Author Topic: Strela launch with Kondor (Kosmos-2487) satellite - June 27, 2013 (Read 66391 times)

Danderman · « **on:** 05/31/2012 05:27 am »

NPO Mash has translated some of their site in English, so if you were ever wondering about that Strela rocket that was supposed to orbit the Condor-E satellite for the last 5 years, its all here:

http://npomash.ru/activities/en/krk.htm

STRELA ROCKET SPACE COMPLEX

One of the basic elements of the “Pragmatic space” program implemented by the company is building of Strela rocket space complex at the Svobodny launch site. This complex will use technological equipment and mechanisms being dismantled from the objects belonging to Strategic Missile Forces and from retiring RS-18 ICBM. Strela LV was derived from UR-100 Н U ТТХ (RS-18B) ICBM, which was developed by the company at the second half of 1970s and commissioned in 1980. The missile complexes UR-100 Н U ТТХ are still in service in the Army being a one of the most threatening and effective means of the nuclear containment. High reliability and combat readiness of the complexes are verified by their long-term operation.

The principal concept of this project is to maintain succession of Strela rocket complex to the basic complex having high reliability indices. Employment of Strela complex will allow to perform cost effective launches of spacecraft into orbits with different altitudes and inclinations.

Recent decisions on extending the service life of the basic complexes gave a possibility to launch in next decades. The program of extending the RS-18 ICBM service life is ensured by launches performed annually and by flaw detection of the missiles commissioned long ago.

The cosmodrome selected for launches of Strela LV is Baikonur ( Kazakhstan , 45.6 deg. North, 63.3 deg. East). To prepare customers' spacecraft for launch, if it is launched by Strela LV from Baikonur, a special technical position has been arranged in one of test shops of the cosmodrome, which has all necessary preparatory equipment.

Power characteristics of Strela LV allow to use Baikonur cosmodrome for launching S/C with a weight up to 1500 kg into low orbits with inclinations close to 63 deg. It is possible to change the inclination within few degrees due to S/C lateral maneuver in the launching trajectory and it depends on the orbit altitude and payload weight. If required, the drop zones can be provided for the cases, when S/C are launched at other inclinations. JSC MIC Mashinostroyenia” is ready to conclude contracts for commercial launches of Strela LV from Baikonur cosmodrome.

The first demonstration launch of Strela LV from Baikonur cosmodrome was performed on December 5, 2003 . Strela LV injected he weight dummy of S/C (978 kg) into the orbit the orbit with inclination of 67.067 deg, apogee of 458.8 km, perigee of 458 km.

Danderman · « **Reply #1 on:** 10/18/2012 05:02 pm »

Some images of Condor-E, and a brochure.

Prober · « **Reply #2 on:** 10/18/2012 05:39 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 10/18/2012 05:02 pm

Some images of Condor-E, and a brochure.

That aperture radar screen might be better in another orbit to track debris.

Danderman · « **Reply #3 on:** 11/03/2012 01:22 pm »

Anik reports a launch date of November 29.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #4 on:** 11/03/2012 01:33 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 11/03/2012 01:22 pm

Anik reports a launch date of November 29.

I wonder where will the launch vehicle and the satellite (have both reached Baikonur?) be prepared in Baikonur before launch? The old Tskylon MIK?

Satori · « **Reply #5 on:** 11/03/2012 01:44 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 11/03/2012 01:33 pm

Quote from: Danderman on 11/03/2012 01:22 pm
Anik reports a launch date of November 29.

I wonder where will the launch vehicle and the satellite (have both reached Baikonur?) be prepared in Baikonur before launch? The old Tskylon MIK?

Strela is in Baykonur for a few months now. Kondor-E will probably arrive next week.

Danderman · « **Reply #6 on:** 11/03/2012 01:44 pm »

Along these lines, Eurockot is fairly consistent in stating that their vehicle cannot be launched from Baikonour without some extra work, so how NPO-Mash can pull that launch of a similar vehicle from Baikonur is a mystery to me.

anik · « **Reply #7 on:** 11/03/2012 01:57 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 11/03/2012 01:33 pm

I wonder where will the launch vehicle and the satellite (have both reached Baikonur?) be prepared in Baikonur before launch? The old Tskylon MIK?

Strela rocket is on Baikonur cosmodrome for a long time, probably in silo 175/59 already. Kondor-E satellite should arrive soon (if the launch still planned on November 29). The head unit for previous Strela rocket, which has been launched in 2003, was prepared in MIK-2A on area 2.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #8 on:** 11/03/2012 02:40 pm »

BTW is this going to sun-synchronous? So how can the launch proceed if the drop zone conflicts (in Russia, BTW) has not been resolved?

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/strela.html

Quote

uring 2011 several reports surfaced about negotiations between Roskosmos and officials in Chelyabinsk Oblast of Russia on the establishment of a new drop zone for the first stage of the Strela rocket, scheduled to carry the Kondor radar satellite into orbit in 2012. The impact site was expected to be in Nyazepetrovsk Region between towns of Shemakha, Araslanovo, Skaz and Tabuska. However, as it had previously happened in other regions of Russia and Kazakhstan, concerns over the contamination of the pristine environment became a cause of public protests by local population on February 25, 2011, the official RIA Novosti news agency reported. As a result, local authorities reportedly rejected the proposed agreement at the beginning of March 2011. Two months later, Interfax news agency reported that all work on the drop zone agreement had been stopped as "launches of payloads along this flight path had not being currently planned." This was an indication that a long-delayed Kondor mission hit a new snag if had not been outright canceled.

Danderman · « **Reply #9 on:** 11/27/2012 03:19 am »

According to Anik, this has been pushed back into 2013:

TBD – Kosmos (Kondor-E) – Strela – Baikonur 175/59

sammie · « **Reply #10 on:** 11/27/2012 08:09 am »

Quote

Eurockot is fairly consistent in stating that their vehicle cannot be launched from Baikonour without some extra work, so how NPO-Mash can pull that launch of a similar vehicle from Baikonur is a mystery to me.

I believe that Eurockot is being launched from a converted Cosmos 3M pad. The last Cosmos 3M flew from Baikonur in 1968, so doubt there would have been a working pad to convert. Integration of Eurocket happens vertical at the launch pad. Fairly unique for a Russian rocket. I reckon the flight profile from a silo launched rocket is very different (acoustic, acceleration and vibration characteristics). So Eurocket has evolved quite a bit from it's SS-19 feedstock. A new third stage, vertical integration and a regular launch versus a silo launch. All this results in a very different launch environment, you can't just stick it back into a silo an expect the same results.

Eurocket was created to fly complicated missions with highly sophisticated payloads to various orbits. Strela is a simpler rocket, cheaper but not as capable.

anik · « **Reply #11 on:** 02/04/2013 08:27 pm »

As per Rui Barbosa (aka Satori), the launch is planned on March 29th.

http://www.zenite.nu/orbita/index.php?catid=4

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #12 on:** 02/05/2013 12:25 am »

Quote from: sammie on 11/27/2012 08:09 am

Quote
Eurockot is fairly consistent in stating that their vehicle cannot be launched from Baikonour without some extra work, so how NPO-Mash can pull that launch of a similar vehicle from Baikonur is a mystery to me.
I believe that Eurockot is being launched from a converted Cosmos 3M pad. The last Cosmos 3M flew from Baikonur in 1968, so doubt there would have been a working pad to convert. Integration of Eurocket happens vertical at the launch pad. Fairly unique for a Russian rocket. I reckon the flight profile from a silo launched rocket is very different (acoustic, acceleration and vibration characteristics). So Eurocket has evolved quite a bit from it's SS-19 feedstock. A new third stage, vertical integration and a regular launch versus a silo launch. All this results in a very different launch environment, you can't just stick it back into a silo an expect the same results.

Eurocket was created to fly complicated missions with highly sophisticated payloads to various orbits. Strela is a simpler rocket, cheaper but not as capable.

I) To my present knowledge, the Baikonur silo's used to test Rockot/Briz-K ILV are currently not in active service.

II) The extra work required in the silo is primarily removal of associated Briz-K hardware and interfaces which are not compatible with Briz-KM and installation of Briz-KM systems as well a payload interfaces at a higher silo elevation platform from its current location. Constructing or restoring a UR-100 mobile transporter erector vehicle. These are no longer kept at Baikonur anymore and were returned to Russian mainland for new tasks and/or scrapping.

III) Yes, Rockot is indeed launched from converted Cosmos 3M Complex 133 via Pad 3, Pad 4 is no longer in active Service and its mobile service tower was dismantled shortly before 2000.

IV) Wrong, each Rockot is fired from inside its original UR-100 silo launch tube which are modified with an additional launcher tube segment to account for Briz-KM and longer fairings types and are disposed of after single use.

Danderman · « **Reply #13 on:** 02/05/2013 02:07 am »

Quote from: russianhalo117 on 02/05/2013 12:25 am

IV) Wrong, each Rockot is fired from inside its original UR-100 silo launch tube which are modified with an additional launcher tube segment to account for Briz-KM and longer fairings types and are disposed of after single use.

Since we are talking about a UR-100 launch, and not a Rockot launch, it should be noted that no Briz stage is involved in this launch.

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #14 on:** 02/05/2013 03:23 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 02/05/2013 02:07 am

Quote from: russianhalo117 on 02/05/2013 12:25 am
IV) Wrong, each Rockot is fired from inside its original UR-100 silo launch tube which are modified with an additional launcher tube segment to account for Briz-KM and longer fairings types and are disposed of after single use.

Since we are talking about a UR-100 launch, and not a Rockot launch, it should be noted that no Briz stage is involved in this launch.

Yes, I know that. The post that I was responding to was about Rockot and why EuroRockot no longer launches from Baikonur even though if one pays more currency for that option, they can launch from their previously used silos with extensive upgrades and modifications to silo, such as relocating Briz and Payload interfaces to account for increased length of Rockot/Briz-KM compared to shorter Rockot/Briz-K. Strela is not affected because it can use all of original UR-100 silo interfaces as well as its original silo launch tube without major modifications.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #15 on:** 02/18/2013 10:53 am »

News report about launching Condor & Condor-E in 2013:

http://total.kz/politics/2013/01/14/rossiya_planiruet_vypolnit_dva_z/

owais.usmani · « **Reply #16 on:** 02/22/2013 01:39 pm »

AZ has done a nice write-up on the Kondor series:

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kondor.html

anik · « **Reply #17 on:** 02/27/2013 09:00 am »

According to Rui Barbosa, the launch is postponed for indefinite time.

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #18 on:** 02/28/2013 11:51 pm »

Anik,
As of NPO Mash statement released at IDEX 2013 in late February 2013:
Kondor-E No. 1 NET 29 March 2013
Kondor-E No. 2 2013 (TBD)

Previous and current statements from NPO Mash mention two Kondor launches per year using Strela Conversional Launcher.

"During the IDEX 2013 show in February, NPO Mash disclosed that it had been preparing not one but two launches of satellites in the Kondor series during the year -- one for the Russian Ministry of Defense and one for an undisclosed foreign customer. A successful military launch would clear the way for the mission of an "export" version. At the time, the first launch was expected on March 29."

LINK (NPO Mash Statement at end of page): http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kondor.html

RH117

Danderman · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/30/2013 06:42 pm »

Article by Anatoly Zak on Condor-E:

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kondor.html

anik · « **Reply #20 on:** 05/24/2013 08:43 pm »

As per Novosti kosmonavtiki forum, the launch is planned on July 9th.

anik · « **Reply #21 on:** 05/30/2013 01:40 pm »

As per Interfax, the launch is planned at the end of June.

anik · « **Reply #22 on:** 05/30/2013 07:17 pm »

As per my source, the launch date is June 20th.

anik · « **Reply #23 on:** 05/31/2013 06:22 pm »

As per Novosti kosmonavtiki forum, the launch is planned on June 27th.

Satori · « **Reply #24 on:** 06/07/2013 02:27 pm »

Launch delayed once again due to damages to the satellite during electric tests: http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=311278 (in Russian).

owais.usmani · « **Reply #25 on:** 06/08/2013 06:30 pm »

Looks like this satellite is cursed!

anik · « **Reply #26 on:** 06/11/2013 10:58 am »

I was told that the launch will be on June 27th.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #27 on:** 06/13/2013 07:45 pm »

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kondor.html#launch

Quote

However during the satellite's processing, pyrotechnic devices on the payload fairing and the instrument section were inadvertently activated requiring to replace a number of components. The satellite itself reportedly escaped damage, however, the launch campaign now faced a tough deadline for launch, because the launch vehicle was certified only until June 30, 2013. As a result, the mission was tentatively scheduled for June 20, 2013, however when the spacecraft was finally ready for shipment to Baikonur on May 30 or 31, the launch was expected on June 27, 2013.

MK2012 · « **Reply #28 on:** 06/15/2013 09:54 am »

Need a link where read about rocket "Strela"

anik · « **Reply #29 on:** 06/15/2013 10:10 am »

Quote from: MK2012 on 06/15/2013 09:54 am

Need a link where read about rocket "Strela"

Simple search gives answer:
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D1%F2%F0%E5%EB%E0_%28%F0%E0%EA%E5%F2%E0-%ED%EE%F1%E8%F2%E5%EB%FC%29
http://www.npomash.ru/activities/ru/krk.htm

owais.usmani · « **Reply #30 on:** 06/22/2013 07:07 am »

5 days to go now, so what's the update on this? Is the launch still on 27 June? or is it, like always, postponed indefinitely?

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #31 on:** 06/22/2013 06:43 pm »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/22/2013 07:07 am

5 days to go now, so what's the update on this? Is the launch still on 27 June? or is it, like always, postponed indefinitely?

Seems to be still going: http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic6977/message1088140/#message1088140

I guess we will know for certain if there are air route closures along the drop zones north of Baikonur on June 27 (not to be confused with the similar drop zones for the Resurs-P launch 2 days earlier).

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #32 on:** 06/24/2013 07:42 am »

Anyone knows the launch time? Maybe if the LTDN of the SSO orbit this thing is heading for is known, the launch time can be determined....

Satori · « **Reply #33 on:** 06/25/2013 09:14 am »

According to the latest informations, the Kondor launch will on the evening of June 27th.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #34 on:** 06/25/2013 10:09 am »

Quote from: Satori on 06/25/2013 09:14 am

According to the latest informations, the Kondor launch will on the evening of June 27th.

Probably related NOTAM - points to a launch time around 17:00 UTC.

P2997/13 - ATS RTE SEGMENTS CLSD: P865 LERPI - INKOR, R99 Rubor - tobolsk NDB (NH). SFC - UNL, DAILY 1630-1730, 27 JUN 16:30 2013 UNTIL 28 JUN 17:30 2013 . CREATED: 23 JUN 06:46 2013

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #35 on:** 06/25/2013 05:43 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 06/25/2013 10:09 am

Quote from: Satori on 06/25/2013 09:14 am
According to the latest informations, the Kondor launch will on the evening of June 27th.

Probably related NOTAM - points to a launch time around 17:00 UTC.

P2997/13 - ATS RTE SEGMENTS CLSD: P865 LERPI - INKOR, R99 Rubor - tobolsk NDB (NH). SFC - UNL, DAILY 1630-1730, 27 JUN 16:30 2013 UNTIL 28 JUN 17:30 2013 . CREATED: 23 JUN 06:46 2013

A person told me that via his source your launch time is most likely accurate to within +/- 5 minutes. It is to be accurate to within +/- 2 minutes when the NOTAMs for the stages drop zones are issued publicly to all the civilian pilots, which person said will likely be sometime tomorrow.

beidou · « **Reply #36 on:** 06/25/2013 07:35 pm »

A bit shocked when I first saw the antenna for this satellite.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #37 on:** 06/27/2013 12:49 pm »

Ok, so any webast, and more so any images of the vehicle other than the one on page 1?

anik · « **Reply #38 on:** 06/27/2013 01:12 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 06/27/2013 12:49 pm

Ok, so any webast, and more so any images of the vehicle other than the one on page 1?

No webcast.

About Kondor satellite:
http://npomash.ru/activities/images/radio_en.pdf
http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kondor.html
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kondor-e-1.htm

As per info from Novosti kosmonavtiki forum:
Strela launch - 16:53:00 UTC
Kondor separation - 17:18:35 UTC
Planned circular orbit: height - 504.7 km, inclination - 74.75 degrees

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #39 on:** 06/27/2013 02:36 pm »

Copy that, thanks! Thanks also for this thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=5372.15

Helped me with a view of Site 175

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #40 on:** 06/27/2013 02:42 pm »

William Graham's as-always interesting overview article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/strela-rocket-launch-kondor-e/

input~2 · « **Reply #41 on:** 06/27/2013 04:01 pm »

Additional NOTAMs

Quote

K0327/13 - ATS ROUTE SEGMENTS CLSD: 1.A299 NOVOKAZALINSK-BALPI FROM 30 TO 135 KM 2.B711 NOVOKAZALINSK-BEBLU FROM 35 KM 3.G96 G155 BELIK-ARKAM FROM 40 KM 4.A371 BALPI-SUBOL FROM 15 TO 180 KM 5.A113 GEDSA-SUBOL FROM 35 TO 190 KM 6.R366 BEDRU-DINBO FROM 55 TO 210 KM 7.A73 TIBDA-BETIK FROM 10 TO 170 KM 8.G167 GEDSA-SUKUR FROM 45 TO 265 KM 9.A777 NARUR-GATLU FROM 70 TO 350 KM 10.A360 TIBDA-UMDEM FROM 10 TO 165 KM 11.A80 TIBDA-ARKALYK FROM 15 TO 210 KM 12.A368 EMBEK-ARKALYK FROM 75 TO 245 KM 13.R482 KUSUM-SUKUR FROM 15 TO 130 KM 14.A105 GITNA-ARKALYK TO 235 KM 15.G487 KUSUM-LALKA FROM 10 TO 260 KM 16.G111 GITNA-ATNON 17.A109 ARKALYK-BEBLU FROM 90 KM 18.A241 BIMSO-ROGUN FROM 35 KM 19.A357 DEPIR-PETROPAVLOVSK 20.A357 PETROPAVLOVSK-BARKI TO 15 KM 21.A369 BEBLU-LASPA 22.A359 PETROPAVLOVSK-IKANA 23.A303 PETROPAVLOVSK-LETIK 24.A359 PETROPAVLOVSK-TETKI TO 35 KM 25 A303 PETROPAVLOVSK-BEDMU TO 10 KM SFC/UNL. DAILY 1645/1715, 27 JUN 16:45 2013 UNTIL 28 JUN 17:15 2013. CREATED: 27 JUN 08:59 2013

Quote

K0323/13 - ATS ROUTE SEGMENT CLSD: 1.A356 NOVOKAZALINSK-AGMUR FROM 10 TO 85KM SFC/UNL. SFC - UNL, DAILY 1645-1715UTC, 27 JUN 16:45 2013 UNTIL 28 JUN 17:15 2013. CREATED: 26 JUN 17:39 2013

Artyom. · « **Reply #42 on:** 06/27/2013 05:00 pm »

The launch occured as planned.
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/news.asp?id=315335

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #43 on:** 06/27/2013 05:09 pm »

Thanks Artyom - let's hope to hear of a successful conclusion.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #44 on:** 06/27/2013 05:17 pm »

This is Kondor launch or Kondor-E? Anatoly Zak is reporting launch of Kondor-E while anik's manifesto shows Kondor-E still TBD?

William Graham · « **Reply #45 on:** 06/27/2013 05:18 pm »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/27/2013 05:17 pm

This is Kondor launch or Kondor-E? Anatoly Zak is reporting launch of Kondor-E while anik's manifesto shows Kondor-E still TBD?

Kondor-E is the export version, this is a Russian military launch, so it's a Kondor not a Kondor-E

Satori · « **Reply #46 on:** 06/27/2013 05:26 pm »

According to http://www.zenite.nu/orbita/kondor-em-orbita/ this is 11F133 Kondor n.º 202 and Strela (1832).

Artyom. · « **Reply #47 on:** 06/27/2013 05:51 pm »

https://vk.com/wall-727032_27507

input~2 · « **Reply #48 on:** 06/27/2013 06:55 pm »

Launch time was 1658UTC
http://forbes.kz/news/2013/06/27/newsid_32491/

William Graham · « **Reply #49 on:** 06/27/2013 06:56 pm »

According to the Novosti Kosmonavtiki forum, the launch was successful

Liss · « **Reply #50 on:** 06/27/2013 06:58 pm »

The word is that the spacecraft is alive.

input~2 · « **Reply #51 on:** 06/27/2013 07:01 pm »

A confirmation of launch success
http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=315347

Salo · « **Reply #52 on:** 06/27/2013 07:11 pm »

Quote from: input~2 on 06/27/2013 06:55 pm

Launch time was 1658UTC
http://forbes.kz/news/2013/06/27/newsid_32491/

This is the time of first Interfax news:
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/news.asp?id=315335

Quote

27 июня 2013 года 20:58

input~2 · « **Reply #53 on:** 06/27/2013 07:13 pm »

Quote from: William Graham on 06/27/2013 06:56 pm

According to the Novosti Kosmonavtiki forum, the launch was successful

William, in your article you refer to a radar imaging payload while the article from forbes.kz talk about an optical module.

input~2 · « **Reply #54 on:** 06/27/2013 07:21 pm »

USSTRATCOM has catalogued Object 39194/2013-032A in
454 x 545 km x 74.9°

mheney · « **Reply #55 on:** 06/27/2013 07:27 pm »

Quote from: Salo on 06/27/2013 07:11 pm

Quote from: input~2 on 06/27/2013 06:55 pm
Launch time was 1658UTC
http://forbes.kz/news/2013/06/27/newsid_32491/

This is the time of first Interfax news:
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/news.asp?id=315335
Quote
27 июня 2013 года 20:58

Moscow time is UTC+4. So 1658 UTC is 20:58 Moscow time.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #56 on:** 06/27/2013 07:42 pm »

So finally the curse has been broken!

btw it sure was a reconnaissance month.....first persona then Resurs-P and now Kondor! Great!

Now all we need is to Roscosmos release a cool video

Salo · « **Reply #57 on:** 06/27/2013 07:42 pm »

Quote from: mheney on 06/27/2013 07:27 pm

Quote from: Salo on 06/27/2013 07:11 pm
Quote from: input~2 on 06/27/2013 06:55 pm
Launch time was 1658UTC
http://forbes.kz/news/2013/06/27/newsid_32491/

This is the time of first Interfax news:
http://www.interfax.ru/russia/news.asp?id=315335
Quote
27 июня 2013 года 20:58

Moscow time is UTC+4. So 1658 UTC is 20:58 Moscow time.

This is a time of news, not launch.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #58 on:** 06/27/2013 07:47 pm »

Is this the first Russian radar satellite since the Almaz-T series? (disregarding the little-used one on Mir)

Since it's for the Russian MoD will it be named Kosmos 2487?

William Graham · « **Reply #59 on:** 06/27/2013 08:01 pm »

Quote from: input~2 on 06/27/2013 07:13 pm

Quote from: William Graham on 06/27/2013 06:56 pm
According to the Novosti Kosmonavtiki forum, the launch was successful
William, in your article you refer to a radar imaging payload while the article from forbes.kz talk about an optical module.

The Kondor programme consists of both radar and electrooptical satellites, before launch it was reported to be a radar satellite. The orbit data that Anik posted would also be more consistent with a radar payload than an optical one (which would likely go to a sun-synchronous orbit).

We'll find out fairly soon, if it is a radar satellite it will deploy a large antenna, which should be identifiable from the ground.

Liss · « **Reply #60 on:** 06/27/2013 08:13 pm »

Probably deployed already.

rds100 · « **Reply #61 on:** 06/27/2013 08:39 pm »

It's hart to believe that the whole satellite together with this huge antena weights only about 1000kg. What is this antena made of?

input~2 · « **Reply #62 on:** 06/28/2013 08:31 am »

Debris of (IMHO) 2nd stage (the article says 1st stage) fell in the Tyumen region
http://ura.ru/content/tumen/28-06-2013/news/1052160453.html

owais.usmani · « **Reply #63 on:** 06/28/2013 09:50 am »

Artyom can you please post the youtube link of this video, I'm unable to watch it on NK: http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic6977/message1089847/#message1089847

Thanks

Artyom. · « **Reply #64 on:** 06/28/2013 10:13 am »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/28/2013 09:50 am

Artyom can you please post the youtube link of this video, I'm unable to watch it on NK: http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/messages/forum12/topic6977/message1089847/#message1089847

Thanks

Yes, of course

edkyle99 · « **Reply #65 on:** 06/28/2013 08:02 pm »

No news on the satellite itself, it seems.

- Ed Kyle

input~2 · « **Reply #66 on:** 06/29/2013 05:06 am »

An Itar-Tass article refers to "visible and infrared ranges" and at the same time to "synthetic aperture radar"

$:-\$
http://armstass.su/?page=article&aid=119663&cid=25

input~2 · « **Reply #67 on:** 06/29/2013 02:44 pm »

Brochures for both the optical and the radar Kondor are available from NPO Mash
http://www.npomash.ru/activities/images/optic_en.pdf
http://www.npomash.ru/activities/images/radio_en.pdf
There is also a brochure on processing of radar observation data
http://www.npomash.ru/activities/images/mon_en.pdf

owais.usmani · « **Reply #68 on:** 06/29/2013 06:49 pm »

No videos? No news report? No pictures? what is going on here?

Are we back in Soviet times?

Phillip Clark · « **Reply #69 on:** 06/29/2013 07:08 pm »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 06:49 pm

No videos? No news report? No pictures? what is going on here?
Are we back in Soviet times?

If this is primarily a military mission, what do you expect?

owais.usmani · « **Reply #70 on:** 06/29/2013 07:36 pm »

Quote from: Phillip Clark on 06/29/2013 07:08 pm

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 06:49 pm
No videos? No news report? No pictures? what is going on here?
Are we back in Soviet times?

If this is primarily a military mission, what do you expect?

Recent Persona launch was also a military mission, yet we got several news report showing the launch and an extensive photo report right from the ministry of defence.

Phillip Clark · « **Reply #71 on:** 06/29/2013 07:42 pm »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 07:36 pm

Quote from: Phillip Clark on 06/29/2013 07:08 pm
Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 06:49 pm
No videos? No news report? No pictures? what is going on here?
Are we back in Soviet times?
If this is primarily a military mission, what do you expect?
Recent Persona launch was also a military mission, yet we got several news report showing the launch and an extensive photo report right from the ministry of defence.

But nothing about the satellite, of course. I just think that some people expect too much openness from the Russians - and also the Chinese - for all of their programmes.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #72 on:** 06/29/2013 08:58 pm »

Well, all I'm asking for is a video and/or pictures of the launch

zaitcev · « **Reply #73 on:** 06/30/2013 04:21 am »

Not much to see, anyway. According to Ed Kyle, Site 175/59 was used for tests of Rokot in the 90s. So just type "rokot" into YouTube, voila. Same missile from the outside, just the fairing stretched a tad.

anik · « **Reply #74 on:** 06/30/2013 08:04 am »

Quote from: zaitcev on 06/30/2013 04:21 am

According to Ed Kyle, Site 175/59 was used for tests of Rokot in the 90s

The first Rockot launch was from 131/29, second and third were from 175/58, two Strela launches were from 175/59.

Prober · « **Reply #75 on:** 06/30/2013 07:33 pm »

Quote from: Phillip Clark on 06/29/2013 07:42 pm

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 07:36 pm
Quote from: Phillip Clark on 06/29/2013 07:08 pm
Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/29/2013 06:49 pm
No videos? No news report? No pictures? what is going on here?
Are we back in Soviet times?
If this is primarily a military mission, what do you expect?
Recent Persona launch was also a military mission, yet we got several news report showing the launch and an extensive photo report right from the ministry of defence.

But nothing about the satellite, of course. I just think that some people expect too much openness from the Russians - and also the Chinese - for all of their programmes.

its just another rocket launch, that should be open or the future is darkening?

In a couple of years private "cheap commercial" sats will come into play with no hiding.

jcm · « **Reply #76 on:** 06/30/2013 08:22 pm »

Quote from: anik on 06/30/2013 08:04 am

Quote from: zaitcev on 06/30/2013 04:21 am
According to Ed Kyle, Site 175/59 was used for tests of Rokot in the 90s

The first Rockot launch was from 131/29, second and third were from 175/58, two Strela launches were from 175/59.

Thanks! I had 175/59 for one of the Rokot launches but don't know where
I got that from. I also see references to 175/2 - I assume that really means 175/59, there are two silos at 175, 58 and 59, yes?

anik · « **Reply #77 on:** 06/30/2013 09:00 pm »

Quote from: jcm on 06/30/2013 08:22 pm

I also see references to 175/2 - I assume that really means 175/59, there are two silos at 175, 58 and 59, yes?

At the beginning there was silo 45 at site 175. Later two additional silos were built - 58 and 59. The first silo is on site 175/1, the second silo is on site 175/2. I am not using 175/1 and 175/2 designations. I use 175 designation for all three silos, because, in fact, it is the same site (see below).

jcm · « **Reply #78 on:** 07/01/2013 02:53 am »

Quote from: anik on 06/30/2013 09:00 pm

Quote from: jcm on 06/30/2013 08:22 pm
I also see references to 175/2 - I assume that really means 175/59, there are two silos at 175, 58 and 59, yes?

At the beginning there was silo 45 at site 175. Later two additional silos were built - 58 and 59. The first silo is on site 175/1, the second silo is on site 175/2. I am not using 175/1 and 175/2 designations. I use 175 designation for all three silos, because, in fact, it is the same site (see below).

Thanks!

fatjohn1408 · « **Reply #79 on:** 07/03/2013 12:53 pm »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/27/2013 07:42 pm

So finally the curse has been broken!

btw it sure was a reconnaissance month.....first persona then Resurs-P and now Kondor! Great!

Now all we need is to Roscosmos release a cool video

You jinxed it. (Proton failure)

Danderman · « **Reply #80 on:** 07/04/2013 05:04 pm »

For the record, the satellite is called "COSMOS 2487":

http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39194

COSMOS 2487 is a Kondor Radar Satellite. The satellite has a liftoff mass of about 1,100 Kilograms, hosting a 350-Kilogram Synthetic Aperture Radar payload consisting of a radar antenna with a diameter of six meters. The satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays that are mounted on a central body that also holds the radar antenna array. The vehicle features avionics and batteries of power distribution and storage as well as computer systems to collect, store and transmit data via an X-Band communication system that allows data to be downlinked to ground stations at up to 350Mbit/s. The SAR payload will operate in the S-Band frequency covering a footprint of 1,000 Kilometers—500km to either side of the ground track. Within that footprint, the payload can image a ground swath of about 15 Kilometers. In spotlight mode, the payload can achieve a resolution of up to 1 meter, in stripmap mode it can provide images with a resolution of 1 to 3 meters, and in ScanSAR mode, the satellite will cover a greater area on the ground with resolutions of 5 to 30 meters. Kondor will provide all-weather, round the clock Earth imagery for military and civilian purposes. The vehicle will provide interferometrical data on successive orbits. The Kondor satellite is expected to operate for 3 to 10 years orbiting Earth in a ~500-Kilometer orbit at high inclinations of up to 98 degrees.

input~2 · « **Reply #81 on:** 07/04/2013 05:13 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 07/04/2013 05:04 pm

For the record, the satellite is called "COSMOS 2487":

http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39194

COSMOS 2487 is a Kondor Radar Satellite. The satellite has a liftoff mass of about 1,100 Kilograms, hosting a 350-Kilogram Synthetic Aperture Radar payload consisting of a radar antenna with a diameter of six meters. The satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays that are mounted on a central body that also holds the radar antenna array. The vehicle features avionics and batteries of power distribution and storage as well as computer systems to collect, store and transmit data via an X-Band communication system that allows data to be downlinked to ground stations at up to 350Mbit/s. The SAR payload will operate in the S-Band frequency covering a footprint of 1,000 Kilometers—500km to either side of the ground track. Within that footprint, the payload can image a ground swath of about 15 Kilometers. In spotlight mode, the payload can achieve a resolution of up to 1 meter, in stripmap mode it can provide images with a resolution of 1 to 3 meters, and in ScanSAR mode, the satellite will cover a greater area on the ground with resolutions of 5 to 30 meters. Kondor will provide all-weather, round the clock Earth imagery for military and civilian purposes. The vehicle will provide interferometrical data on successive orbits. The Kondor satellite is expected to operate for 3 to 10 years orbiting Earth in a ~500-Kilometer orbit at high inclinations of up to 98 degrees.

Thanks, this seems to be a reproduction of the NPO Mash brochure for the radar Kondor. Do we have any original source confirming that this launch was for a radar satellite?

Satori · « **Reply #82 on:** 07/04/2013 06:36 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 07/04/2013 05:04 pm

For the record, the satellite is called "COSMOS 2487":

http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39194

COSMOS 2487 is a Kondor Radar Satellite.

That designation was already on the Russian Launches thread since June 27.

Danderman · « **Reply #83 on:** 07/04/2013 06:54 pm »

Quote from: Satori on 07/04/2013 06:36 pm

Quote from: Danderman on 07/04/2013 05:04 pm
For the record, the satellite is called "COSMOS 2487":

http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39194

COSMOS 2487 is a Kondor Radar Satellite.

That designation was already on the Russian Launches thread since June 27.

Perhaps that designation could be added to the thread title here.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #84 on:** 07/08/2013 07:22 pm »

Quote from: William Graham on 06/27/2013 05:18 pm

Quote from: owais.usmani on 06/27/2013 05:17 pm
This is Kondor launch or Kondor-E? Anatoly Zak is reporting launch of Kondor-E while anik's manifesto shows Kondor-E still TBD?

Kondor-E is the export version, this is a Russian military launch, so it's a Kondor not a Kondor-E

According to NPO Mash press release, it is Kondor-E...

http://www.npomash.ru/press/ru/1_podrobnee270613.htm?l=0

input~2 · « **Reply #85 on:** 07/09/2013 07:02 pm »

"The launch of Kondor-E with S band radar was greeted by participants" in the Ulan-Ude international conference on Probing Earth's surface with SAR (June 24 to 29)
(source in Russian)
The radar payload seems to be confirmed...

Danderman · « **Reply #86 on:** 07/12/2013 04:15 pm »

Concerning the Strela launcher, I am surprised that no Western firm has partnered with NPO Mash to utilize Strela as a commercial launcher. Strela should cost a fraction of Dnepr.

bernard · « **Reply #87 on:** 01/21/2014 09:38 am »

Good afternoon guys. ( here in SA ) I found this forum while Googling for info on the Kondor-E which was launched in June 2013.

Information has started appearing in our South African newspapers to the effect that the ANC government has spent over R1,2 billion for a Russian satellite launch in June 2013.... and the word Kondor-E was mentioned a number of times.

Questions put to the government have been totally ignored or answered to the effect that it's military intelligence and therefore classified. The public and the media are purposefully being kept in the dark.
Judging by their answers it certainly points to them knowing something about the satellite.

It has since reached the stage where it is to be brought up in parliament by opposition parties.

I've read here that the Kondor-E has earth imagery capability for military and CIVILIAN use. I'll state here and now that I know nothing compared to you guys. I also understand that my post is pretty late.

Is anybody able to shed some light as to what this imagery could mean to the man in the street ?
I could hazard a few guesses such as they would be able to pick up illegal plantations, clandestine military training grounds etc but I'm sure this vicious government has ulterior motives.

Keep in mind that this ANC government is aligned with the Cubans, Russians and the Chinese et al.

REALLY looking forward to some insightful information.

Bernard.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #88 on:** 02/05/2014 10:10 am »

Quote from: bernard on 01/21/2014 09:38 am

Good afternoon guys. ( here in SA ) I found this forum while Googling for info on the Kondor-E which was launched in June 2013.

Information has started appearing in our South African newspapers to the effect that the ANC government has spent over R1,2 billion for a Russian satellite launch in June 2013.... and the word Kondor-E was mentioned a number of times.

Questions put to the government have been totally ignored or answered to the effect that it's military intelligence and therefore classified. The public and the media are purposefully being kept in the dark.
Judging by their answers it certainly points to them knowing something about the satellite.

It has since reached the stage where it is to be brought up in parliament by opposition parties.

I've read here that the Kondor-E has earth imagery capability for military and CIVILIAN use. I'll state here and now that I know nothing compared to you guys. I also understand that my post is pretty late.

Is anybody able to shed some light as to what this imagery could mean to the man in the street ?
I could hazard a few guesses such as they would be able to pick up illegal plantations, clandestine military training grounds etc but I'm sure this vicious government has ulterior motives.

Keep in mind that this ANC government is aligned with the Cubans, Russians and the Chinese et al.

REALLY looking forward to some insightful information.

Bernard.

Interesting, considering the rumors that a second satellite (under the name "Kondor-E") is being built in Russia for a foreign customer for launch on March 19 (per latest information), and South Africa would fit since I don't think they can access American/European satellite radar observation data....

Star One · « **Reply #89 on:** 02/05/2014 12:20 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/05/2014 10:10 am

Quote from: bernard on 01/21/2014 09:38 am
Good afternoon guys. ( here in SA ) I found this forum while Googling for info on the Kondor-E which was launched in June 2013.

Information has started appearing in our South African newspapers to the effect that the ANC government has spent over R1,2 billion for a Russian satellite launch in June 2013.... and the word Kondor-E was mentioned a number of times.

Questions put to the government have been totally ignored or answered to the effect that it's military intelligence and therefore classified. The public and the media are purposefully being kept in the dark.
Judging by their answers it certainly points to them knowing something about the satellite.

It has since reached the stage where it is to be brought up in parliament by opposition parties.

I've read here that the Kondor-E has earth imagery capability for military and CIVILIAN use. I'll state here and now that I know nothing compared to you guys. I also understand that my post is pretty late.

Is anybody able to shed some light as to what this imagery could mean to the man in the street ?
I could hazard a few guesses such as they would be able to pick up illegal plantations, clandestine military training grounds etc but I'm sure this vicious government has ulterior motives.

Keep in mind that this ANC government is aligned with the Cubans, Russians and the Chinese et al.

REALLY looking forward to some insightful information.

Bernard.

Interesting, considering the rumors that a second satellite (under the name "Kondor-E") is being built in Russia for a foreign customer for launch on March 19 (per latest information), and South Africa would fit since I don't think they can access American/European satellite radar observation data....

Is there any indication at all if it different from the first or is it a identical copy?

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #90 on:** 02/06/2014 05:45 pm »

Quote from: Star One on 02/05/2014 12:20 pm

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/05/2014 10:10 am
Quote from: bernard on 01/21/2014 09:38 am
Good afternoon guys. ( here in SA ) I found this forum while Googling for info on the Kondor-E which was launched in June 2013.

Information has started appearing in our South African newspapers to the effect that the ANC government has spent over R1,2 billion for a Russian satellite launch in June 2013.... and the word Kondor-E was mentioned a number of times.

Questions put to the government have been totally ignored or answered to the effect that it's military intelligence and therefore classified. The public and the media are purposefully being kept in the dark.
Judging by their answers it certainly points to them knowing something about the satellite.

It has since reached the stage where it is to be brought up in parliament by opposition parties.

I've read here that the Kondor-E has earth imagery capability for military and CIVILIAN use. I'll state here and now that I know nothing compared to you guys. I also understand that my post is pretty late.

Is anybody able to shed some light as to what this imagery could mean to the man in the street ?
I could hazard a few guesses such as they would be able to pick up illegal plantations, clandestine military training grounds etc but I'm sure this vicious government has ulterior motives.

Keep in mind that this ANC government is aligned with the Cubans, Russians and the Chinese et al.

REALLY looking forward to some insightful information.

Bernard.

Interesting, considering the rumors that a second satellite (under the name "Kondor-E") is being built in Russia for a foreign customer for launch on March 19 (per latest information), and South Africa would fit since I don't think they can access American/European satellite radar observation data....

Is there any indication at all if it different from the first or is it a identical copy?

Kondor is a SC bus and has several different reconnaissance payloads designed around it. The first Kondor flew an electro-optical payload.

input~2 · « **Reply #91 on:** 12/20/2014 07:36 am »

Quote from: russianhalo117 on 02/06/2014 05:45 pm

Kondor is a SC bus and has several different reconnaissance payloads designed around it. The first Kondor flew an electro-optical payload.

Indication is it was a SAR payload

input~2 · « **Reply #92 on:** 12/20/2014 07:41 am »

SA spy satellite issue resurrected

Star One · « **Reply #93 on:** 12/20/2014 09:00 am »

If this is a SA payload why does it have a Kosmos designation as isn't that normally reserved for Russian government payloads alone?

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #94 on:** 12/20/2014 08:25 pm »

Quote from: Star One on 12/20/2014 09:00 am

If this is a SA payload why does it have a Kosmos designation as isn't that normally reserved for Russian government payloads alone?

You mis-read the article: The article is using the results released by Russia as explanation of why SA wanted a spy sat. Kosmos-2487 has always been a russian payload and is used as in orbit showroom to entice future customers of its Imaging/mapping qualities.

Artyom. · « **Reply #95 on:** 12/24/2014 05:46 am »

Possible frames from video of preparation to launch and launch(?) (or is it December 5, 2003?

) .

owais.usmani · « **Reply #96 on:** 12/24/2014 08:51 am »

Quote from: Artyom. on 12/24/2014 05:46 am

Possible frames from video of preparation to launch and launch(?) (or is it December 5, 2003? ) .

Where is the video?

Artyom. · « **Reply #97 on:** 12/24/2014 11:12 am »

Quote from: owais.usmani on 12/24/2014 08:51 am

Where is the video?

Unfortunately, this video is private and is located on the website, which is blocked on this forum

.

owais.usmani · « **Reply #98 on:** 12/24/2014 03:10 pm »

Quote from: Artyom. on 12/24/2014 11:12 am

Quote from: owais.usmani on 12/24/2014 08:51 am
Where is the video?
Unfortunately, this video is private and is located on the website, which is blocked on this forum .

I am sure you can find it on youtube, or just upload it on youtube yourself.