-М» и РБ типа «ДМ» с КА «Экспресс-АМ8». Проведение послепусковых работ.
737 000 000 Russian ruble
Contract date: 29th October 2013
Contract number: 924-8561/13/324
Contractual period: up to 25th November 2014
[source (http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/contract/contractCard/common-info.html?reestrNumber=0173100007013000293)]
Joint Stock Company «Information Satellite Systems» in the name of Academician M.F. Reshetnev
Открытое акционерное общество «Информационные спутниковые системы» имени академика М.Ф. Решетнёва
Ekspress-AM8
Mass: 2,100 kilogrammes
Platform: Express-1000HTB
Service life: 15 years
Transponders: 24 C-band, 12 Ka-band, 2 L-band
Propellants: xenon 165 kilogrammes, hydrazine 30 kilogrammes
[source (http://www.tsenki.com/launch_services/help_information/articles/?ELEMENT_ID=90519)] [source (http://www.iss-reshetnev.com/?cid=prj_express_at)] [source (http://assi.or.id/download/APSAT2013/PresentationFile/Dmitry%20Latyshev_ISS%20Reshetnev.pdf)]
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The above provides a cost to the government of 425 584 000 rubles for the Block-DM-03.
The XE Currency Converter says this is $13,161,185.20 dollars.
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Delivery of launch vehicle, upper stage and fairing to launch site
Транспортировка РН «Протон-М» с РБ 11С861-03 и ГО для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8»
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/pgz/public/action/orders/info/common_info/show?notificationId=7499088
1st post updated.
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Транспортировка РН «Протон-М» с РБ 11С861-03 и ГО для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8»
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/pgz/public/action/orders/info/common_info/show?notificationId=7499088
1st post updated.
This refers to the transport of the Proton and fairing to the launch site.
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Express-AM8 satellite enters integration phase
ISS-Reshetnev Company has commenced mating the platform and the payload module of the telecommunications satellite Express-AM8
The integration phase includes not only the process of mating two main structural elements of the satellite but also the integration of its systems into a single whole. The integration phase is to be completed by early March, followed by rigorous environmental testing of the Express-AM8 satellite.
Being the prime contractor under the project, ISS-Reshetnev Company is responsible for the design and manufacture of the spacecrafts platform that incorporates all its services subsystems and payload module structures. As well as that, the company is tasked with the integration and testing of Express-AM8, its pre-launch activities and in-orbit commissioning.
The Express-AM8 telecommunications spacecraft is being built on an ISS-Reshetnevs middle-class Express-1000HTB platform for the national satellite operator RSCC (Russian Satellite Communications Company). Work on payload instruments was subcontracted to the French division of Thales Alenia Space.
http://www.iss-reshetnev.com/?cid=news&nid=308
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Launch campaign
Подготовка и запуск РН «Протон-М» и РБ типа «ДМ» с КА «Экспресс-АМ8». Проведение послепусковых работ.
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/pgz/public/action/contracts/info/common_info/show?contractInfoId=11893841
1st post updated.
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Transportation of DM-03 from Energia to Khrunichev, for onward transportation along with Proton-M to the launch site.
Транспортировка разгонного блока (РБ) ДМ (11С861-03) для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8»
912 000 Russian rubles
Delivery period up to 1st December 2014
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/order/notice/ok44/view/common-info.html?regNumber=0173100007014000059
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/order/notice/ok44/view/common-info.html?regNumber=0173100007014000107
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11С861-03 №5Л
http://www.e-disclosure.ru/portal/FileLoad.ashx?Fileid=928481
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Routine maintenance on DM-03
Проведение регламентных проверок разгонного блока 11С861-03 № 5Л изготовленного для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8».
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/epz/order/notice/ok44/view/common-info.html?regNumber=0173100007014000135
1st post updated.
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Tender from the Centre for Operation of Land-Based Space Infrastructure (TsENKI) for insurance to cover various launches, including «Ekspress-AM», «Soyuz-TMA», «Progress-M», «GLONASS-M»:-
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/purchase/info/common-info.html?noticeId=1752593
Direct link to document, dated 21st November 2014:-
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/download/download.html?id=9745038
Запуск космического аппарата: КА «Экспресс-АМ8»
Объект страхования: РН «Протон-М», РБ «Бриз-М» для запуска КА «Экспресс-АМ8»
Страховая сумма (лимит ответственности) млн.руб.: 1 797,090
Страховая премия (максимальный тариф) млн.руб.: 161,740
Ориентировочная дата запуска: I кв. 2015г.
Launch of satellite: satellite Ekspress-AM8
Insured items: rocket Proton-M, upper stage Briz-M for launch of satellite Ekspress-AM8
The sum insured (limit of liability), million. ruble: 1 797,090
Insurance premium (maximum tariff), million. ruble: 161,740
The estimated launch date: 1st quarter of 2015
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Gosh... TsENKI does not know what kind of upper stage will fly with Ekspress-AM8... Information about rockets and satellites for insurance are from Wikipedia...
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC2Z34aMEL4
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Tender from the Centre for Operation of Land-Based Space Infrastructure (TsENKI) for insurance to cover various launch sites; for preparation and launch of rockets «Proton», «Soyuz», «Zenit»:-
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/purchase/info/common-info.html?noticeId=1922237
Direct link to document, dated 29th December 2014:-
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/download/download.html?id=10741151
РКН: КА «Экспресс АМ8», РН «Протон-М»
Дата запуска: 1 кв. 2015
Страховая сумма (лимит ответственности) млн.руб.: 2 558,10
Страховая премия (максимальный тариф) млн.руб.: 17,9
Launch: satellite Ekspress-AM8, rocket Proton-M
Launch date: 1st quarter of 2015
The sum insured (limit of liability), million ruble: 2 558,10
Insurance premium (maximum tariff), million ruble: 17,9
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From the serial number, is this the first use of a phase III Proton-M with a DM upper stage?
http://www.zenite.nu/orbita/primeiro-lancamento-orbital-da-russia-em-2015/
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From the serial number, is this the first use of a phase III Proton-M with a DM upper stage?
http://www.zenite.nu/orbita/primeiro-lancamento-orbital-da-russia-em-2015/
Yes, but there could have been only 1 before it.
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The satellite has been flown to Baikonur on an Antonov 124 today: http://www.iss-reshetnev.ru/?cid=news&nid=1846 (http://www.iss-reshetnev.ru/?cid=news&nid=1846)
Let's hope that this Block-DM-03 has better luck than the first two.... :-X
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According to anik, Blok DM-03 has been delivered on 6th January.
http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum13/topic4533/message1332759/#message1332759
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The launch is slipping into May due to that the Proton's 2nd stage fuel lines was discovered to be contaminated with metallic dust (!). :-X
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/430972
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Curse of the Block DM-03 strikes again eh, at least this time they caught it before launch. Always seems to be the DM-03 flights that have issues, very interesting.
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Some new launch dates from http://ria.ru/science/20150402/1056104608.html (http://ria.ru/science/20150402/1056104608.html):
Proton/Kosmos ("harpoon"): May 19
Proton/Inmarsat 5-F3: May 31
Proton/Express-AM8: June 18
Proton/Turksat 4B: June 30
Soyuz-2.1a/Kosmos ("film camera"): May 15
Soyuz-2.1b/Kosmos ("digital cam"): June 5
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The satellite has been flown to Baikonur on an Antonov 124 today: http://www.iss-reshetnev.ru/?cid=news&nid=1846 (http://www.iss-reshetnev.ru/?cid=news&nid=1846)
Let's hope that this Block-DM-03 has better luck than the first two.... :-X
Manufacturer Reshetnev issued a tender for the transportation to the launch site. Not sure who was awarded the contract.
Организация доставки воздушным судном АН-124 КА «Экспресс-АМ8» на к. «Байконур» 02.03.15 г. и возврат транспортировочной тары 04.03.15 г.
30 980 000 Russian ruble
http://www.zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/purchase/info/common-info.html?noticeId=2033736
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According to http://tass.ru/kosmos/1916575 (in RUssian) launch can take place on June 18.
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According to http://tass.ru/kosmos/1916575 (in RUssian) launch can take place on June 18.
I think Andrey et al. on NK thinks that this report is outdated...
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The launch of communications satellite "Express AM8" has been reschedule for July, because of technical problems of "Proton-M".
tass.ru (http://tass.ru/kosmos/1963041)
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http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum14/topic14042/message1385942/#message1385942
August 23 (TBD) Inmarsat 5 F3 Proton-M/Briz-M Baikonur, 200/39
September 13 (TBD) Ekspress-AM8 Proton-M/DM-03 Baikonur, 81/24
October 6 (TBD) Turksat 4B Proton-M/Briz-M Baikonur, 200/39
Changes on June 19
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http://www.interfax.ru/russia/450549
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Thanks xm11. A Google translation says the launch date is 14 September.
"Second after the accident start "Proton-m" appointed on 14 September. The rocket will start with telecommunications spacecraft "AM8" manufactured by request of Russian operator of satellite communications satellite communications company. This launch was also postponed because of the may crash."
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Couple of things about this upcoming launch. The original intention was for Ekspress-AM8 to be launched along with Ekspress-MD2. Also according to Anik the DM-03 was manufactured for a different satellite.
Продолжаются работы по созданию малого КА «Экспресс-МД2» (запуск в 2011 году). Подготовлена конкурсная документация по созданию КА «Экспресс-АМ8» (запуск в 2011 году). Планируется, что спутники «Экспресс-МД2» и «Экспресс-АМ8» будут выведены в результате совместного запуска одной ракетой-носителем «Протон-М».
http://www.rscc.ru/files.images/30-33_prohorov.pdf
http://www.rossvyaz.ru/press/reports/doc394.htm?print=1#part3_5
Говорят, что разгонные блоки ДМ-03 №2Л, №3Л и №4Л полностью изготовлены. Поскольку они предназначены для выведения «ГЛОНАССОВ», то их сдали на хранение. Первым в 2012 году полетит ДМ-03 №5Л с военным спутником, блок должен быть изготовлен до конца этого года.
http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum13/topic4533/message792396/#message792396
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Specialists of the Roscosmos on Thursday at the Baikonur resumed work on the upcoming September launch "Proton-M" rocket with "Express-AM8" satellite, reported "Interfax" a source at the cosmodrome.
"Today started with upper stage block DM-03 is intended for this tool. "Proton-M" rocket and "Express-AM8" satellite are also at Baikonur, but while they are in storage mode, preparing for the launch will begin in mid-August," said the source.
The launch of "Proton" rocket with "Express-AM8" satellite is scheduled for 22:00 MSK on 14 September.
http://www.interfax.ru/world/458498
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According to http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1411185/#message1411185 Blok DM-03 was today fueled for flight.
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Today the Ekspress-AM8 spacecraft docked with the DM-03 upper stage.
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According to http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1411185/#message1411185 Blok DM-03 was today fueled for flight.
That means that the hypergolic RCS was loaded, or did they also put the RG-1? Because I understand that the LOX has to be pad supplied.
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According to http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1411185/#message1411185 Blok DM-03 was today fueled for flight.
That means that the hypergolic RCS was loaded, or did they also put the RG-1? Because I understand that the LOX has to be pad supplied.
It has been done both ways to date.
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The upper composite with the encapsulated Ekspress-AM8 satellite inside has been mated with the Proton-M rocket.
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The launcher was taken to the launch pad today
http://www.federalspace.ru/21713/ (in Russian)
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Another set of images is available at http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=129399
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This is scheduled to launch Sunday at 3:00 in the afternoon EST, right. That is what SFN is reporting.
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Anyone has the detailed flight plan? The only info I got is that spacecraft separation will occur at 01:37 UTC on the 15th, at T+6 h 37 min. (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1414009/) Sounds like a 2 burn profile for the block DM for direct geostationary orbit insertion to me? ::)
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Anyone has the detailed flight plan? The only info I got is that spacecraft separation will occur at 01:37 UTC on the 15th, at T+6 h 37 min. (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1414009/) Sounds like a 2 burn profile for the block DM for direct geostationary orbit insertion to me? ::)
Not quite, as it turned out to be a 3 burn profile for the block DM, with the Proton 3rd stage going sub-orbital: http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940 (http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940)
BTW TsENKI has just confirmed that they will have a live broadcast of this one. ;)
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Moved for live coverage!
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These Russian Government Proton-M's always seem to catch me out compared to the ILS Protons!
So, fact check.
Is this spacecraft identical to the Ekspress-AM7?
It's a Block DM-03 Upper Stage, which is the larger tank version compared to the DM-02? What engine does this DM-03 have?
Do we know the number of burns and S/C Sep time?
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Is this spacecraft identical to the Ekspress-AM7?
Nope, completely different. Ekspress-AM8 is an Ekspress-1000 bus comsat from Russian manufacturer ISS Reshetnev. Similar satellites launched before includes Ekspress-AT1/2, AMOS 5, KazSat 3, Yamal-300K, the 3 Luch-5 data relay satellites, the 2 GLONASS-K navsats and the failed Telkom 3, with Ekspress-AT1 being the most similar to AM8.
Ekspress-AM7 was built by Airbus. ;)
It's a Block DM-03 Upper Stage, which is the larger tank version compared to the DM-02? What engine does this DM-03 have?
Basically yes, with the same engine as the one on the earlier DM versions. Someone more well versed than me may be able to point out the subtle differences.
Do we know the number of burns and S/C Sep time?
See the earlier posts above. ;)
Anyone has the detailed flight plan? The only info I got is that spacecraft separation will occur at 01:37 UTC on the 15th, at T+6 h 37 min. (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1414009/) Sounds like a 2 burn profile for the block DM for direct geostationary orbit insertion to me? ::)
Not quite, as it turned out to be a 3 burn profile for the block DM, with the Proton 3rd stage going sub-orbital: http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940 (http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940)
BTW TsENKI has just confirmed that they will have a live broadcast of this one. ;)
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Is this spacecraft identical to the Ekspress-AM7?
Nope, completely different. Ekspress-AM8 is an Ekspress-1000 bus comsat from Russian manufacturer ISS Reshetnev. Similar satellites launched before includes Ekspress-AT1/2, AMOS 5, KazSat 3, Yamal-300K, the 3 Luch-5 data relay satellites, the 2 GLONASS-K navsats and the failed Telkom 3, with Ekspress-AT1 being the most similar to AM8.
Ekspress-AM7 was built by Airbus. ;)
It's a Block DM-03 Upper Stage, which is the larger tank version compared to the DM-02? What engine does this DM-03 have?
Basically yes, with the same engine as the one on the earlier DM versions. Someone more well versed than me may be able to point out the subtle differences.
Do we know the number of burns and S/C Sep time?
See the earlier posts above. ;)
Anyone has the detailed flight plan? The only info I got is that spacecraft separation will occur at 01:37 UTC on the 15th, at T+6 h 37 min. (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic13394/message1414009/) Sounds like a 2 burn profile for the block DM for direct geostationary orbit insertion to me? ::)
Not quite, as it turned out to be a 3 burn profile for the block DM, with the Proton 3rd stage going sub-orbital: http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940 (http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=388940)
BTW TsENKI has just confirmed that they will have a live broadcast of this one. ;)
Super! I pays to check! ;D
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The rollout to the launch pad 3 days ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkElv9_9IUI
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web cam open now
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Live from the Baikonur cosmodrome.
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Article for this launch:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/09/russian-proton-m-ekspress-am8-launch/
PM me if there's any corrections required.
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Wow, what a view :o ! Fairing.
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Sounded like team polling of some sort just now.
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Sounded like team polling of some sort just now.
Two hours before launch.
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got a nice pic....crew working
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Crossing fingers for the venerable Blok-D. Our lady of blessed kerolox, don't fail me now !
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Gantry being released. Engineers shouting at each other ;D
http://www.tsenki.com/en/broadcast/broadcast/live2.php
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This broadcast is better:
http://www.federalspace.ru/317/
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Rollout
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nice view
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On the pad
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Tower rolling back
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Gotovnost odin tsas - readyness to launch in 1 h
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These Russian Government Proton-M's always seem to catch me out compared to the ILS Protons!
So, fact check.
Is this spacecraft identical to the Ekspress-AM7?
It's a Block DM-03 Upper Stage, which is the larger tank version compared to the DM-02? What engine does this DM-03 have?
Do we know the number of burns and S/C Sep time?
ILS were involved with both Ekspress-AM7 and Ekspress-AM4R.
It is DM-2M or DM-01, same thing; article 11С861-01. Latest version is DM-03; article 11С861-03.
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25 minutes for launch... all looks good!
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Looks like it didn't made it to Chris' article, but here's the detailed launch time line (http://www.russianspaceweb.com/ekspress-am8.html).
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Looks like it didn't made it to Chris' article, but here's the detailed launch time line (http://www.russianspaceweb.com/ekspress-am8.html).
That's not an official site (as in press material). So I can't use it in my articles.
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T-15m
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10 minutes for launch. All looks good.
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my count less than 6 min
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5 minutes for launch....
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T-5 mins!
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60 seconds...
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launch
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LAUNCH!
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LAUNCH!!!!
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10 sec in flight
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Nominal.
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view to Launch....
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Staging.
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Stage 1 / 2 sep! All nominal!
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Stage 2 / 3 sep.
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...and fairing sep!
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meanwhile back at the pad....first people return
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Nominal performance of the 3rd stage so far. All looking good!
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meanwhile back at the pad....first people return
Because vodka is a confirmed antidote for hydrazine
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End of 3rd stage ignition. 3rd stage / DM-03 sep.
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6 hour 37 minute long mission. Still a long way to go.
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And video. These kids are fast ( as lightning )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeTXNasjNeQ&feature=youtu.be&a
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any link of telemetry live ?
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any link of telemetry live ?
No, no live telemetry available.
The first Blok DM-03 ignition must have been completed between T+15m 45 and T+16m 53s.
According to http://www.russianspaceweb.com/ekspress-am8.html second Blok DM-03 ignition to take place between T+1h 13m 6s and T+1h 21m 8s.
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Anatoly Zak @RussianSpaceWeb 6 minutes ago
So far so good! One more firing to go 5 hours from now to complete #Proton's delivery of #EkspressAM8.
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Is this spacecraft identical to the Ekspress-AM7?
Nope, completely different. Ekspress-AM8 is an Ekspress-1000 bus comsat from Russian manufacturer ISS Reshetnev. Similar satellites launched before includes Ekspress-AT1/2, AMOS 5, KazSat 3, Yamal-300K, the 3 Luch-5 data relay satellites, the 2 GLONASS-K navsats and the failed Telkom 3, with Ekspress-AT1 being the most similar to AM8.
And coming soon, Lybid and Aonesat?
And possibly the Labirint ELINT satellite article 14Ф141. The tender for transportation of AM8 to the launch site indicates a connection with this family of satellites; plus various other references to shared components.
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Zak reported : Mission success, spacecraft sep complete
https://twitter.com/RussianSpaceWeb/status/643602684902277121
Blok-D is back !
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РОСКОСМОС @fka_roscosmos 6m6 minutes ago
Космический аппарат #ЭкспрессАМ8 выведен на целевую орбиту и принят на управление заказчиком:http://www.federalspace.ru/21720/
:)
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Someone can sleep well today
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Good news for Energiya too!
In this 11S861-03 version of the DM, do the SOZ ullage motors stay attached, or will we see them cataloged
in transfer orbit?
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satellite arrive to position
http://www.federalspace.ru/21720/
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satellite arrive to position
http://www.federalspace.ru/21720/
So far it reached the "target orbit", will arrive at its final position later
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15.09.2015 01:36 UTC
(http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/bitrix/components/bitrix/forum.interface/show_file.php?fid=57490)
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DM-3 3rd burn.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18868601/dm.gif)
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Launch video by Roscosmos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n5WIwVD_8s
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Launch photos.
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The exact launch time - 19:00:00.001 UTC :) .
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Khrunichev Space Center: Proton-M Successfully Launches Russian Express-AM8 satellite
On 14 September at 10:00:00 pm Moscow Time, Proton-M ILV lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to orbit Express-AM8, a Russian communications satellite. This year, it is Protons fifth launch, and the second to inject an Express-AM-series spacecraft in 2015.
The launch vehicle liftoff and flight proceeded nominally. At the appropriate time the orbital block (spacecraft + DM-03 upper stage) separated from LV Stage III and continued its autonomous mission. Subsequently, the spacecraft was injected to the target orbit using the upper stage main engine.
The spacecraft successfully separated from the upper stage on 15 September at 04-37-00 Moscow Time, i.e. 6h37min after the liftoff.
The Express-AM8 satellite was built for FGUP RSCC by ОАО Satellite Information Systems Reshetnev Company in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space (France). The spacecraft mass is approximately 2100 kg. Express-AM8 is intended for providing telecommunications services in Russia, and in Europe, Africa, South and North America. The satellite also supports presidential and government communications.
The Proton-M was designed, and is produced serially by FGUP Khrunichev Space Center (KhSC). The upper stage, Block DM, was designed and is manufactured by Energia RSC. In March 2015, the Proton-M ILV with the KhSC-developed Breeze-M upper stage successfully inserted the Express-AM7 telecommunications satellite into its target orbit. The spacecraft mass at separation equaled approximately 5700 kg.
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First object catalogued by USSTRATCOM as 2015-048A/40895
in 35816 x 35889 km x 0.04° (epoch: Sept 16, 14:02UTC)
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First object catalogued by USSTRATCOM as 2015-048A/40895
in 35816 x 35889 km x 0.04° (epoch: Sept 16, 14:02UTC)
Object A now identified as "EXPRESS AM-8"
No tle yet for DM-03