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

[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.