LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18

• LIVE: Proton M/Breeze M - Inmarsat-4 F3 launch - Aug 18 by anik on 21 Mar, 2008 19:23
• 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.
• #1 by Jirka Dlouhy on 21 Mar, 2008 19:37
• Do you have any information about waiting for this launch because of failure of Proton-M aboard with AMC-14?
  
  Thanks
• #2 by input~2 on 06 May, 2008 08:41

• 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.

• #3 by input~2 on 06 May, 2008 09:46
• 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)
• #4 by input~2 on 06 May, 2008 16:28

• 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 ....

• #5 by anik on 06 May, 2008 17:07
• 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).
  
  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 and today's Kazakhstan Today report, 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.
• #6 by input~2 on 06 May, 2008 19:20

• "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  

   

• #7 by anik on 15 May, 2008 14:34
• 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"
• #8 by anik on 30 May, 2008 17:04
• 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"
• #9 by anik on 17 Jun, 2008 08:19
• 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"
• #10 by satlaunch on 01 Jul, 2008 08:27
• 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.”
• #11 by anik on 01 Jul, 2008 18:47
• 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.
• #12 by anik on 07 Jul, 2008 14:05
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3674
  
  Inmarsat 4-F3 satellite was delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome by An-124-100 "Ruslan" aircraft yesterday.

  ---

  

  

  
• #13 by anik on 08 Jul, 2008 03:25
• Inmarsat-4 F3 Blog
  http://www.ilslaunch.com/inmarsat-4-f3
• #14 by anik on 09 Jul, 2008 04:14
• Inmarsat-4 F3 Mission Overview
  http://www.ilslaunch.com/assets/pdf/INMARSAT-4-F3-Mission-Overview.pdf
• #15 by roy on 27 Jul, 2008 05:49
• what the location orbit position will be Inmarsat 4-F3 ?
  
• #16 by input~2 on 28 Jul, 2008 13:45
• Quote from: roy on 27 Jul, 2008 05:49

  what the location orbit position will be Inmarsat 4-F3 ?
  

  
  POR 178°E
  98°W
• #17 by input~2 on 04 Aug, 2008 14:30
• The orbital slot will be 98°W, not the 178°E announced previously.
  See this news release from Inmarsat announcing a launch delay of a "matter of days" due to the launcher.
• #18 by Chris Bergin on 04 Aug, 2008 16:37
• 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.
  
  
• #19 by Nicolas PILLET on 05 Aug, 2008 11:49
• 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
• #20 by Satori on 05 Aug, 2008 12:46
• Quote from: Nicolas PILLET on 05 Aug, 2008 11:49

  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.
• #21 by anik on 11 Aug, 2008 14:59
• 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.
• #22 by Chris Bergin on 13 Aug, 2008 17:00
• 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.
  
   
  
  
• #23 by anik on 13 Aug, 2008 17:42
• 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.
• #24 by roccosturmann on 13 Aug, 2008 23:54
• Hey guys.
  
  Do you know if ILS or Inmarsat will broadcast the launch live via web?
  
  Thanks!
• #25 by William Graham on 14 Aug, 2008 01:25
• Quote from: roccosturmann on 13 Aug, 2008 23:54

  Hey guys.
  
  Do you know if ILS or Inmarsat will broadcast the launch live via web?
  
  Thanks!
  

  
  ILS usually provide a webcast.
• #26 by nomadd22 on 14 Aug, 2008 01:39
• 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.
• #27 by anik on 14 Aug, 2008 19:11
• 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.
• #28 by Jirka Dlouhy on 15 Aug, 2008 12:53
• Launch of Inmarsat 4 F3 is declared at August 19 (ILS, Khrunichev) Baikonour time
• #29 by anik on 15 Aug, 2008 19:49
• 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)"

  ---

  

  
• #30 by input~2 on 18 Aug, 2008 06:58
• So apparently it will be a Briz-M 5-burn sequence, not the risky 3-burn sequence!
  
  Remember my comment on April 22:
  http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=11859.msg271347#msg271347
• #31 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 17:14
• Webcast should start 5 hours from now:
  http://streamvox.streamos.com/vyvx/ils081808/
  Main Page:
  http://www.ilslaunch.com/
• #32 by bobthemonkey on 18 Aug, 2008 18:34
• Little article on the launch, from the BBC of all people.
  
  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7568867.stm
• #33 by roy on 18 Aug, 2008 19:11
• what location posisiton will be inmarsat 4F-3
  
  
• #34 by anik on 18 Aug, 2008 19:18
• Quote from: roy on 18 Aug, 2008 19:11

  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"
• #35 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 21:52
• 30min till live coverage from ILS
• #36 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:12
• live coverage in less than 8 min
• #37 by Chris Bergin on 18 Aug, 2008 22:20
• Will welcome help with screenshots if anyone is able.
  
  Best I can get is this...

  ---

  
• #38 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:20
• Coverage has started
  T-22min
  
  Sorry Chris...not able to provide pics tonight...
• #39 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:20
• Yup, will do.  Need a video as well?
• #40 by Chris Bergin on 18 Aug, 2008 22:22
• Quote from: Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:20

  Yup, will do.  Need a video as well?
  

  
  We've got the video covered, but will appreciate images.
• #41 by ckiki lwai on 18 Aug, 2008 22:25
• tada!

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• #42 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:27

• ---

  

  
• #43 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:28
• T-15min
• #44 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:29
• From the CEO of Inmarsat:

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• #45 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:31
• 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)
• #46 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:33
• Great image of the Protons assembly line, along with some nice info about Proton's history:

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• #47 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:34
• history of the launch site

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• #48 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:34
• Rollout and verticalization:

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• #49 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:36

• ---

  
• #50 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:36

• ---

  

  
• #51 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:36
• Live again, T-7 min.

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• #52 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:37
• Balmy weather, with highs around 40ºC.
• #53 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:37
• Already posted in reply 49.
  
  Some simulations.

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• #54 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:40
• breeze M burn

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• #55 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:41

• ---

  
• #56 by Chris Bergin on 18 Aug, 2008 22:41
• T-120 seconds.
• #57 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 22:41
• Launch team completing final checks, and looking at weather.
  
  T-2 minutes.
• #58 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:41
• payload sep

  ---

  
• #59 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:42
• All go for launch.

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• #60 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:43
• 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
• #61 by Chris Bergin on 18 Aug, 2008 22:43
• LAUNCH!
• #62 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:43
• Liftoff!!!
• #63 by Chris Bergin on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44
• Into the roll and flying through MaxQ
• #64 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44
• So many sparks... but that looked nominal.
• #65 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44

• ---

  

  
• #66 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44
• clear night, so tracking will be good
• #67 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44

• ---

  

  
• #68 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:44

• ---

  

  
• #69 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:45

• ---

  

  
• #70 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Aug, 2008 22:45
• separation!
  
  mentions the fire in the hole type staging
• #71 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:45

• ---

  

  
• #72 by rocketnerd on 18 Aug, 2008 22:46
• "Proton is shining like a star in the night over Kazakhstan"
• #73 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:46

• ---

  

  

  
• #74 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:46
• Beautiful separation, you could see the exhaust escaping through the stage 1-2 interface!
  
  Also the first stage falling away is some sight.
• #75 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:46
• 2nd/3rd stage sep scheduled at T+5min32sec
  Fairing sep at T+5min46sec
• #76 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:46
• First stage separation.

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• #77 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:48
• everything nominal

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• #78 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:48
• "Still visible in the sky."

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• #79 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:48
• Getting short of things to say...
  
  "Get her on the phone!!"
• #80 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Aug, 2008 22:49
• possibly may see stage 3 separation
• #81 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:49
• Stage 2-3 sep.

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• #82 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 22:49
• Fairing sep.

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• #83 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:50
• Fairing sep occured
  
  Stage 3 sep is due at T+9min46sec
  
  Breeze M first ignition at T+11min50sec
• #84 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:50
• The first stage should have impacted downrange by now.
• #85 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 22:50
• 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
• #86 by ckiki lwai on 18 Aug, 2008 22:51
• 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.
• #87 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:52
• now playing EADS video

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• #88 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:52
• Lots of transponders in this huge sat... and of course the eye-catching unfurlable antenna.

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• #89 by Ronsmytheiii on 18 Aug, 2008 22:53
• AP/US separation!
• #90 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 22:53
• Stage 3 shutdown and separation confirmed.
• #91 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 22:54
• Great to see the screen with the pathes of the spend stages
• #92 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:55
• And by now the second stage and fairing halves should have impacted the ground as well.
• #93 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 22:57
• Still waiting for confirmation of Briz-M first ignition.
• #94 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 22:58

• ---

  
• #95 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 23:01

• ---

  
• #96 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 23:01
• Confirmation of the first Breeze M burn start.
• #97 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 23:01
• Quote from: Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 22:50

  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.
• #98 by Ford Mustang on 18 Aug, 2008 23:04
• 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.
• #99 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 23:04
• Breeze M/Inmarsat now out of reach of tracking station. Live webcast is coming to an end.
• #100 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 23:04

• ---

  
• #101 by maxx on 18 Aug, 2008 23:07
• end of live coverage
• #102 by cb6785 on 18 Aug, 2008 23:10
• 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
• #103 by William Graham on 18 Aug, 2008 23:11
• 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.
• #104 by PDJennings on 18 Aug, 2008 23:16
• Quote from: GW_Simulations on 18 Aug, 2008 23:11

  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.
• #105 by Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 23:20
• Quote from: PDJennings on 18 Aug, 2008 23:16

  Quote from: GW_Simulations on 18 Aug, 2008 23:11

  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...
• #106 by eeergo on 18 Aug, 2008 23:21
• 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.
• #107 by maxx on 19 Aug, 2008 00:59
• 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.
  
• #108 by manlymissileman on 19 Aug, 2008 01:04
• 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?
• #109 by Danderman on 19 Aug, 2008 02:43
• 3rd and 4th burns are now complete, per the blog.
  
  
• #110 by Ronsmytheiii on 19 Aug, 2008 02:58
• Quote from: Danderman on 19 Aug, 2008 02:43

  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
• #111 by Danderman on 19 Aug, 2008 03:02
• Does anyone know where the 3rd stage impacts during such missions?
  
   
• #112 by input~2 on 19 Aug, 2008 05:25
• Quote from: Danderman on 19 Aug, 2008 03:02

  Does anyone know where the 3rd stage impacts during such missions?
  

  
  In the Pacific
• #113 by Nigel on 19 Aug, 2008 05:27
• 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!!!
  
  
  

  Quote from: Andrewwski on 18 Aug, 2008 23:20

  Quote from: PDJennings on 18 Aug, 2008 23:16

  Quote from: GW_Simulations on 18 Aug, 2008 23:11

  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.
  
• #114 by Andrewwski on 19 Aug, 2008 05:45
• Obviously you didn't see 39A after STS-124...
  
  I know, totally different story, but the pads are important as well.
• #115 by satlaunch on 19 Aug, 2008 08:02
• Fifth burn and spacecraft seperation confirmed. Mission accomplished!
  
  http://www.ilslaunch.com/inmarsat4f3-mission-control
• #116 by satlaunch on 19 Aug, 2008 08:23
• 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
• #117 by Satori on 19 Aug, 2008 15:17
• Does anyone has the serial numbers of the 8K82KM Proton-M and Briz-M used on this launch?
  
  Thanks!
• #118 by manlymissileman on 20 Aug, 2008 01:32
• Quote from: manlymissileman on 19 Aug, 2008 01:04

  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)