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

[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