LIVE: Soyuz-2-1A launch with six Globalstar 2 satellites - October 19, 2010

[anik]

Thales Alenia Space delivers first three second-generation satellites to Globalstar
06 August 2010

http://www.thalesgroup.com/Pages/PressRelease.aspx?id=13738

The first three satellites in the Globalstar second-generation constellation are ready to be shipped from Thales Alenia Space facilities to the launch site. They will be orbited by Arianespace on a Soyuz launcher in October from Baikonour, along with three other satellites in the first launch batch, to be delivered by the end of August.

The Globalstar contracted Thales Alenia Space for the design and delivery of 48 second-generation constellation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will provide mobile phone and data satellite services. These satellites are now under construction at various Thales Alenia Space facilities in France and Italy. The payloads are built in Toulouse; the thermal subsystems and structures in Cannes; part of the side panels in Turin; several payload electronics units are developed and manufactured in L’Aquila; and Madrid where also are manufactured several microwave passive devices; the L-band antennas are produced in Rome and the onboard computer (OBPE) and part of the GPS receiver in Milan. Thales Alenia Space is also responsible for launch support services.

The new constellation will ensure continuation of Globalstar’s coverage through beyond 2025, as well as offering a platform for expanded service and innovative solutions.

Each second-generation Globalstar satellite will weigh about 700 kg and offer end-of-life power of 1.7 kW, and is fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band. Beginning in October 2010, the satellites will be launched in batches of six at a time. They have a design life of 15 years.

“The delivery of the first satellites in the constellation is a major milestone for both Thales Alenia Space and our customer Globalstar,” said Emmanuel Grave, head of telecommunications at Thales Alenia Space. “It reflects the close relationship that all our teams have developed throughout this program. With the delivery of the next three satellites at the end of August, and the launch of the first batch in the fall, Globalstar Second Generation will be enter service. We are very proud of our work on this program, and delighted to be able to ensure the satisfaction of our customer Globalstar.”

Thales Alenia Space played a major role in Globalstar’s first-generation program, as supplier of the satellite payloads, structures, propulsion and thermal subsystems, and several electronics units, as well as systems integration of the entire constellation, including an additional eight satellites launched in mid-2007.

[Space Pete]

Yuzhny Space Center PAO: "Globalstar Prelaunch Operations Begin at Baikonur".

One more launch campaign began at Baikonur. On August 9, experts of Lavochkin R&D and TSENKI's subsidiary Yuzhny Space Center accommodated the Fregat upper stage in the test bench in a clean room. The upper sate is to be used jointly with Soyuz-2-1A rocket to loft a cluster of six LEO communication satellites Globalstar. The launch is scheduled for October 19.
Pneumatic and autonomous electrical tests of Fregat are carried out today.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10056&lang=en

[Space Pete]

Three Globalstar-2 Satellites Delivered to Baikonur.

An-124 Ruslan airplane delivered three Globalstar-2 satellites to Baikonur yesterday.
After the customs clearance, the satellites and the auxiliary equipment were transported to the clean room of Starsem company (site 112) for further prelaunch processing by foreign specialists.
The other three spacecraft of the cluster to be launched aboard Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat on Oct. 19, are slated for arrival at the space port in early September.
 
Yuzhny Space Center PAO.


www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10071&lang=en

[Nicolas PILLET]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=SZmR_JEJBNg

[PCSTEL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=SZmR_JEJBNg

Thanks for the link to this YouTube Video.  We have a Globalstar investor based blog www.orbitrax.com and would appreciate any other information regarding the status of the various stages of the launch manifest.  [email protected]

[PCSTEL]

Anik:

Is delivery of the second set of Globalstar satellites still set for ~September 1st? I have been told that one of the Globalstar program engineers will fly into Baikonur on the 124 and that they are currently in Rome.  Soyuz-2 still set for ~Sept. 6th-7th?  Anyone have a total payload weight with the fueled Fregat  and faring?  6 LEO's @700kgs, Dispenser is ~500kgs, and the Fregat ~10,250kgs.

[anik]

Is delivery of the second set of Globalstar satellites still set for ~September 1st?

Yes, September 1.

Soyuz-2 still set for ~Sept. 6th-7th?

Yes, September 6.

[Stephan]

Some interesting pictures of the payload adapter on Arianespace website :
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/717.asp

[Stan Black]

Some interesting pictures of the payload adapter on Arianespace website :
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/717.asp

So that Soyuz in the background is not the one for this launch?

http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/mission-up_ST22-3-lg.jpg.JPG

[Stephan]

I don't know, but it should be the one used for the launch.

[Danderman]

http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=12320

Photoreport of Globalstar 2 satellites being prepared for launch.

[Space Pete]

Globalstar Tanking at Baikonur.

Starsem, with support of TsSKB Center, continue prelaunch operations with three Globalstar-2 spacecraft at Baikonur.
One of the satellite is mounted with the dispenser, the other one undergoes prop filling. The third one is under autonomous testing. The other three Globalstar satellites are to be delivered to Baikonur in the nearest future.
Fregat upper stage is prepared for propellant loading in parallel.
The launch of 6 Globalstar-2 satellites by Soyuz-2-1A is to occur from pad 31 on Oct. 19.
 
Yuzhny Space Center PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10218&lang=en

[Space Pete]

GLOBALSTAR TAKES DELIVERY OF THREE ADDITIONAL SATELLITES FROM THALES ALENIA SPACE AS IT PREPARES FOR OCTOBER LAUNCH.

Next month’s satellite launch paves the way for restoration of Globalstar’s industry leading commercial voice and data services as the company expands its lineup of satellite consumer retail products

Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and consumers, today announced it has taken delivery of three additional second-generation satellites from manufacturer Thales Alenia Space. The three new satellites are being shipped to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan where they will join the three new satellites that were delivered in early August.  All six new second-generation satellites will undergo preparations and testing for an October launch using the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle.

“Taking delivery of these three new satellites completes a milestone achievement for Globalstar as we can now proceed, on schedule, with preparations for next month’s inaugural second-generation satellite launch,” said Tony Navarra, President, Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc.  “When our new constellation is fully deployed we will once again reliably provide the world’s finest quality mobile satellite voice and fastest mobile satellite handset data services to commercial and government customers in more than 120 countries.  Combined with our affordable and award-winning suite of consumer retail SPOT products we will be uniquely positioned to offer the world’s most extensive lineup of high quality mobile satellite services to the broadest range of customers around the globe.”

A total of four launches carrying six satellites each will be conducted by launch services provider Arianespace using the Soyuz launch vehicle which has been used to successfully launch Globalstar satellites on eight previous occasions. The Company plans to integrate the 24 new second-generation satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007, to form a 32 satellite constellation.  The new constellation is expected to secure Globalstar’s space segment beyond 2025.

Once the six new Globalstar satellites are in operational orbit, the most immediate service improvement will benefit those customers who use the Company’s voice and Duplex data services.  With each subsequent launch, these customers can expect a progressive return to the high reliability and service quality enjoyed before 2007.

Once fully deployed the advanced second-generation constellation and next-generation ground network are designed to provide Globalstar customers with enhanced services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.  Products and services supported are expected to include: push-to-talk and multicasting, advanced messaging capabilities such as multimedia messaging or MMS, mobile video, geo-location services, multi-band and multi-mode handsets, and data devices with GPS integration.  The second-generation satellites are also designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company’s lineup of Spot retail consumer products.

About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 400,000 subscribers, Globalstar is the world’s largest provider of mobile satellite voice and data services.  Globalstar offers these services to commercial customers and recreational consumers in more than 120 countries around the world.  The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.  Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service.  Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users.  Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.

For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit the Globalstar website at www.globalstar.com.

Source (with accompanying images).

[Nicolas PILLET]

Which MIK is shown in this picture ?

http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/mission-up_ST22-3-lg.jpg.JPG

[sdsds]

In the pictures, it looks like the six satellites will be attached around a central cylindrical (or conical?) dispenser.  Is that correct / has this been done before?

[Danderman]

In the pictures, it looks like the six satellites will be attached around a central cylindrical (or conical?) dispenser.  Is that correct / has this been done before?

Zenit did 12.

[anik]

Which MIK is shown in this picture?

Probably an building 40 on area 31.

[Nicolas PILLET]

Which MIK is shown in this picture?

Probably an building 40 on area 31.

This picture has been taken in MIK-40. Obviously, it is not the same building... 

[anik]

This picture has been taken in MIK-40. Obviously, it is not the same building... 

What is your variant? A building on area 112? It is not that building. I was there on March 30th and I do not remember walls with such color.

There are the same walls on your photo that the ones on Arianespace's photo. Your photo was made last year, Arianespace's photo - this year. There was news that a building 40 on site 31 was modernized recently.

Also Fregat upper stage for Globalstar-2 launch (see another Arianespace's photo) was delivered on area 31.

[Nicolas PILLET]

This picture has been taken in MIK-40. Obviously, it is not the same building... 

What is your variant? A building on area 112? It is not that building. I was there on March 30th and I do not remember walls with such color.

There are the same walls on your photo that the ones on Arianespace's photo. Your photo was made last year, Arianespace's photo - this year. There was news that a building 40 on site 31 was modernized recently.

I have no variant, this is my problem ! 
But your explanation about MIK-40 modernization convinces me.

[PCSTEL]

In the pictures, it looks like the six satellites will be attached around a central cylindrical (or conical?) dispenser.  Is that correct / has this been done before?

The 2007 Globalstar launches used a similar single stage conical dispenser.  Three satellites were attached to the conical portion in a vertical position with one installed on top in a horizontal position.

[PCSTEL]

In the pictures, it looks like the six satellites will be attached around a central cylindrical (or conical?) dispenser.  Is that correct / has this been done before?

Zenit did 12.

For a very short time... RIP...

[viper]

This picture has been taken in MIK-40. Obviously, it is not the same building... 

What is your variant? A building on area 112? It is not that building. I was there on March 30th and I do not remember walls with such color.

There are the same walls on your photo that the ones on Arianespace's photo. Your photo was made last year, Arianespace's photo - this year. There was news that a building 40 on site 31 was modernized recently.

I have no variant, this is my problem ! 
But your explanation about MIK-40 modernization convinces me.

It is area "C" of building 40D at site 31. This area was completely refurbished in May & June of this year. I was there during this periode for the "TanDEM-X" launch campaign in area "B" of the same building. So with the new painted floor it looks very nice. Also the test stand for the Fregat upper stage was installed during this time which is depicted of one of the photos.

[Nicolas PILLET]

It is area "C" of building 40D at site 31. This area was completely refurbished in May & June of this year. I was there during this periode for the "TanDEM-X" launch campaign in area "B" of the same building. So with the new painted floor it looks very nice. Also the test stand for the Fregat upper stage was installed during this time which is depicted of one of the photos.

Thanks for explanation viper !
RKK Energiya has just published a gallery which confirms this.
http://www.energia.ru/en/iss/iss24/progress_m-07m/photo_09-04.html

So, the launcher on the Arianespace's pictures is the one for Progress M-07M.

[Space Pete]

Fregat Upper Stage Tanking at Baikonur.

Globalstar launch campaign continues at Baikonur.
Currently, experts of the industry perform tanking of the Fregat upper stage by propellant components and pressurized gases.
In Starsem's clean room, foreign experts, supported by TSKB-Progress, continue autonomous testing of three Globalstar-2 satellites, arrived at the space port on Sept. 1. The other three spacecraft of the cluster are already mounted on the dispenser.
Soyuz-2-1А with Fregat upper stage and 6 Globalstar-2 satellites are slated for launch on Oct. 19. Globalstar constellation provides satellite telephone communication services.

Roscosmos PAO.

Source.

[PCSTEL]

It is area "C" of building 40D at site 31. This area was completely refurbished in May & June of this year. I was there during this periode for the "TanDEM-X" launch campaign in area "B" of the same building. So with the new painted floor it looks very nice. Also the test stand for the Fregat upper stage was installed during this time which is depicted of one of the photos.

Thanks for explanation viper !
RKK Energiya has just published a gallery which confirms this.
http://www.energia.ru/en/iss/iss24/progress_m-07m/photo_09-04.html

So, the launcher on the Arianespace's pictures is the one for Progress M-07M.

But, if you look closely, there is a second launcher on on the trolly tracks next to the wall behind the Progress launcher.  The launcher in the Arianespace photo was on the trolley tracks next to the wall.

Look at this photo and you will see the top of another launcher just behind the person wearing blue standing under the Progress launcher.

http://www.energia.ru/ru/iss/iss24/progress_m-07m/im/photo_09-04-12.jpg

PCSTEL

[PCSTEL]

It is area "C" of building 40D at site 31. This area was completely refurbished in May & June of this year. I was there during this periode for the "TanDEM-X" launch campaign in area "B" of the same building. So with the new painted floor it looks very nice. Also the test stand for the Fregat upper stage was installed during this time which is depicted of one of the photos.

Thanks for explanation viper !
RKK Energiya has just published a gallery which confirms this.
http://www.energia.ru/en/iss/iss24/progress_m-07m/photo_09-04.html

So, the launcher on the Arianespace's pictures is the one for Progress M-07M.

Also in this photo  (below) you can clearly see the white strip on the launcher around the circumference directly below the lattice structure where the 3rd stage is attached.  You can also see the top of one of the boosters. The launcher in the Arianespace photo with the Globalstar dispensers had the same white stripe.

In the Airanespace photo. They covered the trolly tracks with some sort of removable flooring and taped it down with yellow tape.  The Globalstar dispensers are shown in front of the main entrance into MIK-40.  The dispensers were obviously at MIK-40 to test mount them to the Fregat and then transfered back to MIK-112 and the (UCIF) where the now reside. The Fregat test facility would be to the left in that photo and the launcher in question is clearly on the first trolley tracks next to the wall.

http://www.energia.ru/ru/iss/iss24/progress_m-07m/im/photo_09-04-08.jpg

vs.

http://orbitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/mission-up_ST22-3-lg.jpg

PCSTEL

[Space Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Fregat Tanking at Baikonur (photos)".

[jacqmans]

Globalstar's six second-generation satellites are readied for Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome
September 7, 2010

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/718.asp
 
The launch campaign for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. 

The mission’s three remaining satellites were delivered last week – joining the initial three that have been at the Cosmodrome since August 11 for their final checkout, and fueling. 

One of the spacecraft has already completed these steps, and is now integrated on the conical-shaped dispenser that will carry the six-satellite cluster for deployment in a 920-km. circular orbit, inclined 52 deg.

Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone mission will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia’s workhorse launcher.  Arianespace has been contracted – via its Starsem affiliate – to conduct four Soyuz 2 launches carrying six satellites each, further building Globalstar’s constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.

[PCSTEL]

Globalstar's six second-generation satellites are readied for Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome
September 7, 2010

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/718.asp
 
The launch campaign for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. 

The mission’s three remaining satellites were delivered last week – joining the initial three that have been at the Cosmodrome since August 11 for their final checkout, and fueling. 

One of the spacecraft has already completed these steps, and is now integrated on the conical-shaped dispenser that will carry the six-satellite cluster for deployment in a 920-km. circular orbit, inclined 52 deg.

Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone mission will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia’s workhorse launcher.  Arianespace has been contracted – via its Starsem affiliate – to conduct four Soyuz 2 launches carrying six satellites each, further building Globalstar’s constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.

This update is a bit dated since ROSCOSMOS indicated that all 3 satellites in the first batch were already mated to the dispenser a couple of days ago.  This photo only shows one.

[anik]

I was told, the launch is planned at 15:30 UTC on October 19th.

[anik]

Soyuz-2-1A rocket has departed from TsSKB-Progress to Baikonur on September 7th.

[Space Pete]

Globalstar's Six Second-Generation Satellites are Readied for Soyuz Launch from Baikonur.

The launch campaign for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur space port in Kazakhstan.
Fregat upper stage tanked with propellant components and pressurized gases last week is now in storage mode. 

Globalstar 2 spacecraft are being installed on the dispenser by Starsem and TsSKB-Progress.
 
Prelaunch operations with Soyuz-2.1a are carried out in parallel by Progress and Yuzhny Space Center experts.
 
Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone mission will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia’s workhorse launcher.  Arianespace has been contracted – via its Starsem affiliate – to conduct four Soyuz 2 launches carrying six satellites each, further building Globalstar's constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10324&lang=en

[Space Pete]

Globalstar Launch Campaign Continues at Baikonur.

Globalstar launch campaign continues at Baikonur.
Starsem’s experts completed standalone testing and tanking of Globalstar 2 spacecraft. All 6 Globalstars are now integrated with the dispenser.
Soyuz-2.1a with Fregat and Globalstar cluster is slated for launch from pad 31 on Oct. 19. 
 
Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10441&lang=en

-----

Baikonur's Pad 31 Prepared for Globalstar Launch.

Soyuz-2.1a /Fregat/Globalstar launch campaign goes on at Baikonur.
Facilities of pad 31 are prepared for the launch by Yuzhny Space Center experts.
In parallel, Fregat upper stage is transported to site 112 for further integration into the space upper composite in the clean room to be followed by delivery to site 31 for mating with the LV.
6 Globalstar-2 satellites are scheduled for launch aboard the Soyuz from pad 31 on Oct. 19, at 21.10 MSK.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10454&lang=en

[jacqmans]

Integration is complete with the six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace’s Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome this month

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/720.asp

October 1, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

All six Globalstar satellites for the upcoming Soyuz flight from Baikonur Cosmodrome have been integrated on their dispenser system, marking a new milestone in this key mission to be performed October 19 for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate.

The second-generation Globalstar spacecraft were installed in sequence on the two segments of this 6.7-meter-high conical-shaped dispenser, which then were assembled together on September 29.   
 
These new 700-kg.-class satellites are larger and heavier than the first-generation platforms in Globalstar’s orbital constellation, which provides mobile satellite voice and data services.  A total of 32 first-generation satellites were launched by Starsem on eight Soyuz flights from 1999 to 2007, with those missions lofting four of the 450-kg. spacecraft each.

The new dispenser that will make its debut during the October 19 launch is evolved from the system used on previous missions, and is produced in two segments.  A pair of Globalstar satellites is mounted on the dispenser’s upper segment, with both to be released at 98.6 minutes into the flight.  The other four payloads are installed on the lower section, and will be deployed simultaneously 1.67 minutes later.

Arianespace designed the Soyuz dispenser system, which is produced by Astrium and weighs 630 kg.  Its two conical sections are manufactured in composite materials, with aluminum rings positioned at the bottom, middle and top that contain attach points for the satellites.

Stéphane Mespoulet, Arianespace’s project manager for the dispenser, said the integration of all six second-generation satellites went smoothly in the payload preparation facilities at Baikonur Cosmodrome.  Completion of the satellite installation allows the dispenser and its payloads to be mated atop Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage next week.

Globalstar has contracted four Soyuz launches to carry six of its second-generation satellites each, further building the company’s constellation with these 24 new spacecraft. 

 
This photo sequence highlights several steps in the integration process for Globalstar’s six satellites on Soyuz’s launcher dispenser. At left, the initial spacecraft is mounted on the dispenser’s upper segment. In the center image, three of four spacecraft have been mated to the dispenser’s lower segment, while the upper portion has both of its satellites installed. In the photo at right, the dispenser’s upper segment is hoisted for installation atop the lower portion (visible in the foreground).

[Satori]

Does anyone knows the numerical designations of the satellites to be launched?

[Space Pete]

Globalstar Space Upper Composite Assembled at Baikonur.

Globalstar 2 spacecraft are mated with the Fregat upper stage at Baikonur’s site 112, to make the upper composite which is to undergo electrical testing.
Then, the upper composite will be integrated with the launcher at site 31.
6 Globalstar-2 satellites are scheduled for launch aboard the Soyuz from pad 31 on Oct. 19, at 21.10 MSK.

Roscosmos PAO .

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10520&lang=en

[PCSTEL]

I have the satellite payload and dispenser coming in at 4,050kg.  Six satellites at 700kg and a 550kg dispenser.  (Not including the Fregat) These were originally spec'd to launch from Kourou.  But, due to the delays in French Guiana, they moved it to Baikonur. Does anyone else see 4,050kgs (minus the Fregat) out of Baikonur on a 2.1b with a ST faring on the high end of the lift capabilities to LEO?  I realize the launch should be technically simpler without the need for a 3rd stage dog-leg out of Kourou.  But, the 4,050kg figure has me a bit on edge.

[Danderman]

I have the satellite payload and dispenser coming in at 4,050kg.  Six satellites at 700kg and a 550kg dispenser.  (Not including the Fregat) These were originally spec'd to launch from Kourou.  But, due to the delays in French Guiana, they moved it to Baikonur. Does anyone else see 4,050kgs (minus the Fregat) out of Baikonur on a 2.1b with a ST faring on the high end of the lift capabilities to LEO?  I realize the launch should be technically simpler without the need for a 3rd stage dog-leg out of Kourou.  But, the 4,050kg figure has me a bit on edge.

First off, the Fregat only has to move the payload from a 200 km to 950 km circular orbit, which would cost about 1,000 kg at most in prop.

Secondly, the Soyuz 21b can orbit about 8 tons to the initial orbit, which means that the 4,050 kg payloads leaves capacity for a 1,000 kg mass for the Fregat plus some 3,000 kg in prop, which is plenty.

In other words, there is a lot of margin available for the mission. Either the Fregat is launched partially empty (maybe just the 1,000 kg or so of prop), or else its launched with the full 3 tons of prop (which is still only a partial load); I suspect that the larger issue is the drop zone problem, so the Fregat prop load will be whatever allows the Soyuz lower stages to land in the required drop zones.

BTW, why does Kourou require a 3rd stage dogleg to a 52 degree orbit?

[Stephan]

BTW, why does Kourou require a 3rd stage dogleg to a 52 degree orbit?

It does not need to, no dogleg maneuver required.

[jacqmans]

Globalstar's second-generation satellites are integrated on the Soyuz upper stage
October 8, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/723.asp
 
Payload integration for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission is nearly complete, as the dispenser with its six Globalstar satellites has been installed on the launcher’s Fregat upper stage at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The October 19 flight will be performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and the integration of the dispenser with its satellite cluster on Fregat was completed yesterday in Starsem’s Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) – located at Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Site 112 facility.

This step clears the way for the dispenser’s encapsulation in the Soyuz ST payload fairing, which is planned for the weekend.

Arianespace has been contracted to perform four Soyuz launches carrying six satellites each – further building Globalstar’s constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.  Their deployment will secure the company’s space segment beyond 2025, ensuring continuity for its mobile satellite voice and data services provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Globalstar’s second-generation satellites will have a liftoff mass of approximately 700 kg. each, and are fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band. 

Arianespace's Globalstar missions will use the Soyuz 2 evolved version of Russia’s venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system.  Soyuz 2 is the same vehicle that Arianespace will utilize at the Spaceport in French Guiana, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 and Vega lightweight launchers.

These four new missions follow eight flights performed by Starsem from 1999 to 2007 using an earlier Soyuz version to orbit a total of 32 first-generation Globalstar spacecraft.  Each of those launches orbited four of the 450-kg. satellites.

[PCSTEL]

BTW, why does Kourou require a 3rd stage dogleg to a 52 degree orbit?

It does not need to, no dogleg maneuver required.

OK.  Thanks, I was told by Globalstar's President of Global Operations (Navarra) who has been in charge of all the previous Globalstar launches that the launch out of Baikonur on flight azimuth 60.7º was less technical than the launch from Kourou.  He said that a dog-leg was required from Kourou to allow for re-entry of the 3rd stage over International waters.  While 3,300 nautical miles out of Baikonur conveniently places Third Stage re-entry over the Sea of Okhotsk.  The same 3,300 nautical miles on a straight trajectory out of Kourou places 3rd Stage re-entry solidly over North-Eastern Africa.  Hence, the requirement for a dog-leg during 3rd Stage burn to obtain 3rd stage re-entry over water versus a country that may not be too happy to have exhausted rocket stages falling on their sovereign territories.  That may be incorrect.  But, that is how it was explained to me.

[PCSTEL]

I have the satellite payload and dispenser coming in at 4,050kg.  Six satellites at 700kg and a 550kg dispenser.  (Not including the Fregat) These were originally spec'd to launch from Kourou.  But, due to the delays in French Guiana, they moved it to Baikonur. Does anyone else see 4,050kgs (minus the Fregat) out of Baikonur on a 2.1b with a ST faring on the high end of the lift capabilities to LEO?  I realize the launch should be technically simpler without the need for a 3rd stage dog-leg out of Kourou.  But, the 4,050kg figure has me a bit on edge.

First off, the Fregat only has to move the payload from a 200 km to 950 km circular orbit, which would cost about 1,000 kg at most in prop.

Secondly, the Soyuz 21b can orbit about 8 tons to the initial orbit, which means that the 4,050 kg payloads leaves capacity for a 1,000 kg mass for the Fregat plus some 3,000 kg in prop, which is plenty.

In other words, there is a lot of margin available for the mission. Either the Fregat is launched partially empty (maybe just the 1,000 kg or so of prop), or else its launched with the full 3 tons of prop (which is still only a partial load); I suspect that the larger issue is the drop zone problem, so the Fregat prop load will be whatever allows the Soyuz lower stages to land in the required drop zones.

BTW, why does Kourou require a 3rd stage dogleg to a 52 degree orbit?

OK.  Thanks for the explanation. I had the 4050kg payload, plus 4000kg for the Fregat and Fuel which comes out to just over 8 tons. That didn't leave much margin in my view.  I had assumed that the Fregat would be full of fuel, incase of a shortened burn cycle like with Meridian 2, which they attempted to compensate (from what I have read) with the the Fregat, which ran empty of propellant during the 2nd burn.  I provided the explanation for the dog-leg that was given me in a earlier post above.  i.e. Drop Zones.

[Stephan]

I thought you were talking about dogleg to reach correct launch azimuth, from Kourou there is no problem.
But for upper stage disposal I'm not aware of any maneuver of this kind. By third stage do you mean Fregat or Block I ?

[PCSTEL]

I thought you were talking about dogleg to reach correct launch azimuth, from Kourou there is no problem.
But for upper stage disposal I'm not aware of any maneuver of this kind. By third stage do you mean Fregat or Block I ?

Of course nothing to do with Launch Azimuth from Kourou.  Just re-entry of Block I over water.

[Stephan]

The launch kit has been published :
http://www.arianespace.com/news-launch-kits/launch-kit.asp

[PCSTEL]

The launch kit has been published :
http://www.arianespace.com/news-launch-kits/launch-kit.asp

Launch kit describes the Fregat performing a "barbeque maneuver", can anyone explain what a BBQ Maneuver is? Thank you

[jacqmans]

Globalstar’s six satellites are encapsulated for their upcoming Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/724.asp

October 11, 2010 – Ariane Flight ST22

The payload of six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission has been encapsulated in the protective ST payload fairing at Baikonur Cosmodrome, clearing the way for its integration on the launch vehicle for an October 19 liftoff.

This encapsulation process occurred during the weekend, with the activity performed in the Cosmodrome’s Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF).  The UCIF is operated by Arianespace affiliate Starsem, which is performing the Soyuz launch on behalf of Arianespace.

To start the encapsulation process, the Soyuz payload “stack” was rotated to the horizontal position.  This “stack” consists of the Astrium-built dispenser system with its six integrated Globalstar satellites, along with the Fregat upper stage on which the dispenser is installed.

Once the stack was fixed in its horizontal orientation, the ST payload fairing was then moved into position, encapsulating the dispenser and its satellites.  The ST payload fairing has a diameter of 4.11 meters and an overall length of 11.4 meters, and was developed for the improved Soyuz 2 launcher for the Globalstar mission – which also will be the version operated by Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The Globalstar payload stack is now set for its transfer to the Soyuz’ launcher integration building at Baikonur Cosmodrome during the night of October 12-13, readying it for mating to the launch vehicle.

Arianespace’s October 19 mission is one of four contracted by Globalstar to orbit 24 of its second-generation spacecraft – ensuring continuity for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Liftoff of the Soyuz 2 is scheduled for 11:10 p.m. local time at Baikonur Cosmodrome (9:10 p.m. in Moscow, 7:10 p.m. in Paris, and 10:10 a.m. at Globalstar’s headquarters in Milpitas, California).  The nominal mission duration from liftoff to the deployment of Globalstar’s satellites is 1 hr. 40 min., with the six spacecraft being injected into a phasing orbit at an altitude of 920 km., inclined 52 deg. 

Each of the satellites – built by Thales Alenia Space – has a trapezoidal-shaped main body, and weigh approximately 700 kg.  The spacecraft are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- band to C-band.

Launch Window for Soyuz Flight ST22 with six Globalstar second-generation satellites 
 
Baikonur Cosmodrome
11:10 p.m. on October 19, 2010

Moscow, Russia
9:10 p.m. on October 19, 2010

Paris, France
7:10 p.m. on October 19, 2010

Pacific Daylight Time
10:10 a.m. on October 19, 2010
 

[Satori]

The launch kit has been published :
http://www.arianespace.com/news-launch-kits/launch-kit.asp

Launch kit describes the Fregat performing a "barbeque maneuver", can anyone explain what a BBQ Maneuver is? Thank you

Hi!

A BBQ Maneuver is used to maintain a constant temperature in the vehicle. Basically, the vehicle is put on a slow rotation on the longitudinal axis.

[Space Pete]

Soyuz-2.1а Assembly Begins at Baikonur.

A cluster of 6 Globalstar-2 spacecraft with Fregat upper stage under the fairing – space upper composite – arrived to Baikonur’s site 31, for further general assembly of the launch vehicle.
The first stage of Soyuz-2.1а assembly covers space upper composite mating with the third stage; then, this stack will be integrated with the first and second stages.
The roll out is to occur on Oct. 16.
The launch is slated for Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10571&lang=en

[jacqmans]

Launcher integration moves into final phase for the Soyuz 2 mission with six Globalstar satellites

October 14, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

Final launcher integration is now underway for next week’s Soyuz 2 mission, which will orbit six Globalstar second-generation satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The launcher’s upper composite – which is composed of the six Globalstar spacecraft and their dispenser system, along with the ST payload fairing that protects the satellites during ascent and the Fregat upper stage – has been mated to the Soyuz 2’s Block I third stage.

This activity occurred in the Cosmodrome’s Soyuz vehicle assembly building, known as MIK 40, where the upper composite was transferred during the night of October 12-13.  It clears the way for final integration to complete the four-stage launcher.

The October 19 mission will be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the first of four flights to orbit 24 of Globalstar’s second-generation spacecraft – ensuring continuity for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Each of the six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the 1-hr., 40-min. flight weigh approximately 700 kg., and are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

Soyuz 2 is the evolved version of Russia’s venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system.  Arianespace will utilize Soyuz 2 at the Spaceport in French Guiana beginning next year, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicle and the future Vega lightweight launcher.

[Space Pete]

Globalstar-2 Launch Campaign Continues at Baikonur.

State Board today at Baikonur approved roll out of the Soyuz 2.1а rocket which is to take place at 5.30 a.m. tomorrow.
A cluster of 6 Globalstar-2 satellites is to be launched by Soyuz-2.1а with Fregat upper stage on Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10585&lang=en

[jacqmans]

Assembly of the Soyuz 2 launcher is complete for its upcoming Globalstar mission

October 15, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/726.asp

The Soyuz 2 launcher for next Tuesday’s Arianespace mission with six Globalstar second-generation satellites has completed its assembly, clearing the way for this vehicle’s rollout to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

During activity in the Cosmodrome’s MIK 40 integration facility, the launcher’s upper portion was lowered into place for mating with Soyuz’ lower section, using the traditional horizontal assembly process for Russian launch vehicles. 
 
The Soyuz 2’s upper portion consists of the six Globalstar spacecraft installed on a cone-shaped dispenser, the ST-type payload fairing that will protect them during ascent, along with the launcher’s Fregat upper stage and Block I third stage.  Soyuz 2’s lower section is composed of the launcher’s central core second stage and four boosters that function as the first-stage.

With the assembly process completed, a launch readiness review and state commission assessment were held today, authorizing the Soyuz 2’s rollout tomorrow morning to Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome – where the launcher will be erected and readied for the October 19 liftoff at 11:10 p.m. local time.

Next week’s launch is one of four to be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, deploying a total of 24 of the Globalstar second-generation satellites. 

The trapezoidal-shaped spacecraft weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services. Once the company’s next-generation ground network is installed, the advanced satellite constellation also will provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.

[patchfree]

The Soyouz 2.1 with the 6 globalstars and its new dress (white stripes at different locations) was exported to the launch pad.

Baikonur was removal of the rocket Soyuz-2 "with a cluster of spacecraft" Globalstar "
:: 10/16/2010

This morning at the Baikonur Cosmodrome conducted a successful removal of a space rocket Soyuz-2-1A with the upper stage "Fregat" and six spacecraft Globalstar-2 »(Globalstar2).

Transportation of missiles from the assembly and test facility area 31 Baikonur launch complex began at 5.30 am MSK. Half an hour later the missile was delivered to the launch facility and staff calculations Space Agency launched its installation in the launch system. By 7 o'clock MSK missile was installed in a vertical position, and after another hour brought to her farm maintenance.
After this calculation the space industry experts have begun to perform work on schedule the first launch day.
To oversee the final phase of preparations for the launch of space rocket Soyuz-2-1A with six SC "Globalstar-2" at the Baikonur Cosmodrome profit CEO of Arianespace Jean-Yves Le Gall and CEO of the joint Russian-European venture STARS Viktor Nikolaev. Today, they attended the removal of ILV.
Space rocket Soyuz-2-1A with the upper stage "Fregat" and six companions Globalstar2 scheduled to perform at 21.10 MSK October 19, 2010.

http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=13150

[patchfree]

A question: who was manufacturing the special dispenser for the six spacecrafts?

[Nicolas PILLET]

A question: who was manufacturing the special dispenser for the six spacecrafts?

EADS Astrium.

http://orbitrax.com/?p=2874

[Stan Black]

Anyone know the serial number of the Soyuz; and the GRAU of the 1st & 2nd stages?

[Satori]

Anyone know the serial number of the Soyuz; and the GRAU of the 1st & 2nd stages?

The only info I have: 14A14 Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat (009/1023)

[jacqmans]

Soyuz moves to the launch pad with its six Globalstar second-generation satellites
October 16, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/728.asp
 
The Soyuz vehicle with Globalstar’s initial cluster of six second-generation satellites is now on Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, where it is being readied for liftoff on October 19 in an Arianespace mission performed by its Starsem affiliate.

This improved version of Russia’s long-operating medium-lift workhouse rolled out in the morning hours today at the Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and was raised into position on the launch pad by its rail car transporter/erector.

Next steps in the mission’s preparations will include the check-out and countdown rehearsal for Soyuz’ lower three stages, a countdown rehearsal for its payload of six Globalstar spacecraft and the launcher’s Fregat upper stage, followed by the final chronology leading to the launch at 11:10 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

The mission will last 1 hr. 40 min., with the six satellites being deployed in a 920-km. circular phasing orbit inclined 52 deg.  during in a two-step process from a purpose-built dispenser system.  Two spacecraft mounted on the dispenser’s upper section will be released first at 98.6 minutes into the flight, followed by a simultaneous separation of the four payloads from the dispenser’s lower portion 1.67 minutes later.

Arianespace has been contracted by Globalstar to perform four missions carrying six second-generation satellites each, which will be carried out by Starsem.

The second-generation Globalstar satellite weighs approximately 700 kg., and is fitted with 16 transponders from C-to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band.  Its trapezoidal shape conserves volume and allows the cluster of spacecraft on their dispenser to be accommodated under the improved Soyuz’ enlarged ST-type payload fairing.

These second-generation satellites are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services.   When the company’s next-generation ground network is installed, the advanced constellation also will provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.

Soyuz launchers have played a key role in the deployment of Globalstar’s satellite constellation.  An earlier Soyuz version was employed in eight missions conducted from Baikonur Cosmodrome during 1999-2007 to orbit a total of 32 first-generation Globalstar spacecraft.  These flights were performed under the direction of Starsem, with each mission carrying four of the 450-kg. first-generation satellites.

[jacqmans]

Baikonur: L-2 Operations with Soyuz-2 with Cluster of 6 Globalstar's

17.10.2010

Baikonur space port: L-2 operations are carried out with Soyuz-2-1А rocket - Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2’s today at the launch pad. These  include tests of the LV and tanking simulations.

Yesterday, the LV was delivered to the launch pad.
Launch of Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2 spacecraft  is slated for 21.10 MSK, Oct. 19.
 
Roscosmos PAO

[Stan Black]

Anyone know the serial number of the Soyuz; and the GRAU of the 1st & 2nd stages?

The only info I have: 14A14 Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat (009/1023)

Thank you!

Thought it looked like Б15000-009
http://www.starsem.com/news/Globalstar2_missionupdate_5.htm
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/725.asp

[Space Pete]

Baikonur: Soyuz-2 with Cluster of 6 Globalstar's to Lift Off Today.

Baikonur space port: L-day operations are carried out with Soyuz-2-1А rocket - Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2’s today at the launch pad. The operations at pad 31 have commenced at 8 a.m.
The State Board will meet at 17:15 to evaluate launch campaign results and give ‘go’ for the tanking and launch.
The launch of Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2 spacecraft  is slated for 21.10 MSK, Oct. 19.
 
Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10604&lang=en

[TJL]

Quick question, what is the silver material-like shielding over the fairing, and why is it used?
Thank you.

[HIPAR]

What's this?  Another Soyuz on the pad already.  Didn't they just fire one of those things?  No tanking test, no dress launch rehearsals!  Absolutely stupendous!

---  CHAS

[Skyrocket]

Quick question, what is the silver material-like shielding over the fairing, and why is it used?
Thank you.

Just a thermal cover to keep the temperature correct for the payload. Baikonur has extreme temperatures due to continental climate: very hot in summer, very cold in winter.

The cover is removed before launch.

[Satori]

Moved for live coverage.

Webcast will be available at:

http://www.tsenki.com/broadcast/

http://www.videocorner.tv/index.htm

[Skyrocket]

Does anyone know the serial numbers of the six satellites?

[edkyle99]

What's this?  Another Soyuz on the pad already.  Didn't they just fire one of those things?  No tanking test, no dress launch rehearsals!  Absolutely stupendous!

---  CHAS

I seem to recall that propellant loading tests are performed on these rockets in the weeks prior to their launch, with them rolling back to the barn after the tests.

 - Ed Kyle

[Chris Bergin]

>21.10 MSK<

Just to check...18:10 UK. 17:10 GMT?

[Satori]

>21.10 MSK<

Just to check...18:10 UK. 17:10 GMT?

Launch is at 17:10:59UTC.

[lucspace]

Livestream is already up at http://www.tsenki.com/broadcast/broadcast/live2.php

[Satori]

TSENKI webcast started...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

Propolent train is now departing from the launch complex...

[Satori]

My feed lag is brutal

[Satori]

[Satori]

A few processing images...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

Well, I don't managed to put my VLC working with the Tsenki feed, so let's wait a few minutes for the Aerianespace fee to start...

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

17 minutes to the Arianespace coverage.

Surreal webcast tune...........but (as per tradition) it's no Sea Launch Jazz!

[Satori]

The two halfs of the service tower are being retracted...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

L-20 minutes.

[Satori]

[Ronsmytheiii]

trying to pull up the windows media stream from arianespace, but it only seems to go to the flash version.

[Satori]

[Stephan]

trying to pull up the windows media stream from arianespace, but it only seems to go to the flash version.

Copy paste this link in your VLC player :
mms://wms.190E.edgecastcdn.net/20190E/GlobalStar

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks Stephan.

[Satori]

[Ronsmytheiii]

arianespace webcast starting

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

T-10 minutes.

[Ronsmytheiii]

T minus 10 minutes

[Ronsmytheiii]

1 second launch window

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

T-5 minutes. No time for any reds on the board with this launch window!

[Ronsmytheiii]

t minus 5 minutes

[Ronsmytheiii]

L minus 3 minutes

[Satori]

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

T-60 seconds.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

Umbilical retraction.

[Chris Bergin]

Ignition.

[Chris Bergin]

Launch!

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Satori]

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

Staging. Booster sep.

[Satori]

Nice graphics...

[Satori]

Three minutes after launch and there are already people on the pad!!

[Chris Bergin]

Staging. 2-3 Sep.

[Ronsmytheiii]

1st stage sep,2nd stage start, plf sep

(Ariane reps calling boosters 0 stage, 2nd stage as first)

[Chris Bergin]

Fairing jettison.

[Ronsmytheiii]

I think the ariane guys are mixing up stage numbers, what they call boosters should be stage 1, core would be stage 2, and upper stage 3 by Russian standards

[Chris Bergin]

Staging. 3-4 Sep. Now on the Fregat.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

fregat ignition

[Satori]

Two launch images...

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

burning again

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

Fregat is entering a parking orbit

[Satori]

Does anyone know the serial numbers of the six satellites?

Refering to the satellite separation times, Roscosmos is giving the following numbers do the new Globalstar-2 sats: "Отделение космических аппаратов от разгонного блока запланировано на 22.49 (аппараты №№5,6) и 22.51 (для аппаратов №№ 1-4)."

[racshot65]

Thanks for the coverage guys !

[Chris Bergin]

T+45 minutes.

[stockman]

Looks like we are coming up for some action just past argentina on the globe

[stockman]

T plus 1 hour

[stockman]

that small burn looks complete

[Ronsmytheiii]

Quite a difference between the burns of fregat, is 20:44 20 hours into the mission, because the clock for mcc went past that long ago.

[stockman]

T plus 1 hour 20 minutes...

[DaveS]

Quite a difference between the burns of fregat, is 20:44 20 hours into the mission, because the clock for mcc went past that long ago.

That is CEST(Central European Summer Time), which is UTC+2.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Quite a difference between the burns of fregat, is 20:44 20 hours into the mission, because the clock for mcc went past that long ago.

That is CEST(Central European Summer Time), which is UTC+2.

In that case, I am guessing we are waiting to get back over the ground stations for the last part

[Chris Bergin]

Four mins to S/C sep.

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

GS 5 and 6 sep.

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

GS 1, 2, 3 and 4 all sep.

Congrats to all involved!

[Satori]

[stockman]

[stockman]

T plus 1hr 50 minutes - what is left to come?

[stockman]

conference going on... no sound on my end so only pictures

[stockman]

and that is the end of that

[Danderman]

For historical trivia purposes, I once watched a Globalstar launch webcast that had the same ending, except that later on we found out that the payload was delivered to the Siberian tundra, unbeknownst to just about everyone.

[Stan Black]

T plus 1hr 50 minutes - what is left to come?

Third burn to dispose of Fregat

[jacqmans]

Soyuz delivers: Six satellites are orbited for Globalstar's second-generation constellation
October 19, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/729.asp
 
The initial cluster of six Globalstar second-generation satellites was successfully orbited today on an Arianespace Soyuz mission, which was conducted by its Starsem affiliate from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

This flight delivered the six trapezoidal-shaped spacecraft into a circular phasing orbit, utilizing the improved Soyuz version that will be introduced by Arianespace at the Spaceport in French Guiana next year.

Today’s mission is the first of four Soyuz launches booked with Arianespace to deploy a total of 24 second-generation satellites, which will support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services.  Once the next-generation Globalstar ground network is installed, the advanced constellation also will provide customers with enhanced future services that feature increased data speeds of 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem configuration.

The Globalstar satellites lofted by Soyuz were installed on a purpose-built dispenser system that carried two spacecraft mounted on its upper section and four on the lower portion.  They were deployed during a two-step process at 1hr. 38 min. and 1 hr. 40 min after liftoff, which followed the powered flight of Soyuz’ three main stages lasting 8 min. 49 sec., and two burns of the Fregat upper stage – which were separated by a coast phase of approximately 50 min.

“We are proud to know that today’s six satellites will become the cornerstone of the Globalstar second generation constellation, and we look forward to our continued participation in the Globalstar success,” said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

He noted that Globalstar was the first customer for the Starsem affiliate, which successfully orbited 24 first-generation spacecraft between February and November 1999 using six Soyuz launchers.  In follow-on Soyuz missions performed by Starsem in May and October 2007, eight replacement spacecraft were orbited to join the Globalstar constellation.

“Today, we are very happy to have successfully launched the ninth Globalstar Soyuz, and we are ready to get right to work for the tenth launch,” Le Gall added.

The six Globalstar satellites orbited today weighed approximately 700 kg. each, and carry 16 transponders from C-to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

[Space Pete]

Today's Globalstar Launch is the Next Step in Evolution of Russian-French Cooperation – Le Gall.

Today’s launch of 6 US spacecraft Globalstar by Russian rocket Soyuz facilitated by Starsem venture is to open a new page in development of Russian- French cooperation, Arianespace/Starsem CEO/President Jean Ives Le Gall stated questioned at Baikonur.
"The launch is to initiate another milestone in our cooperation. Three more launches are planned for 2011", Le Gall said.
The launch is to take place today at 21.10 MSK.
"This is the 22nd joint launch by Roscosmos and Starsem. Our major efforts are at Baikonur, and this is good", Starsem head added.
Le Gall is pleased to see that "operational quality of Baikonur improves".
Globalstar president Antony Navarra is also at the space port to witness the launch.
"We had a lot of launch options to choose, but picked Russian Soyuz as it can inject the spacecraft to the altitude of 900 km and higher, so we can put our satellites directly into the targeted orbit", Navarra noted.
He evaluates the spirit of cooperation between Russian space industry, Arianespace and Starsem highly.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10611&lang=en

[jcm]

Does anyone know the serial numbers of the six satellites?

Refering to the satellite separation times, Roscosmos is giving the following numbers do the new Globalstar-2 sats: "Отделение космических аппаратов от разгонного блока запланировано на 22.49 (аппараты №№5,6) и 22.51 (для аппаратов №№ 1-4)."

I think this is just an internal number for the launch though. A document on sec.gov with a contract between Globalstar and Thales gives a delivery batch of satellites FM2 to FM8 (with PFM1, presumably the proto-flight-model, delivery in the last batch of satellites in 2013). My guess is that the plan was to launch FM2 to FM7 in this first launch, with FM8 as a spare to swap in if a replacement was needed.

[jcm]

I couldn't quite glean from the press kit or the coverage how long the first Fregat burn was - does anyone know when parking orbit insertion was?

[Nicolas PILLET]

Soyuz-2-1A rocket has departed from TsSKB-Progress to Baikonur on September 7th.

How is it possible ? Pictures took in MIK-40 on 4th september (Progress M-07M launch campaign) show that the Globalstar's launcher was already here.

[Nicolas PILLET]

Anyone know the serial number of the Soyuz; and the GRAU of the 1st & 2nd stages?

The only info I have: 14A14 Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat (009/1023)

Maybe a basic question : someone know the official designation of Fregat upper stage ?? I've not found it on the Internet !

[Salo]

Maybe a basic question : someone know the official designation of Fregat upper stage ?? I've not found it on the Internet !

14S44 according to http://www.russianarms.ru/forum/index.php?topic=6337.0

[Salo]

Soyuz-2-1A rocket has departed from TsSKB-Progress to Baikonur on September 7th.

How is it possible ? Pictures took in MIK-40 on 4th september (Progress M-07M launch campaign) show that the Globalstar's launcher was already here.

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=12468

[Salo]

Video:
http://www.tvroscosmos.ru/frm/video/start80.php

[Stan Black]

Soyuz-2-1A rocket has departed from TsSKB-Progress to Baikonur on September 7th.

How is it possible ? Pictures took in MIK-40 on 4th september (Progress M-07M launch campaign) show that the Globalstar's launcher was already here.

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=12468

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=1133.msg626710#msg626710
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22449.msg632099#msg632099

[Nicolas PILLET]

Thank you for all your quick answers ! :-)

[Space Pete]

GLOBALSTAR ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF SIX NEW SECOND-GENERATION SATELLITES.

New constellation will position the company for growth by restoring industry leading voice and duplex data services while it further expands its award-winning SPOT-branded consumer product line.

Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and individuals today announced that six new second-generation Globalstar satellites were successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using the Soyuz launch vehicle.

The Globalstar satellites were launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, October 19th at 11:11 p.m. local time (5:11 p.m. UTC and 1:11 p.m. EDT), using the Soyuz-Fregat version of the Soyuz launch vehicle.  This is the 1762nd successful launch of the Soyuz family launch vehicle.

Launch services provider Arianespace confirmed that the upper stage accurately injected the six-satellite dispenser into the targeted low earth orbit of approximately 920 km.  Globalstar reports that all six satellites have been successfully acquired following separation of the Fregat Upper Stage and release from the satellite dispenser.  Globalstar has initiated satellite in-orbit testing and the performance of all six spacecraft is nominal at this time.

“After more than four and a half years of concentrated effort we are extremely pleased to announce the successful inaugural launch of our second-generation constellation satellites,” said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc.  “It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we begin initiating our second-generation satellite operations and look forward to the future services the constellation will support.  With all six satellites now safely in orbit we congratulate and applaud all of our Globalstar employees world-wide and thank launch provider Arianespace as well as our satellite contractor Thales Alenia Space for this launch success.”

Peter Dalton, CEO of Globalstar, Inc., added, “Once fully deployed we expect our satellite constellation will reliably provide the world’s finest quality mobile satellite voice and fastest mobile satellite handset data services in the industry.  With a fifteen year design life, the new satellite constellation will secure our space segment beyond 2025.  Combined with our affordable and award-winning suite of consumer retail SPOT products, Globalstar will be positioned to offer the world’s most extensive lineup of high quality mobile satellite services to the broadest range of commercial and retail consumer customers around the globe.”

Globalstar signed a contract with satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space in late 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of its second-generation constellation satellites.  A total of four launches of six satellites each will be conducted by launch services provider Arianespace using the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle.  Globalstar plans to integrate the 24 new second-generation satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007, to form a 32 satellite constellation. 

Once the first six new Globalstar satellites become operational, service availability and reliability improvements will benefit those customers who use the Company’s voice and Duplex data services.  With each subsequent launch, these customers can expect a progressive return to the high quality system access and data session performance metrics customers enjoyed before 2007.   

The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company’s lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.  The advanced constellation combined with the Company’s next-generation ground network, expected to be installed by 2012, is also designed to provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.  Products and services supported are expected to include: push-to-talk and multicasting, advanced messaging capabilities such as multimedia messaging or MMS, geo-location services, multi-band and multi-mode handsets, and data devices with GPS integration.

About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 400,000 subscribers, Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services.  Globalstar offers these services to commercial customers and recreational consumers with coverage in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ and flexible airtime service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.

For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com


www.globalstar.com/en/index.php?cid=7010&pressId=633

[Space Pete]

More Details of Yesterday's Launch.

Director General of TsSKB-Progress Rocket Center (Samara) Alexander Kirilin commented yesterday’s launch of 6 Globalstar satellites by Soyuz rocket (Oct. 19, 21.10.59 MSK) for Roscosmos web:
- Soyuz-2.1а launcher presents the first modification of the Soyuz-2 rocket. It is equipped with principally new control system with up-to-date EEE-parts. The system is single for all three stages. In addition, the launcher is featured by digital RF TM-system, upgraded boosters of stages 1 and 2. As a result,  Soyuz-2.1а has lifting capacity 300 kg more than Soyuz-U.
This was the 5th launch of Soyuz-2.1а.
 
Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10623&lang=en

----------

Soyuz-2.1A / 6 Globalstar-2 Launch (photos).

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10622&lang=en

[Satori]

Have you guys check the launch video? There are people so close to the pad! Less the 100 meters maybe?

[zaitcev]

It really depends how far the camera was relatively to the objects in the frame. Check this out:
 

[Satori]

If the white buildings we see in front of them are the same buildings we can see on Google Earth in line with the rocket, then they are at around 50 meters from the vehicle.

[lucspace]

The Globalstar footage was shot at some 700 meters from the launch pad; the lady presenter is at the viewing stand of 'Gagarinski start', at 900 meters.

[Nicolas PILLET]

Check this (Soyouz TMA-9) :

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-14/hires/jsc2006e40672.jpg

[Satori]

The Globalstar footage was shot at some 700 meters from the launch pad; the lady presenter is at the viewing stand of 'Gagarinski start', at 900 meters.

The viewing stand of the Gagarinkiy Start is 1,5 km from the launch pad...

[gwiz]

Does anyone know the serial numbers of the six satellites?

Refering to the satellite separation times, Roscosmos is giving the following numbers do the new Globalstar-2 sats: "Отделение космических аппаратов от разгонного блока запланировано на 22.49 (аппараты №№5,6) и 22.51 (для аппаратов №№ 1-4)."

I think this is just an internal number for the launch though. A document on sec.gov with a contract between Globalstar and Thales gives a delivery batch of satellites FM2 to FM8 (with PFM1, presumably the proto-flight-model, delivery in the last batch of satellites in 2013). My guess is that the plan was to launch FM2 to FM7 in this first launch, with FM8 as a spare to swap in if a replacement was needed.

Possibly the FM numbers are just the Thales identification, as Spacetrack has now listed Globalstar identifications in the same sequence as the first generation satellites.  In order from 2010-054A to F these are Globalstar M079, 74, 76, 77, 75 and 73.

[Stan Black]

Soyuz-2-1A rocket delivered for Globalstar in September 2009
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=7545

And it was still there on 10th March 2010
http://www.rian.ru/science/20100310/213354940.html
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9618

Five Soyuz rockets were at Baikonur cosmodrome on March 30th:
11A511U-FG Yu15000-028 (Soyuz TMA-18)
11A511U-FG B15000-032 (Soyuz TMA-19)
11A511U-FG B15000-033 (Kanopus-V/BelKA-2)
11A511U B15000-118 (Progress M-05M)
11A511U B15000-119 (Progress M-06M)

A Soyuz-2-1A was delivered in September 2010
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=12468

I have seen four Soyuz rockets in a building at site 112 of Baikonur cosmodrome on October 5th:
11A511U-FG B15000-033 (Kanopus-V)
11A511U-FG B15000-034 (Soyuz TMA-20)
11A511U-FG B15000-035 (Soyuz TMA-M)
11A511U I15000-123 (Progress M-08M)

Also, I was told that two Soyuz rockets (probably Soyuz 2-1A for Globalstar-2) are in a building at site 31 and one Soyuz rocket (probably Soyuz-U for Progress M-09M) is temporarily at site 2.

So what happened?

[anik]

So what happened?

Soyuz-2-1A #009 has arrived to Baikonur in September 2010 and was used for Globalstar-2 launch in October 2010, Soyuz-2-1A #008 has arrived in September 2009 and will be used for Globalstar-2 launch in April 2011.

[jcm]

Does anyone know the serial numbers of the six satellites?

Refering to the satellite separation times, Roscosmos is giving the following numbers do the new Globalstar-2 sats: "Отделение космических аппаратов от разгонного блока запланировано на 22.49 (аппараты №№5,6) и 22.51 (для аппаратов №№ 1-4)."

I think this is just an internal number for the launch though. A document on sec.gov with a contract between Globalstar and Thales gives a delivery batch of satellites FM2 to FM8 (with PFM1, presumably the proto-flight-model, delivery in the last batch of satellites in 2013). My guess is that the plan was to launch FM2 to FM7 in this first launch, with FM8 as a spare to swap in if a replacement was needed.

Possibly the FM numbers are just the Thales identification, as Spacetrack has now listed Globalstar identifications in the same sequence as the first generation satellites.  In order from 2010-054A to F these are Globalstar M079, 74, 76, 77, 75 and 73.

Good point - we can expect three different sets of names: manufacturer (Thales), owner/operator (Globalstar) and launch services.