Author Topic: Rokot/Briz-KM launch with three Swarm satellites - November 22, 2013 (Read 57913 times)

bolun · « **on:** 01/19/2012 03:47 pm »

http://www.eurockot.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20041105&Itemid=76

Quote

Manifest

On April 09, 2010 the European Space Agency (ESA) and Eurockot sigend a contract for a total of two launches: The combined launch of the three SWARM satellites is currently scheduled for mid 2012 while a second launch under this contract is termed generic launch for which ESA will select the relevant spacecraft in the near future from a range of potential candidate missions.

and

ESA - Swarm updates

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27174.0

bolun · « **Reply #1 on:** 05/30/2012 08:56 pm »

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM8BNZWD2H_index_0.html

From ESA Bulletin Number 150 (Page 83)

Quote

The launch has been delayed to August/September. ESA is still awaiting the launch manifest for 2012 for the Rockot launcher from the Russian Ministry of Defence, indicating the launch date for Swarm.

anik · « **Reply #2 on:** 05/31/2012 07:22 am »

The launch will be not earlier than middle of October.

bolun · « **Reply #3 on:** 06/22/2012 08:47 pm »

Swarm Launch Vehicle Adapter Successfully Tested

http://www.eurockot.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20041176:swarm-launch-vehicle-adapter-successfully-tested&catid=50:news&Itemid=99

anik · « **Reply #4 on:** 07/03/2012 10:44 am »

According to Novosti kosmonavtiki forum, the launch is planned on November 13th.

bolun · « **Reply #5 on:** 08/31/2013 06:20 pm »

Swarm launch expected mid November 2013

The next Rockot launch is now scheduled on the 10th of September 2013. The Swarm launch would then be scheduled in November 2013, the 17th being the provisional date.

http://smsc.cnes.fr/SWARM/actualites.htm

bolun · « **Reply #6 on:** 09/14/2013 10:29 am »

12/09/2013 Succesful Rokot launch last night

Three Gonets-M communications satellites were sucessfully launched last night, from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia, by a Russian Rokot launcher. The launch, which took place at 23:23 UTC on wednesday (03:23 Moscow time on thursday), marked Rokot's return to flight after a nine-month suspension. Flights were suspended since January 2013, after the rocket's Briz-KM booster failed to deliver three military satellites into their designated orbits, resulting in the loss of one of the satellites.

Good news for the Swarm mission, which should be the next to be launched by this rocket, on the 14th of Novembre 2013.

09/2013 Swarm launch scheduled for November 14th, 2013

ESA confirmed the 14/11/13 date for the launch of the 3 Swarm satellites from Plessetsk base (subjected to the success of upcoming Rockot launch scheduled on the 12/09/13). The launch campaign will thus soon begin. The 3 satellites are in their containers, ready for expedition, they will be transported to Plessetsk by plane respectively on the 17, 19 and 21/09.

http://smsc.cnes.fr/SWARM/actualites.htm

Artyom. · « **Reply #7 on:** 09/18/2013 01:49 pm »

The first of the three Astrium-built Swarm research satellites is on its way to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. An Ilyushin-76, headed for Russia, took off from Munich Airport this morning. The remaining two satellites, plus the test and installation equipment, will follow at two-day intervals, amounting to a total of 63 tonnes of freight. The trio of satellites will be launched simultaneously from Plesetsk (around 800 kilometres northeast of Moscow) on a single Rockot launch vehicle in November 2013.

http://aerospace.firetrench.com/2013/09/the-swarm-takes-flight/

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2878

bolun · « **Reply #8 on:** 09/19/2013 07:23 pm »

09/17/2013

Swarm Launch Campaign Started

The launch campaign for the three Swarm satellites Eurockot will launch for the European Space Agency started today when the first of the satellites was flown into Pero Airfield at Plesetsk Cosmodrome after customs clearance at ArchangelAirport.

The remaining two satellites will follow on September 19 and 21, 2013. The departure point for all three satellites is MunichAirport.

The launch team made up of ESA, Astrium, Khrunichev and Eurockot personnel arrived at Plesetsk Cosmodrome the previous week to prepare for the start of the campaign in situ.

The spacecraft will now be taken to the Rockot spacecraft preparation, fuelling and integration facility (MIK) from Pero Airfield for unpacking and further processing.

Swarm is a constellation of three satellites which will explore the Earth`s magnetic field and its change with unprecedented accuracy as part of the European Space Agency`s Earth Explorer range of climate research satellites.

They were built by Astrium GmbH and have a mass of about 500 kg each. Rockot will launch the three satellites together and inject them simultaneously into a Low Earth Orbit of 490 km altitude at 87.6 degrees inclination. Eurockot was awarded the launch contract in 2010 by the European Space Agency.

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/09/swarm-launch-campaign-started/

bolun · « **Reply #9 on:** 09/24/2013 04:55 pm »

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2013/09/24/three-in-a-row/

Three Swarm satellites in Plesetsk

Image credit: ESA/M. Shafiq

Jester · « **Reply #10 on:** 10/03/2013 10:56 am »

FM-02 prep for fueling.

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2013/10/02/swarm-preparations-on-track/

jacqmans · « **Reply #11 on:** 10/11/2013 12:14 pm »

10/07/2013
Daily 21 (L-34)

The fuelling team has rearranged the Freon loading equipment today. The Swarm No.1 was moved to 101B so that Astrium can start with the fuelling preparation for the last of the three Swarm satellites this week.

jacqmans · « **Reply #12 on:** 10/11/2013 12:15 pm »

10/08/2013
Daily 22 (L-33)

Tuesday, October 8, 2013, started with further Swarm No. 1 satellite processing for the Freon loading. The loading itself is planned for tomorrow. While the Swarm No. 1 tanks have been vented, the Swarm No. 2 spacecraft has undergone functional tests. Later today leak checks will be performed on the Swarm No. 1.

Since some of the experts here will leave the cosmodrome in a couple of days, a picture of the Swarm team was taken outside the processing facility MIK (see photo).

jacqmans · « **Reply #13 on:** 10/11/2013 12:15 pm »

10/09/2013
Daily 23 (L-32)

Today the Freon loading of the third spacecraft (Flight Model 1) has started. In parallel to this activity the work on two other satellites was continued. They underwent a launch set-up procedure dry-run.

jacqmans · « **Reply #14 on:** 10/11/2013 12:16 pm »

10/10/2013
Daily 24 (L-31)

D24_SWARM_LaunchPadVisit_2013-10-10_sThe Freon loading on the third Swarm spacecraft (FM1) continued while the other two spacecraft (FM2, FM3) underwent further functional testing. The campaign team visited today the Rockot launch pad.

jacqmans · « **Reply #15 on:** 10/13/2013 09:40 am »

Daily 25 (L-30)

D25_SWARM_FM1_fuelled-2_2013-10-11_sThe propellant loading for Swarm spacecraft FM1 has been completed so that it is ready to be moved back from clean room 101B to the dedicated spacecraft room 101A to join its siblings FM2 and FM3. The area in 101B will be needed for operations on the Breeze-KM upper stage and the payload fairing, which both have been unloaded today.

jacqmans · « **Reply #16 on:** 10/13/2013 09:41 am »

Daily 26 (L-29)

D26_US-PLF_2013-10-12_sWhile all three Swarm spacecraft have been reunited in clean room 101A, the Breeze-KM upper stage, unloaded into the General Hall, is being prepared for pneumatic checkouts. At a later point, the payload fairing will be transferred from the General Hall into 101B which has just been cleared after the completion of spacecraft fueling activities.

jacqmans · « **Reply #17 on:** 10/15/2013 05:22 pm »

Daily 28 (L-28)

The work on the launch vehicle (LV) and spacecraft (SC) has been continued today. All activities with the LV transportation and launch container (TLC) planned for today were finished so that it can be transported to the launch pad on coming Wednesday. Preparation for the upper stage pneumatic checks were continued.

Since the major mission specific instruments onboard the SC are magnetometers, constant monitoring of the magnetic environment in the SC clean room is carried out. Here on the picture a person from the Khrunichev subcontractor company called Sotis is performing reading of the magnetic values in the SC clean room.

jacqmans · « **Reply #18 on:** 10/15/2013 05:26 pm »

Daily 29 (L-27)

Snow has arrived at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome where preparation to launch ESA's Swarm continues with the pneumatic checks of the Breeze-KM upper stage and the preparation of the payload fairing for integration by Eurockot's partner Khrunichev. Meanwhile, with the spacecraft fuelling operations completed, spacecraft end-to-end tests are conducted by the Astrium team.

jacqmans · « **Reply #19 on:** 10/16/2013 07:22 pm »

bolun · « **Reply #20 on:** 10/17/2013 01:26 pm »

Magnetic field mission fuelled for launch

16 October 2013

With launch just a month away, ESA’s Swarm constellation has been fuelled. Engineers will soon be focusing on the careful task of attaching the three identical satellites to the upper stage of the rocket for simultaneous release into orbit around Earth.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/The_Living_Planet_Programme/Earth_Explorers/Swarm/Magnetic_field_mission_fuelled_for_launch

Image credit: ESA–B. Bergaglio

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #21 on:** 10/17/2013 04:11 pm »

10/16/2013
Daily 30 (L-26)
Today the launch vehicle preparations for ESA Swarm mission continue with the transfer of the Transport & Launch Container Extension from the integration facility "MIK" to the Rockot launch pad using the internal rail network of the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. At the launch pad preparations are underway to conduct electrical checkouts with the launch vehicle. In the integration facility the operations continue with the second day of preparation of the payload fairing and spacecraft functional and end-to-end tests.

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #22 on:** 10/17/2013 04:12 pm »

10/17/2013
Daily 31 (L-25)
At the Rockot integration facility MIK the dispenser system is unpacked and assembled after having been transported to the cosmodrome from Khrunichev's facilities in the Moscow Fili district. The dispenser system is a vital part of the launch vehicle hardware, because once in orbit it is responsible to release the three Swarm satellites with an accurately defined direction and speed away from the Breeze-KM upper stage. At the same time the preparation of ESA's Swarm satellites continues with checkouts of the thermal control systems and battery charging operations.

jacqmans · « **Reply #23 on:** 10/21/2013 08:55 am »

10/18/2013
Daily 32 (L-24)

The Swarm launch campaign continues at Eurockot's launch site in Northern Russia with preparations to transport the booster unit to the launch pad. In the integration facility MIK the dispenser system has been successfully installed and its transit lines checked out. This activity was concluded by a visual inspection of the dispenser system including interface brackets jointly by teams from ESA, Astrium, Khrunichev and Eurockot in preparation of the mating operations, which are planned to start in the coming week.

jacqmans · « **Reply #24 on:** 10/21/2013 08:55 am »

10/19/2013
Daily 33 (L-23)

During this weekend electrical checkouts of the launch vehicle are conducted to prepare the launch of the three Swarm satellites. The electrical checks are an important milestone of the launch vehicle preparations before the beginning of the joint operations with the spacecraft teams.

jacqmans · « **Reply #25 on:** 10/22/2013 08:51 am »

Daily 34 (L-22)

At Eurockot's launch site in the Plesetsk Cosmodrome the Swarm launch campaign today continues with the dry-run of the launch set-up procedure for Swarm No. 2, the closure of last open works on Swarm No. 1 and 3 and the further preparation to transfer the booster unit from the integration facility MIK over to the launch pad. Tomorrow, the payload fairing will be integrated with the empty Breeze-KM upper stage for the transportation dry-run and upper composite fit-check with the launch pad.

jacqmans · « **Reply #26 on:** 10/23/2013 08:59 am »

10/22/2013
Daily 35 (L-21)

Today very important milestones for the Rockot launch vehicle preparation have been accomplished. This includes the transfer of the booster unit to the launch pad and assembly of Upper Stage and Payload Fairing for fit-check purposes. Also, the nominal flight software was uploaded to the Breeze-KM command unit. Functional tests on the spacecraft continued.

jacqmans · « **Reply #27 on:** 10/23/2013 09:41 am »

jacqmans · « **Reply #28 on:** 10/24/2013 08:34 am »

10/23/2013
Daily 36 (L-20)

After the successful installation of the Rockot booster unit to the launch pad the operations continue in the integration facility MIK with electrical checkouts of the upper stage which is assembled with the payload fairing for the upper composite transportation dryrun. These operations in the General Hall are concluded with the attachment of the mobile air thermal control system which provides thermal conditioning of the upper stage during the transportation to the pad which is planned for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the spacecraft team is busy with closing open work on the satellites.

bolun · « **Reply #29 on:** 10/24/2013 04:13 pm »

http://www.eurockot.com/press-media/downloads/

Datasheet

jacqmans · « **Reply #30 on:** 10/25/2013 02:42 pm »

Daily 37 (L-19)

The Swarm launch campaign now approaches the phase of joint operations during which the three Swarm satellites are integrated on the launch vehicle adapter and dispenser system. This phase of spacecraft to adapter mating is currently being prepared in the Rockot integration facility MIK. Meanwhile, the preparations of the launch vehicle continue at the launch pad with the electrical checkouts of the stack in the frame of the upper composite to booster unit fitcheck.

jacqmans · « **Reply #31 on:** 10/25/2013 02:42 pm »

10/25/2013
Daily 38 (L-18)

While further electrical checks are conducted at the launch pad, the joint operations expected to start next week are further prepared in the Rockot immigration facility MIK. The launch vehicle dispenser system is further processed as planned while further checkouts of the Swarm satellites are conducted by the spacecraft team.

jacqmans · « **Reply #32 on:** 10/28/2013 04:55 pm »

10/26/2013
Daily 39 (L-17)

While the joint operations of the spacecraft team and the launch vehicle team is coming closer, the satellites are powered (see red light on photo) and purged (sensible instruments are constantly cleaned with nitrogen). The crane for the hoisting operations necessary for the integration of the adapter system beneath the spacecraft is waiting in the back. The joint operations schedule was discussed today in more detail. The works will continue on Monday.

jacqmans · « **Reply #33 on:** 10/28/2013 04:56 pm »

10/27/2013
Daily 40 (Day Off)

Today was a day off. Some members of the team took the chance to make a trip to the town of Plesetsk. First the market and several stores were visited, then some pictures were taken in front of the Russian Orthodox Church. Other team members took a walk through the town of Mirny, visited a sauna or simply relaxed by reading a book or watching TV. This day was probably the last day off until launch.

jacqmans · « **Reply #34 on:** 10/29/2013 05:29 pm »

10/28/2013
Daily 41 (L-16)

Today the three spacecraft were moved into vertical position. This was done in preparation of their installation onto the adapter system. Furthermore, ground support equipment for mating such as the service stand for the adapter system was moved into Hall 101A. In parallel coordination meetings took place in order to harmonize and to schedule the upcoming joint activities more precisely.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #35 on:** 10/30/2013 01:49 am »

Reports from the Russian NK forums are saying that the launch may slip by roughly 10 days due to problems with the Briz-KM upper stage.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #36 on:** 10/30/2013 03:18 pm »

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Swarm/Swarm_launch_postponed

30 October 2013
The launch of ESA’s magnetic field mission from Plesetsk, Russia, has been postponed by about a week.

The announcement from the mission’s launch service provider, Eurockot, follows the decision to replace a unit in the Breeze upper stage of the Rockot launcher.

Originally scheduled for 14 November, the launch is expected to be delayed by about one week. More details will be given as they become available.

The three-satellite Swarm mission aims to unravel one of the most mysterious aspects of our planet: the magnetic field.

The field protects our planet from cosmic radiation and charged particles that bombard Earth in ‘solar winds’. Without this protective shield, the atmosphere as we know it would not exist, rendering life on Earth virtually impossible.

By analysing the different characteristics of the field, the mission will provide new insight into many natural processes, from those occurring deep inside the planet to weather in space caused by solar activity. In turn, this information will yield a better understanding of why the magnetic field is weakening.

Swarm is ESA’s fourth Earth Explorer mission, following GOCE, SMOS and CryoSat.

jacqmans · « **Reply #37 on:** 10/31/2013 07:50 pm »

10/29/2013
Daily 42

The launch preparation activities continue. The picture shows the three spacecraft in vertical position ready for installation onto the adapter system.

jacqmans · « **Reply #38 on:** 10/31/2013 07:51 pm »

10/30/2013
Daily 43

Today the day has started with the formal readiness review for mating of the first satellite on the launcher adapter system. Every party had stated its readiness for the first important step in the joint operations.

After this review has been successfully taken place, Khrunichev has completed the preparations of the adapter system with the installation of the pyro actuators which at separation in space will move the mechanical locks to free the three spacecraft from the launcher. Astrium on its side has prepared its satellite (FM1). So everything is prepared to hoist the first satellite in its location on the adapter tomorrow morning.

jacqmans · « **Reply #39 on:** 10/31/2013 07:52 pm »

10/31/2013
Daily 44

The day started with the mounting of the interface brackets on the first SWARM satellite (FM1). After a visual inspection of the bottom of the satellite, a final installation of Multi- Layer Insulation (MLI) and some additional rest work, the FM1 was moved onto the SWARM launch vehicle adapter and successfully mounted in its position.

jacqmans · « **Reply #40 on:** 11/01/2013 09:38 pm »

11/01/2013
Daily 45

In the cleanroom 101A Khrunichev has prepared the interface brackets which shall be mated with the Swarm Flight Model (FM) 2 tomorrow morning.

In parallel Astrium has tested the satellite FM1. It was electrically connected via the launch vehicle adapter harness and switched on. At the same time the launcher upper stage Breeze-KM underwent preparations and pneumatical checks in the general hall.

bolun · « **Reply #41 on:** 11/02/2013 03:41 pm »

10/30/2013

The Launch of ESA’s Magnetic Field Mission from Plesetsk, Russia, has been postponed.

Following the decision to replace a unit in the Breeze upper stage of the Rockot launcher, the launch of ESA's magnetic field mission Swarm from Plesetsk, Russia, has been postponed.

Originally scheduled for 14 November, the launch is expected to be delayed by about one week. More details will be given as they become available.

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/10/the-launch-of-esas-magnetic-field-mission-from-plesetsk-russia-has-been-postponed/

jacqmans · « **Reply #42 on:** 11/04/2013 09:10 am »

11/02/2013
Daily 46

On this Saturday the second Swarm spacecraft was successfully hoisted on the launch vehicle adapter system. The upper stage was prepared for the electrical test tomorrow morning.

jacqmans · « **Reply #43 on:** 11/04/2013 09:10 am »

11/03/2013
Daily 47

While the ESA, Astrium and Eurockot teams had a day off, the upper stage Breeze-KM together with the first two stages (Booster) was successfully electrical tested. After lunch it started snowing in Plesetsk and the winter came back.

jacqmans · « **Reply #44 on:** 11/06/2013 08:58 am »

11/04/2013
Daily 48

The SWARM spacecraft flight model 2 was successfully electrically checked in 101A. At the same time the Breeze-KM upper stage was moved to the cleanroom 101B for the installation of the fairing.

jacqmans · « **Reply #45 on:** 11/06/2013 08:58 am »

11/05/2013
Daily 49

Today the 3rd and last SWARM satellite (FM 3) was successfully mounted on the launch vehicle adapter system. In cleanroom 101B the upper stage with the mounted fairing halves was prepared for the transport to the launch pad for the next electrical test.

Artyom. · « **Reply #46 on:** 11/06/2013 10:56 am »

According to http://www.itar-tass.com/c19/943771.html, the launch is planned on November 22.

jacqmans · « **Reply #47 on:** 11/07/2013 08:53 am »

11/06/2013
Daily 50

Today the ESA and Astrium Team switched on the SWARM Satellite FM3 and successfully checked the electrical components of the item. During the same time the upper stage of the launcher with the mounted fairings was brought to the launch pad and prepared for the electrical checks which take place tomorrow morning.

Artyom. · « **Reply #48 on:** 11/07/2013 01:08 pm »

Quote

Following the replacement of a unit in the Breeze upper stage of the Rockot launcher, the new launch date for Swarm is now 22 November at 12:02 GMT (13:02 CET).

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Swarm/Swarm_launch_postponed

jacqmans · « **Reply #49 on:** 11/07/2013 02:16 pm »

Press Release
N° 36-2013

Paris, 7 November 2013

Call for Media: Follow the launch of ESA’s Swarm magnetic field mission

ESA’s Swarm mission is ready for launch from Plesetsk, Russia on a Russian Rockot on 22 November at 12:02 GMT (13:02 CET). The three-satellite Swarm mission aims to unravel one of the most mysterious aspects
of our planet: the magnetic field.

Media representatives are invited to follow the launch via ESA TV or ESA’s website or attend the main launch event at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

The magnetic field protects our planet from cosmic radiation and charged particles that bombard Earth in ‘solar winds’. Without this protective shield, the atmosphere as we know it would not exist, rendering
life on Earth virtually impossible.

Strong solar storms have the potential to cause power and communications blackouts, and to damage satellites orbiting Earth. A visible display of what happens when charged particles collide with atoms and
molecules in the upper atmosphere can be seen as waves of luminous green light in the polar skies – the auroras.

Earth’s magnetic field is in continuous flux. Magnetic north wanders and every few hundred thousand years the polarity flips, so that a compass would point south instead of north. The strength of the magnetic
field constantly changes – and it is currently showing signs of significant weakening.

By analysing the different characteristics of the field, the mission will provide new insights into many natural processes, from those occurring deep inside the planet to weather in space caused by solar
activity. In turn, this information will yield a better understanding of why the magnetic field is weakening.

Swarm’s measurements will also be used to improve the accuracy of navigation systems such as those carried on satellites. This will assist in improving earthquake prediction and increasing the efficiency
of drilling for natural resources.

Swarm is ESA’s fourth Earth Explorer mission, following GOCE, SMOS and CryoSat.
In its observations of Earth’s magnetic field, Swarm will benefit from the data from ESA’s Cluster scientific mission, launched in 2000 and still operational. Cluster is studying conditions within Earth’s
magnetosphere and its interaction with charged particles in the solar wind, using four satellites to map them in 3D over a range of scales.

Cluster’s satellites orbit at a distance of 10 000 km above Earth and thus provide complementary measurements to Swarm, which will operate at altitudes of up to 530 km.

Coverage

The launch will be transmitted live via satellite (details will be available on http://television.esa.int/) and webstreamed on ESA’s website: www.esa.int

ESA TV offers broadcasters extensive material on the Swarm mission and its preparation via special feeds from the Plesetsk cosmodrome before the launch, as well as a live launch transmission. Broadcasters
can consult http://television.esa.int/ for the latest information.

The latest high-resolution images can be found by registering on ESA’s Photo Library for Professionals: http://www.esa-photolibrary.com/

Questions on images for media can be directed to [email protected]

For the latest news and information on this innovative mission, visit www.esa.int/swarm

Programme at ESOC

11:00–11:45 Doors open

11:45–13:10
•Welcome by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and Prof. Volker Liebig, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes
•European experts report on the development of the satellites, Earth’s magnetic field and their expectations of the Swarm mission
•Live launch coverage from the launch site in Plesetsk, Russia, and the ESA control room
•Liftoff is scheduled for 12:02 GMT (13:02 CET)

13:10–14:25 Lunch break and interview opportunities

14:25–14:50 Live coverage of satellite separation and acquisition of first signals

bolun · « **Reply #50 on:** 11/08/2013 09:02 pm »

11/07/2013

Swarm Launch from Plesetsk on 22 November 2013

The new launch date for the ESA’s Magnetic Field Mission, originally scheduled for 14 November, is confirmed for 22 November 2013 at 12:02 GMT (13:02 CET).

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/11/swarm-launch-from-plesetsk-on-22-november-2013/

For more details to Swarm launch campaign please read

http://www.eurockot.com/category/daily-news/

jacqmans · « **Reply #51 on:** 11/09/2013 11:20 am »

11/07/2013
Daily 51 (L-15)

On this Thursday morning in the cleanroom 101A, some remaining parts of Multi Layer Insulation (MLI) were installed on the 3 Swarm satellites. After that an antistatic foil was mounted on each spacecraft to protect the sensible solar panels. In parallel the launcher upper stage was undergoing the electrical checks on the launch pad.

jacqmans · « **Reply #52 on:** 11/09/2013 11:21 am »

11/08/2013
Daily 52 (L-14)

Today the lifting device for the adapter system was installed in the cleanroom 101A so that in the evening the adapter with the 3 SWARM satellites could be lifted on the dolly.

On the launcher side the Breeze-KM upper stage was transferred back to the integration facility MIK. In the cleanroom 101B Khrunichev specialists have started demating the fairing halves from the so called Spacehead.

jacqmans · « **Reply #53 on:** 11/12/2013 12:58 pm »

11/11/2013
Daily 54 (L-13)

Today all parties used the time for several preparation meetings for example for back transportation and movement of the electrical ground support equipment from MIK to the launch pad.

jacqmans · « **Reply #54 on:** 11/14/2013 01:21 pm »

11/12/2013
Daily 55 (L-12)

While the Upper Stage was filled with compressed gases today, the payload fairing was prepared in 101B. Several meetings and telecons has taken place to prepare the dress rehearsal, the launch day and the transportation of the containers after the launch back to Western Europe.

jacqmans · « **Reply #55 on:** 11/14/2013 01:22 pm »

11/13/2013
Daily 56 (L-11)

Today the launcher upper stage was fuelled with the oxidizer. After successful fuelling, the Breeze-KM upper stage will be moved from the fuelling facility back to the integration facility MIK. This movement will take place in the night to tomorrow.

Artyom. · « **Reply #56 on:** 11/19/2013 11:35 am »

Quote

Today, the satellite assembly was wrapped in thermal covering and transported by train to the launch tower. It was hoisted up to the top of the tower and then gently lowered to join the lower stages of the Rockot launcher.

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/category/swarm/

Artyom. · « **Reply #57 on:** 11/20/2013 09:29 am »

Khrunichev information about the launch:

Swarm is one of ESA's Earth Explorer missions. They aim to improve our understanding of how Earth works as a system and the impact human activity is having on natural Earth processes.

Swarm will be the fourth Earth Explorer mission in orbit, following GOCE, SMOS and CryoSat, launched in March 2009, November 2009, and April 2010 respectively.

Earth Explorer missions form the science and research element of ESA's Living Planet Programme and focus on the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and Earth's interior.

Swarm is the third Earth Explorer Opportunity Mission within ESA's Living Planet Programme.Swarm is ESA's first constellation satellites for of Earth observation. The Swarm mission is designed to measure the magnetic signals that stem from Earth's core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere and magnetosphere.

This will lead to better understanding of the processes that drive Earth's dynamo, which currently appears to be weakening. By studying the complexities of Earth's protective shield, Swarm will provide a clear insight into processes occurring inside the planet. Along with measurements of conditions in the upper atmosphere, a better knowledge of the near-Earth environment and the Sun's influence on the planet can be realized.

http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=657

jacqmans · « **Reply #58 on:** 11/20/2013 07:43 pm »

11/14/2013
Daily 57

Today the Breeze-KM upper stage arrived fuelled in the integration facility MIK. After lunch the adapter system with the three Swarm spacecraft was moved to the cleanroom 101 B and afterwards hoisted on the upper stage.

jacqmans · « **Reply #59 on:** 11/20/2013 07:44 pm »

11/15/2013
Daily 58 (L-7 corrected)

Today the switch on and the electrical checks of the 3 Swarm satellites after mating with the Breeze upper stage took place. In parallel the last parts of the upper stage were covered with Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) by Khrunichev specialists.

As has been reported, a fatal gas accident occurred on Nov 09, 2013 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome costing the lives of two officers of the Russian Space Forces and injuring three soldiers while working in a mobile N2O4 oxidizer tank.

The staff of Eurockot Launch Services GmbH offer their sympathies to the families, colleagues and friends of the demised.

Based on all available official information we confirm that this tragic accident is neither linked to Rockot nor to Swarm launch campaign activities and should not have any impact on the planned launch date of Nov 22, 2013.

jacqmans · « **Reply #60 on:** 11/20/2013 07:46 pm »

11/16/2013
Daily 59 (L-6)

Today the encapsulation of the Swarm satellites has taken place. The both fairing halves were moved from their storage position in 101B, carefully closed around the spacecraft and finally mounted with the upper stage. As the last activity of the day all team members put their names and best wishes for their families at home on the fairing logo. This is the last time the team gets physically in touch with the upper composite of the rocket.

jacqmans · « **Reply #61 on:** 11/20/2013 07:48 pm »

11/17/2013
Daily 60 (L-5)

While the Astrium team starts packing the first equipment, the upper composite (space head) was moved to the general hall, where it underwent an electrical check. Then it was prepared for the transportation to the launch pad (for example with an installation of the thermal cover) which will take place early tomorrow morning.

jacqmans · « **Reply #62 on:** 11/20/2013 07:48 pm »

11/18/2013
Daily 61 (L-4)

Today the train transporting the Upper Composite (Space Head) has left the MIK at about 6h in the morning and finally arrived about 10:30 h at the launch pad.

Then it was hoisted onto platform 7 where the thermal cover and stiffness ring was removed. After that operation it was lowered on the boosters and mounted on the 2nd stage of the launcher. This evening a first switch-on of the three Swarm spacecraft is planned as well as a first connection check with the ESA Ground Operation Center ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany.

jacqmans · « **Reply #63 on:** 11/20/2013 07:49 pm »

11/19/2013
Daily 62 (L-3)

Today was the day of the „Dress Rehearsal“. The launch day was copied and all spacecraft operations were performed as if the launch would took place today. The picture shows the mission control room in Mirny.

jacqmans · « **Reply #64 on:** 11/20/2013 07:49 pm »

11/20/2013
Daily 63 (L-2)

While the last works are done to prepare the rocket booster fuelling which takes place tomorrow morning, the customer and the Eurockot teams are packing their equipment and preparing the launch day documents.

jacqmans · « **Reply #65 on:** 11/20/2013 07:58 pm »

bolun · « **Reply #66 on:** 11/21/2013 09:11 am »

To follow the launch

http://spaceinvideos.esa.int/esalive

Friday, 22 November 2013 - 11:45-14:50 CET: Swarm Launch

Artyom. · « **Reply #67 on:** 11/21/2013 01:29 pm »

Real time broadcast of the launch will be available from 30 minutes before start on the Khrunichev Space Center web site:
http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=201

Owners of the portable device can watch the launch in test mode on
http://www.space-center.ru .

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #68 on:** 11/21/2013 01:40 pm »

It seems funny that 3 of the 4 orbital launches during these 2.5 days are done with stages from the mainstays of ICBMs still in service today (Minuteman III, R-36M, this one with UR-100N), with the fourth also a derivative (DF-5). Cold War? What Cold War?

Artyom. · « **Reply #69 on:** 11/21/2013 04:36 pm »

Swarm update from Plesetsk: Day before launch

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #70 on:** 11/21/2013 08:10 pm »

11/21/2013
Daily 64 (L-1)
Today the Military Space Forces have started to fuel the first 2 stages of the Rocket with fuel and oxidizer. This operation will be finished late in the evening.

jacqmans · « **Reply #71 on:** 11/22/2013 02:43 am »

Launch of Canadian Instruments Onboard Swarm Constellation

Longueuil, Quebec, November 21, 2013 – On November 22, the three satellites that forms the Swarm constellation will be launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia. This mission is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Earth Explorer program.

The Swarm mission aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Earth’s magnetic field. The fleet of three satellites will use the Canadian Electric Field Instrument (EFI) developed by the University of Calgary and built by COM DEV.

Representatives from the media will be able to view the launch live on the media section of ESA’s website.

When:
November 22, 2013

What time:
7:02 a.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)

What:
Launch of the Swarm mission from Russia

Where:
Live feed at http://www.esa.int/esatv/Television

For interviews with Canadian Space Agency, University of Calgary and COM DEV’s spokespersons, please contact their respective media relations group.

For general information on Swarm, visit CSA or ESA websites.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #72 on:** 11/22/2013 03:00 am »

Moved for live coverage.

bolun · « **Reply #73 on:** 11/22/2013 09:32 am »

Swarm ready for launch

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Swarm/Swarm_ready_for_launch

Quote

With the rocket fully fuelled and its electrical checks done, Swarm is set to liftoff today at 12:02 GMT from Plesetsk in northern Russia.

bolun · « **Reply #74 on:** 11/22/2013 09:36 am »

https://twitter.com/ESA_EO

Quote

Clear forecast for #SwarmMission launch: wind speed in ‘critical area’ of atmosphere (6-12.5 km altitude) well below 46 m/s limit

https://twitter.com/esaoperations

Quote

#ESOC Ground Operations Manager confirms: All tracking stations GREEN for #swarmmission launch

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #75 on:** 11/22/2013 09:39 am »

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
The #SwarmMission trio have completed battery optimisation & continue with final set of pre-launch configuration checks.

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
Weather clear for #SwarmMission launch: wind speed in ‘critical area’ of atmosphere (6-12.5 km altitude) well below 46 m/s limit

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
#ESOC Ground Operations Manager confirms: All tracking stations GREEN for #swarmmission launch http://bit.ly/VnCmdM

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
#UsToo #SwarmMission launch update: the Russians have confirmed readiness of their ground tracking stations

ESA TV coverage starts in 5 minutes.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #76 on:** 11/22/2013 09:46 am »

Quote

Clear forecast for #SwarmMission launch: wind speed in ‘critical area’ of atmosphere (6-12.5 km altitude) well below 46 m/s limit

Actually per Khrunichev's video feed it's sleeting and snowing at Plesetsk.... probably we won't be able to see much of the launch.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #77 on:** 11/22/2013 10:22 am »

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #78 on:** 11/22/2013 10:34 am »

T-30 minutes. Still GREEN for launch.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #79 on:** 11/22/2013 10:42 am »

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
The #Rockot launcher has started its automatic configuration sequence for #swarmmission launch. All green.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #80 on:** 11/22/2013 10:47 am »

This is more like a chat show....

Artyom. · « **Reply #81 on:** 11/22/2013 10:47 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #82 on:** 11/22/2013 10:52 am »

Under 10 minutes.

Artyom. · « **Reply #83 on:** 11/22/2013 10:54 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #84 on:** 11/22/2013 10:54 am »

The fog is not a constraint to launch.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #85 on:** 11/22/2013 10:55 am »

Service tower rolling back...

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #86 on:** 11/22/2013 10:57 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #87 on:** 11/22/2013 10:59 am »

Some concerned looks just then....

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #88 on:** 11/22/2013 11:00 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #89 on:** 11/22/2013 11:00 am »

T-120 seconds.

Artyom. · « **Reply #90 on:** 11/22/2013 11:00 am »

Artyom. · « **Reply #91 on:** 11/22/2013 11:01 am »

Bargemanos · « **Reply #92 on:** 11/22/2013 11:01 am »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 11/22/2013 10:55 am

Service tower rolling back...

which video feet is this?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #93 on:** 11/22/2013 11:02 am »

LAUNCH!

Artyom. · « **Reply #94 on:** 11/22/2013 11:02 am »

LAUNCH !!!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #95 on:** 11/22/2013 11:03 am »

And immediately into fog!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #96 on:** 11/22/2013 11:03 am »

Artyom. · « **Reply #97 on:** 11/22/2013 11:04 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #98 on:** 11/22/2013 11:04 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #99 on:** 11/22/2013 11:05 am »

Staging 1-2 Sep.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #100 on:** 11/22/2013 11:05 am »

1st stage sep.

Artyom. · « **Reply #101 on:** 11/22/2013 11:05 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #102 on:** 11/22/2013 11:05 am »

Fairing jettison.

Artyom. · « **Reply #103 on:** 11/22/2013 11:06 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #104 on:** 11/22/2013 11:07 am »

Into the coast.

Artyom. · « **Reply #105 on:** 11/22/2013 11:09 am »

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
2nd stage separation, at abt 235 km altitude

Artyom. · « **Reply #106 on:** 11/22/2013 11:10 am »

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
Breeze-KM upper stage carrying Swarm is starting first engine burn

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #107 on:** 11/22/2013 11:11 am »

Nice ESA office at the launch site (audience laughing!)

Artyom. · « **Reply #108 on:** 11/22/2013 11:17 am »

ESA Operations ‏@esaoperations
Breeze-KM end of first burn. Altitude is now about 250 km, speed ~7.8 km/s. Starting 61 minute coast

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #109 on:** 11/22/2013 11:22 am »

ESA coming back for S/C Sep.

Artyom. · « **Reply #110 on:** 11/22/2013 11:23 am »

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #111 on:** 11/22/2013 12:08 pm »

Short 2nd Breeze-KM burn coming in 10 minutes.

aga · « **Reply #112 on:** 11/22/2013 12:23 pm »

Quote

Upper stage cruise burn 2 completed #Swarmmission (KR)

https://twitter.com/DLR_en/status/403875621518180352

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #113 on:** 11/22/2013 12:36 pm »

There's S/C Sep. AOS for two, waiting for the third.

aga · « **Reply #114 on:** 11/22/2013 12:45 pm »

AOS for the third too

Mighty-T · « **Reply #115 on:** 11/22/2013 12:53 pm »

Very cool! Congratulations everyone!

bolun · « **Reply #116 on:** 11/22/2013 01:26 pm »

N° 39–2013: ESA’s Swarm trio on its way to watch over our planet’s magnetic shield

22 November 2013

ESA’s three-satellite Swarm constellation was lofted into a near-polar orbit by a Russian Rockot launcher this afternoon. For four years, it will monitor Earth’s magnetic field, from the depth of our planet’s core to the heights of its upper atmosphere.

The Swarm satellites will give us unprecedented insights into the complex workings of the magnetic shield that protects our biosphere from charged particles and cosmic radiation. They will perform precise measurements to evaluate its current weakening and understand how it contributes to global change.

The Rockot launcher lifted off from the Plesetsk spaceport in northern Russia at 12:02 GMT (13:02 CET) on 22 November.

Some 91 minutes later, its Breeze-KM upper stage released the three satellites into a near-polar circular orbit at an altitude of 490 km.

Contact was established with the trio minutes later through the Kiruna station in Sweden and the Svalbard station in Norway.

All three satellites are controlled by ESA teams at the European Space Operation Centre in Darmstadt, Germany. In the next hours they will deploy their 4 m-long instrument booms. Over the next three months of commissioning, their scientific payloads will be verified and they will move to their respective operational orbits.

The lower pair will fly in formation side by side, about 150 km (10 seconds) apart at the equator and at an initial altitude of 460 km, while the upper satellite will rise to a higher orbit, at 530 km.

“Swarm is about to fill a gap in our view of the Earth system and in our monitoring of global change issues,” noted Volker Liebig, ESA’s director for Earth observation.

“It will help us to better understand the field that protects us from the particles and radiation coming from the Sun.”

About Swarm

Swarm is ESA’s fourth Earth Explorer mission, coming after the successful CryoSat, GOCE and SMOS satellites – all missions that expand our knowledge of Earth and its environment.

The combination of data collected by Swarm will give precious information on the sources of the magnetic field inside Earth. This includes understanding how the magnetic field is related to the motion of molten iron in the outer core, how the conductivity of the mantle is related to its composition and how the crust has been magnetised over geological timescales.

They will also investigate how the magnetic field relates to Earth’s environment through the radiation belts and their near-Earth effects, including the solar wind energy input into the upper atmosphere.

Swarm will also be able to distinguish between the various sources of our planet’s magnetic field and ensure continuity in its monitoring from space in conjunction with measurements from ground observatories.

Our magnetic field plays a major role in protecting the biosphere because it generates a bubble around our planet that deflects charged particles and traps them in the radiation belts. This shielding protects all life on Earth from the bombardment of heavy ions coming from the Sun and deep space.

Since the 1980s, previous missions have showed this field to be weakening, which could be a sign that the north and south magnetic poles are beginning to reverse – known to have occurred on multiple occasions during geological times.

Although such inversions usually take thousands years to complete, a further weakening of our magnetic protection could lead to an increase in events that damage our orbiting satellites or disrupt power grids and other electrical systems on the ground.

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. It is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 20 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, of whom 18 are Member States of the EU.

ESA has Cooperation Agreements with eight other Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

ESA is also working with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.

ESA develops the launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities.

Today, it launches satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy, sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in the human exploration of space.
For further information:

ESA Media Relations Office
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +33 1 53 69 72 99

http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/ESA_s_Swarm_trio_on_its_way_to_watch_over_our_planet_s_magnetic_shield

bolun · « **Reply #117 on:** 11/22/2013 01:32 pm »

11/22/2013

Swarm Satellites Launched Successfully

SWARM on Rockot launcherEurockot Launch Services GmbH successfully launched the three satellite Swarm constellation for the European Space Agency today at 12:02 hrs UTC (13:02 hrs CET) with a Rockot launcher from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. Rockot orbited the Swarm Earth Explorer mission into an orbit of 87.6 degrees at 490 km altitude. This launch was Eurockot's third successful launch for the European Space Agency.

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/11/swarm-satellites-launched-successfully/

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #118 on:** 11/22/2013 01:37 pm »

Quote from: bolun on 11/22/2013 01:32 pm

11/22/2013

Swarm Satellites Launched Successfully

SWARM on Rockot launcherEurockot Launch Services GmbH successfully launched the three satellite Swarm constellation for the European Space Agency today at 12:02 hrs UTC (13:02 hrs CET) with a Rockot launcher from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. Rockot orbited the Swarm Earth Explorer mission into an orbit of 87.6 degrees at 490 km altitude. This launch was Eurockot's third successful launch for the European Space Agency.

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/11/swarm-satellites-launched-successfully/

Almost looks eerie......

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #119 on:** 11/22/2013 01:45 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 11/22/2013 01:37 pm

Quote from: bolun on 11/22/2013 01:32 pm
11/22/2013

Swarm Satellites Launched Successfully

SWARM on Rockot launcherEurockot Launch Services GmbH successfully launched the three satellite Swarm constellation for the European Space Agency today at 12:02 hrs UTC (13:02 hrs CET) with a Rockot launcher from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. Rockot orbited the Swarm Earth Explorer mission into an orbit of 87.6 degrees at 490 km altitude. This launch was Eurockot's third successful launch for the European Space Agency.

http://www.eurockot.com/2013/11/swarm-satellites-launched-successfully/

Almost looks eerie......

And a few more: http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Photos/Highlights/SWARM2

jacqmans · « **Reply #120 on:** 11/22/2013 01:46 pm »

Successful Launch of the Swarm Constellation

Carrying Canadian Science and Technology

Longueuil, Quebec, November 22, 2013 – The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is proud to announce the successful launch of Swarm – the European Space Agency’s (ESA) first constellation of Earth Observation satellites. Lift off took place at 7:02 a.m. (EST) from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia.

ESA’s Swarm mission is designed to precisely measure the magnetic fields generated from Earth’s core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere and magnetosphere. The three satellites will accomplish their mission using the Canadian Electric Field Instrument (EFI), designed and built by COM DEV based on instruments developed by the University of Calgary. COM DEV supplied the Canadian EFI under an ESA contract.

“Early on, the Canadian Space Agency supported the University of Calgary in the initial development of the technology related to the Canadian EFI. Years later, as a result of the passion and dedication of the scientists who worked on the project, the Canadian EFI is now ready to take a leap in space and support the very demanding requirements of the Swarm mission. Canada is proud to join Europe in this unique endeavour” stated the President of the Canadian Space Agency, Walter Natynczyk.

In addition to its role as lead scientific institute for the Canadian EFI, the University of Calgary, supported by the CSA, will take an active part in the mission by ensuring the optimal functioning of the instruments. Canadian scientists will use the measurements from the Canadian EFI to gain a better understanding of the processes that take place in the ionosphere; how space weather influences space plasma around Earth and how this can impact our daily lives.

Canada’s industrial and scientific contribution to the Swarm mission was enabled by the Canada-ESA Cooperation Agreement.

Swarm is one of ESA’s Earth Explorer missions, which are developed in direct response to issues raised by the scientific community. They aim to improve our understanding of how Earth works as a system and the impact human activity is having on natural Earth processes.

Artyom. · « **Reply #121 on:** 11/22/2013 02:16 pm »

My congratulations

!

robertross · « **Reply #122 on:** 11/22/2013 02:27 pm »

Most excellent. Thanks for the coverage all!

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #123 on:** 11/22/2013 03:34 pm »

Uh oh..... it seems that the Breeze-KM again has failed to do its de-orbit burn completely!

1. The Khrunichev live data page is showing the de-orbit burn being done 52.5 minutes before it was supposed to happen.

2. Freshly updated TLEs from NORAD shows 4 objects in similar orbits:

2013-067A: 489 x 502 km x 87.56 deg.
2013-067B: 490 x 503 km x 87.56 deg.
2013-067C: 490 x 502 km x 87.56 deg.
2013-067D: 461 x 472 km x 87.56 deg.

(Orbits for A/B/C are of epoch 15:12 UTC, and for D 15:29 UTC, well after the disposal burns should have occurred)

3. If I am reading correctly it seems that someone at the NK forums is reporting the same thing.

The original plan was to dispose the Breeze-KM in a 429 x 473 km x 87.55 deg. orbit.

Satori · « **Reply #124 on:** 11/22/2013 04:38 pm »

Exact launch time: 1202:29.038UTC

Spacecraft separation: 1333:46.888UTC

JimO · « **Reply #125 on:** 11/23/2013 09:07 pm »

Interfax is reporting the failure -- they don't know if was the guidance system or the engine.

http://www.gosnews.ru/society/news/3857

Today's news stories:

Разгонный блок "Бриз-КМ", по данным NORAD, после космического запуска накануне не смог уйти на заданную орбиту
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/txt.asp?id=342795
23 ноября 2013, 13:10

23 ноября 2013, 12::46 // http://www.vz.ru/news/2013/11/23/661016.html
NORAD: Блок «Бриз-КМ» не вышел на заданную орбиту после вывода спутников

baldusi · « **Reply #126 on:** 11/23/2013 09:57 pm »

How do you record this situation? Successful launch, because the payload was put where it was supposed, right? But two consecutive anomalies do ring a bell. But, at the same time, in both missions multi burn profiles were successfully executed upto S/C. But the LV failed the the agreed decay time. Can't quite understand how to record. Should i add a field about LV anomalies that didn't affected the payload? Isn't disposal part of current mission standards?

Prober · « **Reply #127 on:** 11/23/2013 09:59 pm »

Wow...nice headline from that translator: "Lost" on-orbit booster unit can crash into the ISS

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #128 on:** 11/23/2013 10:04 pm »

Quote from: baldusi on 11/23/2013 09:57 pm

How do you record this situation? Successful launch, because the payload was put where it was supposed, right? But two consecutive anomalies do ring a bell. But, at the same time, in both missions multi burn profiles were successfully executed upto S/C. But the LV failed the the agreed decay time. Can't quite understand how to record. Should i add a field about LV anomalies that didn't affected the payload? Isn't disposal part of current mission standards?

Partial Success:
anik put the last Briz-KM Failure as:
1 – January 15 – Kosmos-2482/-2483/-2484 – Rokot/Briz-KM – Plesetsk 133/3 – 16:24:58.965 UTC (Briz-KM failure)

Anatoly Zak of RussianSpaceWeb.com put his this way:
69 - Russia - Nov. 22 - 16:02:29 Moscow Time - Swarm-A, Swarm-B, Swarm-C - Science / geophysics - Rockot - Plesetsk - 133/33 - Success*
*A technical problem during the operation of the Briz-KM upper stage. Payload delivered successfully.

jcm · « **Reply #129 on:** 11/24/2013 12:26 pm »

Quote from: russianhalo117 on 11/23/2013 10:04 pm

Quote from: baldusi on 11/23/2013 09:57 pm
How do you record this situation? Successful launch, because the payload was put where it was supposed, right? But two consecutive anomalies do ring a bell. But, at the same time, in both missions multi burn profiles were successfully executed upto S/C. But the LV failed the the agreed decay time. Can't quite understand how to record. Should i add a field about LV anomalies that didn't affected the payload? Isn't disposal part of current mission standards?
Partial Success:
anik put the last Briz-KM Failure as:
1 – January 15 – Kosmos-2482/-2483/-2484 – Rokot/Briz-KM – Plesetsk 133/3 – 16:24:58.965 UTC (Briz-KM failure)

Anatoly Zak of RussianSpaceWeb.com put his this way:
69 - Russia - Nov. 22 - 16:02:29 Moscow Time - Swarm-A, Swarm-B, Swarm-C - Science / geophysics - Rockot - Plesetsk - 133/33 - Success*
*A technical problem during the operation of the Briz-KM upper stage. Payload delivered successfully.

The last, Jan 15, failure affected the payloads. This one does not appear to have. I am therefore scoring it as
a success for statistical purposes, but Anatoly's footnote is apropos.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #130 on:** 11/24/2013 01:15 pm »

Interestingly the Russians at NK (including some "insiders") are mostly determining that the situation is normal......

belegor · « **Reply #131 on:** 11/24/2013 01:19 pm »

Quote from: jcm on 11/24/2013 12:26 pm

The last, Jan 15, failure affected the payloads. This one does not appear to have. I am therefore scoring it as
a success for statistical purposes, but Anatoly's footnote is apropos.

Do we know whether the Briz-KM vented its propellant after the failed de-orbit burn? If not, wouldn't there be a significant risk of the stage blowing up (see e.g. Orbital Debris Quarterly January 2013) and thus littering the orbits of the SWARM spacecraft with debris?

woods170 · « **Reply #132 on:** 11/24/2013 02:42 pm »

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Swarm/Swarm_constellation_deploys_booms

Quote

Swarm constellation deploys booms

23 November 2013 - Following yesterday’s successful launch, another critical milestone has been passed. The three Swarm satellites have each deployed their four-metre long boom.

baldusi · « **Reply #133 on:** 11/24/2013 03:02 pm »

Quote from: belegor on 11/24/2013 01:19 pm

Quote from: jcm on 11/24/2013 12:26 pm
The last, Jan 15, failure affected the payloads. This one does not appear to have. I am therefore scoring it as
a success for statistical purposes, but Anatoly's footnote is apropos.

Do we know whether the Briz-KM vented its propellant after the failed de-orbit burn? If not, wouldn't there be a significant risk of the stage blowing up (see e.g. Orbital Debris Quarterly January 2013) and thus littering the orbits of the SWARM spacecraft with debris?

Yep. That's a bit like I see it. What if the Briz-M failure increases risk for this mission? What if it failed to passivice? etc.?

InfraNut2 · « **Reply #134 on:** 11/24/2013 03:39 pm »

There might not have been a deorbit failure:

Quote

Anatoly Zak @RussianSpaceWeb tweeted 27m ago:

#Briz's performance during Firday's #Rockot launch with #Swarm satellites might've been OK after all: http://www.russianspaceweb.com/rockot_swarm.html#briz …
#Breeze

input~2 · « **Reply #135 on:** 11/24/2013 04:06 pm »

According to latest TLE data, Briz-KM's orbit lies 30km below that for Swarm A, B and C
(461 x 472 km vs 490 x 501 km )

bolun · « **Reply #136 on:** 11/29/2013 08:05 am »

I think that it's time to unlock the Swarm thread.

ESA - Swarm updates

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27174.0

Stan Black · « **Reply #137 on:** 05/23/2014 08:45 am »

This was the first Polet Production Association, Omsk completed Rokot.

Quote

Пуск РН «Рокот» с полетовским «первенцем» намечен на сентябрь 2012 года.

http://www.omskprofpol.su/images/stories/documents/Archive/2012/polet_13-14_2012.pdf

owais.usmani · « **Reply #138 on:** 05/23/2014 09:46 am »

Quote from: Stan Black on 05/23/2014 08:45 am

This was the first Polet Production Association, Omsk completed Rokot.
Quote
Пуск РН «Рокот» с полетовским «первенцем» намечен на сентябрь 2012 года.
http://www.omskprofpol.su/images/stories/documents/Archive/2012/polet_13-14_2012.pdf

Forgive my ignorance, but is the Rockot still in production? I mean, isn't it the old decommissioned SS-19 missile?

Stan Black · « **Reply #139 on:** 05/23/2014 11:25 am »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 05/23/2014 09:46 am

Quote from: Stan Black on 05/23/2014 08:45 am
This was the first Polet Production Association, Omsk completed Rokot.
Quote
Пуск РН «Рокот» с полетовским «первенцем» намечен на сентябрь 2012 года.
http://www.omskprofpol.su/images/stories/documents/Archive/2012/polet_13-14_2012.pdf

Forgive my ignorance, but is the Rockot still in production? I mean, isn't it the old decommissioned SS-19 missile?

Rokot includes a fairing and an upper stage, the Briz-KM.