never really followed russian launches in the past but have more time at the moment....is there going to be a webcast?
According to Novosti kosmonavtiki website Kosmos-3M rocket with SAR-Lupe 5 satellite has been transported to the launch pad yesterday.
Launch was at
06:40 Moscow time, this is 02:40 UTC.
Separation into target orbit took place apparently at 03:08 UTC
OHB-System reported, that the launch of SAR-Lupe-5 was successful
Disclaimer: I am German.
This project is pretty amazing to me. Developing these very capable and yet small satellites within ~5 years and launching them in rapid sucession within a very reasonable budget is something many (often military) space programs lack. They give Germany a remarkable capability for a modest investment.
I know you can't compare this with FIA mega birds and all their trouble, but I wonder if big and expensive is always beautiful. Sometimes the bird in the hand ...
Analyst
mms://video.rfn.ru/rtr-vesti/140680.asf
http://rutube.ru/tracks/866402.html?v=5256b591f36484716367c3b97a5c7955
Hilarious video. Remember how the RK head received bad rap for blaming the Korean chick for the pyrobolt malfunction in the plane 5? As you can see some people take it way too seriously. Not letting the chief of PR through the checkpoints in order to avoid a jinx is some hardcore superstition.