Author Topic: LIVE: Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat - Globalstar-2 (x6) - February 6, 2013 (1604Z) (Read 41021 times)

Satori · « **on:** 10/18/2012 08:44 pm »

Two Globalstar satellites arrived at the Baykonur Cosmodrome on October 17: http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19616 (in Russian).

Launch is schedule for February 5, 2013 using 14A14 Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat (011/1029).

jacqmans · « **Reply #1 on:** 11/03/2012 08:12 am »

Arianespace and Globalstar: The wrap-up Soyuz launch with second-generation satellites is set for February

November 1, 2012 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Preparations are underway for a medium-lift Soyuz launch to deploy the six final spacecraft in Globalstar’s second-generation constellation, with the mission scheduled to lift off from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome next February.

This is the last of four flights contracted to Arianespace for the orbiting of Globalstar’s second-generation constellation, completing a series of launches that started in October 2010, and continuing in July and December 2011. All of these missions are performed at Baikonur Cosmodrome by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate.

Globalstar reports that with the 18 satellites orbited to date by Arianespace/Starsem launches, its current subscribers and new users are experiencing significantly improved performance and reliability with high voice quality, fast mobile satellite handset data speeds and affordable service.

Built by Thales Alenia Space, the Globalstar second-generation platforms are trapezoidal in shape to facilitate their integration on a purpose-built dispenser that fits under the Soyuz payload fairing.

The launch vehicles operated from Baikonur Cosmodrome use the same basic modernized Soyuz version that Arianespace introduced at the Spaceport in French Guiana during 2011, and are equipped with the ST-type fairing that has an external diameter of 4.1 meters and a length of 11.4 meters.

Next February’s Soyuz launch is designated ST26 in Arianespace’s numbering sequence to signify the 26th flight performed by its Starsem affiliate since beginning operations with a launch in 1999 that lofted four first-generation Globalstar satellites.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/972.asp

Stan Black · « **Reply #2 on:** 11/03/2012 11:24 am »

Quote from: Satori on 10/18/2012 08:44 pm

Two Globalstar satellites arrived at the Baykonur Cosmodrome on October 17: http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19616 (in Russian).

Launch is schedule for February 5, 2013 using 14A14 Soyuz-2-1A/Fregat (011/1029).

It looked like they were to use rocket 010 (a block of four rockets for Globalstar 007, 008, 009 and 010).

So why the change? And what was 011 ordered to launch, perhaps Foton? As no gap in fairing numbers so not a spare rocket for Globalstar?

Satori · « **Reply #3 on:** 11/14/2012 06:26 pm »

Two Globalstar satellites have arrived to Baykonur today: http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=96541 (in Russian).

Danderman · « **Reply #4 on:** 11/17/2012 02:07 pm »

I believe that it is actually a Fregat-M upper stage, per the other threads.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #5 on:** 11/17/2012 02:17 pm »

According to NK forum, all Fregat upper stages since october 2010 are Fregat-M.
Exceptions are :

- Upper stage for Kanopus-V, which has been stored for a long time,
- Upper stages for Soyuz-ST-A, which are standard Fregat,
- Upper stages for Soyuz-ST-B/GALILEO, which are Fregat-MT,
- Upper stages for Zenit-2SB, which are Fregat-SB.

Satori · « **Reply #6 on:** 12/11/2012 04:11 pm »

Two Globalstar-2 satellites were delivered to Baykonur on December 8: http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=96994

jacqmans · « **Reply #7 on:** 12/13/2012 07:36 pm »

Six satellites for Globalstar’s close-out Soyuz mission are ready for launch by the Starsem affiliate of Arianespace

December 12, 2012 – Soyuz Flight ST26

The remaining two Globalstar satellites for next February’s Arianespace/Starsem Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome are now at the Kazakhstan launch site, joining four other spacecraft for checkout and the subsequent integration on their medium-lift vehicle.

Arriving this month aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner at the Cosmodrome’s Yubileiny Airport, these platforms – designated Globalstar FM #21 and FM #25 – were transported across the facility to Starsem’s Payload Processing Facility (PPF), where they entered the final preparation workflow.

February’s launch will be the last of four flights contracted to Arianespace for orbiting of Globalstar’s second-generation constellation – with its previous flights performed in October 2010, July 2011 and December 2011. All of the missions are conducted by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate, carrying six satellites each.

The second-generation Globalstar platforms are trapezoidal in shape to facilitate their integration on a purpose-built dispenser that fits under the Soyuz payload fairing. The spacecraft were built by Thales Alenia Space.

After reaching orbit next February, the final six satellites will restore full service to Globalstar’s customers, positioning the company as the first mobile satellite service provider deploying a second-generation constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. Globalstar provides mobile satellite, voice and data services, with products that include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.

The Starsem launch vehicles operated from Baikonur Cosmodrome for these constellation missions are the same basic modernized Soyuz version used by Arianespace at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

February’s Soyuz launch will be the 26th performed by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate since it begin operations at Baikonur Cosmodrome in 1999. That historic introductory commercial Soyuz flight also was at the service of Globalstar – lofting four of its first-generation constellation satellites.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/994.asp

bolun · « **Reply #8 on:** 01/08/2013 03:21 pm »

http://www.arianespace.com/news-feature-story/2013/1-8-2013-press-conference.asp

Quote

Arianespace’s 2013 launch activity begins next month with a Starsem Soyuz mission at Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying six Globalstar second-generation constellation satellites on February 4.

jacqmans · « **Reply #9 on:** 01/16/2013 08:24 am »

Globalstar’s final batch of second-generation satellites are integrated for their Starsem mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

January 15, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Six Globalstar satellites have been integrated on their dispenser for orbiting on the next Soyuz flight operated by Starsem, which is Arianespace’s Euro-Russian affiliate responsible for commercial missions with this medium-lift launcher at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

During activity today in Starsem’s clean room facilities at the Cosmodrome, the satellite dispenser system’s upper mast section was mated with the lower mast portion, creating a 6.7-meter-tall unit that contains the complete payload “cluster.”

Two of the 700-kg.-class Globalstar spacecraft are installed on the mast’s upper portion and will be deployed first during the February 4 flight, while the remaining four satellites are positioned on the lower section for their subsequent release in the mission sequence.

These satellites – supplied by Thales Alenia Space – are trapezoidal in shape, allowing them to be installed around the conical payload dispenser.

They represent the final batch in Globalstar’s second-generation constellation, which provides products including relay capacity for mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.

The upcoming Starsem mission is the final of four flights currently contracted to Arianespace for orbiting the second-generation Globalstar constellation – wrapping up a series of launches that started in October 2010, and continued in July and December 2011.

It will be the 26th performed by Starsem since beginning operations at Baikonur Cosmodrome in 1999 on a historic introductory commercial Soyuz flight also at the service of Globalstar – carrying four of its first-generation constellation satellites.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1003.asp

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #10 on:** 01/19/2013 04:49 pm »

Interesting to see that Arianespace is showing the launch scheduled one day earlier, on February 4. I think the launch time is 16:36 UTC.

Satori · « **Reply #11 on:** 01/21/2013 09:34 am »

Fregat fueling is completed and today started the preparations of PU-6 for the launch. In Russian: http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19828

anik · « **Reply #12 on:** 01/21/2013 06:05 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 01/19/2013 04:49 pm

Interesting to see that Arianespace is showing the launch scheduled one day earlier, on February 4. I think the launch time is 16:36 UTC

The launch will be on February 5th, and Arianespace will correct the date soon.

Satori · « **Reply #13 on:** 01/22/2013 11:07 am »

Fregat is prepared to receive the satellites. From TsENKI (in Russian): http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=97436

jacqmans · « **Reply #14 on:** 01/22/2013 02:45 pm »

Payload elements come together in Starsem’s wrap-up Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome for Globalstar

January 21, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

The Soyuz launch campaign for Globalstar’s final batch of second-generation satellites has entered a new phase at Baikonur Cosmodrome, with the “stack” of six spacecraft now positioned in the facility for its mating with the launcher’s upper stage and encapsulation in the payload fairing.

This activity is taking place inside the Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF), which is one of three on-site clean rooms operated by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate responsible for commercial Soyuz operations from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The campaign is now ready for installation of the satellite stack atop Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage in the UCIF. Once the payload stack/Fregat stage mating is completed, it will be rotated to the horizontal position, followed by payload fairing encapsulation.

The completed unit will then be transferred to the Cosmodrome’s launch vehicle assembly and integration facility (known by its “MIK 40” Russian designation) for mating with the Soyuz.

Starsem’s upcoming mission is set for February 4, and is the final of four launches currently contracted via Arianespace for orbiting Globalstar’s second-generation constellation. It will be the 26th flight conducted under Starsem’s responsibility since 1999, when the affiliate’s historic commercial Soyuz maiden flight carried four of Globalstar’s first-generation constellation satellites.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1005.asp

Danderman · « **Reply #15 on:** 01/22/2013 03:19 pm »

According to this message:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15064.msg980013#msg980013

it's a Fregat-M.

Artyom. · « **Reply #16 on:** 01/23/2013 09:29 am »

jacqmans · « **Reply #17 on:** 01/25/2013 11:31 am »

Artyom. · « **Reply #18 on:** 01/25/2013 12:23 pm »

More photos
http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=97455

jacqmans · « **Reply #19 on:** 01/26/2013 08:34 am »

Six Globalstar satellites get their “kick” for next month’s Arianespace/Starsem Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome

January 25, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Globalstar’s cluster of second-generation satellites to be orbited by Soyuz from Baikonur Cosmodrome has been installed atop the Fregat upper stage, marking another milestone in a wrap-up flight for Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate.

The six spacecraft and their conical-shaped dispenser were positioned vertically on the Fregat stage this week in the Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF), which is operated by Starsem at the Kazakhstan launch site.

With the mating now achieved, the spacecraft/Fregat combination is ready for rotation to a horizontal orientation, allowing its encapsulation in the payload fairing. The completed unit will then be transferred to Baikonur Cosmodrome’s MK 112 launch vehicle assembly and integration facility for mating with the basic three-stage Soyuz.

Fregat is produced by Russia’s Lavochkin Research and Production Association, and is an autonomous and highly flexible orbital vehicle that can be restarted up to 20 times in flight, enabling complex mission profiles to be performed. It is composed of six welded spherical tanks: four spheres serving as the propellant tanks, while the other two operate as sealed instrumentation bays containing the flight control system, along with radio and telemetry systems.

The upcoming mission is now set for liftoff on February 5 at 10:20 p.m. local time in Kazakhstan, and will complete a series of four launches contracted via Arianespace for Globalstar’s second-generation constellation – all conducted under the coordination of Starsem. It will be the 26th flight carried out by Starsem since the affiliate’s history-making inaugural Soyuz commercial flight in 1999 that lofted four of Globalstar’s first-generation constellation satellites.

Soyuz launchers are produced in Russia by the Samara Space Center "TsSKB-Progress." The medium-lift vehicle is used in both Starsem missions from Baikonur Cosmodrome and Arianespace’s operations with this workhorse launcher from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1008.asp

jacqmans · « **Reply #20 on:** 01/26/2013 08:39 am »

Launch window for Soyuz Flight ST26

UTC:
4:20 p.m. on February 5, 2013

Baikonur Cosmodrome:
10:20 p.m. on February 5, 2013

Moscow, Russia:
8:20 p.m. on February 5, 2013

Paris, France:
5:20 p.m. on February 5, 2013

Pacific Standard Time:
8:20 a.m. on February 5, 2013

jacqmans · « **Reply #21 on:** 01/28/2013 08:45 pm »

Globalstar’s second-generation satellites are encapsulated and ready for installation on their Starsem Soyuz launcher

January 28, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Launcher build-up for the concluding Soyuz mission currently contracted with Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate from Baikonur Cosmodrome is entering its final phase following the integration of its upper composite element – consisting of six Globalstar satellites, their dispenser system, payload fairing and the Fregat upper stage.

In the Cosmodrome’s Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) operated by Starsem, the protective Soyuz ST payload fairing was moved into place this weekend around the mission’s cluster of second-generation Globalstar spacecraft, which are installed on a conical-shaped dispenser and mounted atop the Fregat stage.

The encapsulated upper composite is now ready for transfer to the launch site’s MIK 40 launch vehicle assembly and integration facility for mating with the basic three-stage Soyuz.

The ST26 mission – designating Starsem’s 26th Soyuz flight operated under the affiliate’s responsibility since 1999 – is scheduled for February 7. After liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome on the desert steppe of Kazakhstan, the Soyuz will deploy its Globalstar satellites during a 1-hr. 40-min. flight profile.

Weighing approximately 700 kg. each, the three-axis stabilized Thales Alenia Space-built spacecraft have a trapezoidal main body with two solar arrays. To be operated from low-Earth orbit, they are fitted with 16 transponders from C-band to S-band, and 16 receivers from L-band to C-band. Their 15-year design life is twice that of Globalstar’s predecessor first-generation spacecraft.

Starsem and Arianespace have played a key role in the deployment of Globalstar’s constellation for mobile satellite voice and data services. A total of 18 second-generation satellites have been lofted to date on Baikonur Cosmodrome Soyuz missions performed in October 2010, July 2011 and December 2011. They were preceded by eight Starsem missions from 1999 to 2007 that orbited 32 first-generation Globalstar satellites, which weighed 450 kg. each.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1009.asp

anik · « **Reply #22 on:** 01/29/2013 04:50 pm »

I was told that the launch is planned at 16:20:22 UTC on February 5th.

Artyom. · « **Reply #23 on:** 01/30/2013 11:25 am »

http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=97524

Artyom. · « **Reply #24 on:** 01/30/2013 11:25 am »

Artyom. · « **Reply #25 on:** 02/02/2013 07:20 am »

Launch vehicle was transported to the launch pad
http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19860 (on Russian)

jacqmans · « **Reply #26 on:** 02/03/2013 09:36 am »

Soyuz is ready for a close-out Baikonur Cosmodrome launch with Globalstar’s second-generation satellites

February 2, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Launch Pad no. 6 was alive with activity today as a Soyuz was rolled out to perform the final Arianespace/Starsem mission currently contracted by Globalstar for its second-generation satellite constellation, which provides mobile satellite voice and data services.

Following procedures employed at Baikonur Cosmodrome since the space age’s birth, the Soyuz with its six-satellite payload was transferred horizontally on a transporter/erector rail car from its assembly and integration building to the launch site. The vehicle was then raised to the vertical position and suspended over the launch pad by four support arms.

This mission is scheduled for a nighttime liftoff on February 5 and uses the same modernized Soyuz that Arianespace operates from French Guiana. It follows three similar Soyuz launches performed from Baikonur Cosmodrome by the Starsem affiliate for Arianespace in October 2010, July 2011 and December 2011, and will complete Globalstar’s plan to orbit 24 second-generation satellites.

Designated Flight ST26, the February 5 mission will be Starsem’s 26th launch since the affiliate’s history-making inaugural Soyuz commercial flight in 1999, which lofted four satellites for Globalstar’s first-generation constellation.

Flight ST26 will have a nominal duration of 1 hour, 40 minutes, with the six satellites being separated from their dispenser system in a two-step process. The Globalstar spacecraft weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and are to be injected into a circular phasing orbit, inclined 52 degrees.

Arianespace and Starsem have played an important role in deployment of the Globalstar constellations. Prior to the missions with its second-generation satellites, Starsem performed eight flights from 1999 to 2007 that orbited 32 first-generation spacecraft, weighing 450 kg. each.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1012.asp

Ian · « **Reply #27 on:** 02/04/2013 08:15 am »

There is now a video of the rollout available:

input~2 · « **Reply #28 on:** 02/04/2013 02:11 pm »

NOTAM for first stage and fairing drop zone

Quote

K0036/13 - ATS ROUTE SEGMENTS CLSD: 1.B944 REMTI-ZHEZKAZGAN FROM 5 KM TO 65 KM 2.A370 ATRUS-ZHEZKAZGAN FROM 15 KM TO 65 KM 3.A359 LEMDU-ZHEZKAZGAN FROM 40 KM TO 65 KM 4.R482 BURIK-ZHEZKAZGAN FROM 15 KM TO 65 KM 5.B156 BANOV-BOKIS FROM 20 KM SFC/UNL. 05 AND 06 FEB 1600-1700 UTC DAILY.07 FEB 1530/1630 UTC, 05 FEB 16:00 2013 UNTIL 07 FEB 16:30 2013. CREATED: 04 FEB 03:22 2013

jacqmans · « **Reply #29 on:** 02/04/2013 06:31 pm »

Final checkout underway for the Arianespace/Starsem Soyuz launch with second-generation Globalstar spacecraft

February 4, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

The Soyuz launcher with six Globalstar spacecraft is poised for liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome on the final mission currently contracted with Arianespace for this mobile satellite voice and data services provider’s second-generation satellite constellation.

After rolling out to Launch Pad no. 6 on Saturday, the three-stage Soyuz, its Fregat upper stage and the payload have undergone their final checkout during the weekend and today.

Tomorrow’s nighttime mission, performed by the Arianespace Starsem affiliate, will have a nominal duration of 1 hour, 40 minutes, with the six satellites being separated in a two-step process from their dispenser system.

This will be the fourth such Soyuz launch performed from Baikonur Cosmodrome by Starsem for Arianespace – following similar missions in October 2010, July 2011 and December 2011 – and it is to complete Globalstar’s plan to orbit 24 second-generation satellites.

The modernized Soyuz used for this mission is the same as employed by Arianespace in operations from the Spaceport in French Guiana with the medium-lift vehicle.

Globalstar’s second-generation spacecraft weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and are to be injected into a circular phasing orbit, inclined 52 degrees.

Arianespace and Starsem have a long track record of providing on-target launch services for Globalstar’s satellite constellations. Prior to the missions with its second-generation satellites, Starsem performed eight flights from 1999 to 2007 that orbited 32 first-generation spacecraft, each weighing 450 kg.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1013.asp

jacqmans · « **Reply #30 on:** 02/04/2013 06:36 pm »

Webcast:

http://www.arianespace.tv/

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #31 on:** 02/05/2013 03:56 am »

Is this the last firm launch contract for Starsem? I don't remember any new launch contracts for them since a few years ago, so is there any future for this joint operation when the pad at French Guiana isn't being used at full speed?

input~2 · « **Reply #32 on:** 02/05/2013 07:45 am »

NOTAM for second stage drop zone

Quote

P0298/13 - FLW ATS RTE SEGMENTS CLSD: B156 KUDEB-BOKIS, G96 KUDEB-ADARO. SFC - UNL, 05 06 1600-1700 07 1530-1630, 05 FEB 16:00 2013 UNTIL 07 FEB 16:30 2013. CREATED: 01 FEB 04:56 2013

NOTAM for third stage drop zone

Quote

J0625/13 - THE RUSSIAN FEDERAL SPACE AGENCY PLANS TO LAUNCH MISSILE FRAGMENTS OF THE MISSILE FALL (...) AS FLW FALLING AREA: BOUNDED BY THE FLW POINTS 3655.0N14810.0E 3740.0N14900.0E 3350.0N15355.0E 3310.0N15305.0E RMK/IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY,ATC WILL NOT CLEAR IFR FLT THRU ABOVE AREA AND FLW RTE. ADNAP-EMRON(OTR7),AVBET-EMRON(OTR9),AVBET-LEPKI(OTR11). SFC - UNL, 1545/1730, 05 FEB 15:45 2013 UNTIL 07 FEB 17:30 2013. CREATED: 31 JAN 13:41 2013

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #33 on:** 02/05/2013 10:22 am »

Moved for live coverage (thanks GP

)

Mapperuo · « **Reply #34 on:** 02/05/2013 12:41 pm »

Live view via 10east.

Artyom. · « **Reply #35 on:** 02/05/2013 01:01 pm »

According to http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=288881, the launch is postponed by one day.

.

Mapperuo · « **Reply #36 on:** 02/05/2013 01:02 pm »

Would make sense as the satellite feeds turned off which is unusual unless a scrub.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #37 on:** 02/05/2013 01:06 pm »

Realigned the thread for the one day delay.

I assume it's the same T-0. If not we'll edit that in too.

jacqmans · « **Reply #38 on:** 02/05/2013 01:25 pm »

February 5 by the State Commission launch a space rocket (ILV) "Soyuz-2.1a" with a cluster of six spacecraft system for mobile telecommunications "Globalstar-2" at the Baikonur Cosmodrome moved to the backup date (February 6) on weather conditions - exceeded allowable wind loads at altitudes of 8-10 km.

Press Service of the Russian Federal Space Agency

anik · « **Reply #39 on:** 02/05/2013 01:25 pm »

The launch time will be 16:04:24 UTC.

The reason for postponement: very high winds on altitude of 8-10 km.

Danderman · « **Reply #40 on:** 02/05/2013 08:26 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/05/2013 03:56 am

Is this the last firm launch contract for Starsem? I don't remember any new launch contracts for them since a few years ago, so is there any future for this joint operation when the pad at French Guiana isn't being used at full speed?

If there were a customer that required high inclination launch, then Starsem might undertake another launch, although there is no particular benefit to launching to 52 degrees from Baikonur, compared with Kourou, apart from labor costs.

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #41 on:** 02/05/2013 11:01 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/05/2013 03:56 am

Is this the last firm launch contract for Starsem? I don't remember any new launch contracts for them since a few years ago, so is there any future for this joint operation when the pad at French Guiana isn't being used at full speed?

CSG's ELS pad will soon near its expected launch rate over the next few years.

sdsds · « **Reply #42 on:** 02/06/2013 05:54 am »

I see that reporters and analysts are informally calling this model of satellite "Globalstar-2." But in press releases and such I can only find longer phrases like, "second generation spacecraft." Is there an official name for this model?

Skyrocket · « **Reply #43 on:** 02/06/2013 06:43 am »

Quote from: sdsds on 02/06/2013 05:54 am

I see that reporters and analysts are informally calling this model of satellite "Globalstar-2." But in press releases and such I can only find longer phrases like, "second generation spacecraft." Is there an official name for this model?

The official name is also "Globalstar", the same as for the first generation. The second generation spacecraft are numbered from FM73 onwards.

Artyom. · « **Reply #44 on:** 02/06/2013 12:47 pm »

TsENKI webcast has started

!

http://www.tsenki.com/broadcast/broadcast/live1.php

Artyom. · « **Reply #45 on:** 02/06/2013 12:54 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #46 on:** 02/06/2013 01:12 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #47 on:** 02/06/2013 01:34 pm »

90 mins to launch.

Artyom. · « **Reply #48 on:** 02/06/2013 02:04 pm »

60 mins to launch

!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #49 on:** 02/06/2013 02:14 pm »

Launch preview, via William Graham (used a lot of his baseline for the sats and LV):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/02/soyuz-2-1a-complete-second-gen-globalstar-constellation/

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #50 on:** 02/06/2013 02:16 pm »

Looks like we get the trippy "wah wah wah wah" music two days in a row

Artyom. · « **Reply #51 on:** 02/06/2013 02:26 pm »

Service towers are now separating from the launcher...

Artyom. · « **Reply #52 on:** 02/06/2013 02:26 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #53 on:** 02/06/2013 02:28 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #54 on:** 02/06/2013 02:29 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #55 on:** 02/06/2013 02:30 pm »

Service tower retraction completed

!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #56 on:** 02/06/2013 02:31 pm »

Quote from: Artyom. on 02/06/2013 02:30 pm

Service tower retraction completed !

Nice work! I'm holding on to the Arianespace webcast, so that's very helpful.

Mapperuo · « **Reply #57 on:** 02/06/2013 02:35 pm »

Still busy by the pad

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #58 on:** 02/06/2013 02:48 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #59 on:** 02/06/2013 02:49 pm »

T-15 mins

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #60 on:** 02/06/2013 02:50 pm »

Here we go.

Mr Le Gall speaking in English.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #61 on:** 02/06/2013 02:52 pm »

Coming up on T-12 mins.

Artyom. · « **Reply #62 on:** 02/06/2013 02:52 pm »

Arianespace

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #63 on:** 02/06/2013 02:53 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #64 on:** 02/06/2013 02:54 pm »

T-10 mins.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #65 on:** 02/06/2013 02:55 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #66 on:** 02/06/2013 02:55 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #67 on:** 02/06/2013 02:56 pm »

Headless Soyuz 2-1A

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #68 on:** 02/06/2013 02:57 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #69 on:** 02/06/2013 02:58 pm »

And back live - T-6 mins.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #70 on:** 02/06/2013 02:58 pm »

Venting nicely!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #71 on:** 02/06/2013 02:59 pm »

Some Globalstar history.

Artyom. · « **Reply #72 on:** 02/06/2013 02:59 pm »

T-5 mins

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #73 on:** 02/06/2013 02:59 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #74 on:** 02/06/2013 02:59 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #75 on:** 02/06/2013 03:00 pm »

This is a great promo video

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #76 on:** 02/06/2013 03:01 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #77 on:** 02/06/2013 03:01 pm »

Still green heading to T-3 mins.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #78 on:** 02/06/2013 03:01 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #79 on:** 02/06/2013 03:02 pm »

T-120 seconds.

Topping off the tanks.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #80 on:** 02/06/2013 03:03 pm »

T-60 seconds.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #81 on:** 02/06/2013 03:04 pm »

Umbilical retract.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #82 on:** 02/06/2013 03:05 pm »

LAUNCH!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #83 on:** 02/06/2013 03:05 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #84 on:** 02/06/2013 03:05 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #85 on:** 02/06/2013 03:06 pm »

Nominal first stage flight.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #86 on:** 02/06/2013 03:06 pm »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #87 on:** 02/06/2013 03:07 pm »

STAGING. Booster sep.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #88 on:** 02/06/2013 03:08 pm »

Going out of sight of the camera.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #89 on:** 02/06/2013 03:08 pm »

Engineers already back at the pad

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #90 on:** 02/06/2013 03:09 pm »

STAGING.

Jason1701 · « **Reply #91 on:** 02/06/2013 03:10 pm »

Do people arrive back at the pad sooner for Russian than American launches?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #92 on:** 02/06/2013 03:10 pm »

Replay. Trying to get a good image for the article.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #93 on:** 02/06/2013 03:11 pm »

Fairing jettison.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #94 on:** 02/06/2013 03:11 pm »

Quote from: Jason1701 on 02/06/2013 03:10 pm

Do people arrive back at the pad sooner for Russian than American launches?

I don't think anyone does it like the Russians. They tend to leave the pad with just minutes to go and then roll back in as the vehicle's still in first stage!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #95 on:** 02/06/2013 03:13 pm »

Over exposure again.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #96 on:** 02/06/2013 03:14 pm »

That's nice, however:

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #97 on:** 02/06/2013 03:14 pm »

STAGING. On to the Fregat-M.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #98 on:** 02/06/2013 03:15 pm »

First burn complete.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #99 on:** 02/06/2013 03:16 pm »

Arianespace end coverage. Updates on their website from now on (so someone copy across here

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #100 on:** 02/06/2013 03:17 pm »

R7 · « **Reply #101 on:** 02/06/2013 03:18 pm »

No nasty residuals from solids/hypergolics, safe to approach pad quickly.

Good job so far!

Artyom. · « **Reply #102 on:** 02/06/2013 03:22 pm »

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #103 on:** 02/06/2013 04:01 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 02/06/2013 03:16 pm

Arianespace end coverage. Updates on their website from now on (so someone copy across here

Good job from the latest permutation of the old R-7. Just goes to show that classics don't have to be retired just because they're old!

Artyom. · « **Reply #104 on:** 02/06/2013 04:51 pm »

Mission success

! My congratulations!!!

http://www.interfax.ru/russia/news.asp?id=289143 (on Russian)

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #105 on:** 02/06/2013 04:59 pm »

Very good!

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/02/soyuz-2-1a-complete-second-gen-globalstar-constellation/

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #106 on:** 02/06/2013 05:13 pm »

Arianespace/Starsem completes the deployment of Globalstar’s constellation with a Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

February 6, 2013 – Soyuz Flight ST26

Today’s successful orbiting of six spacecraft on a Starsem Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome marks the wrap-up of launch services currently contracted with Arianespace by Globalstar for the deployment of its second-generation constellation.

This was the fourth and final such Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, following similar missions in October 2010, July 2011 and December 2011 to fulfill Globalstar’s plan of orbiting 24 second-generation satellites. Additionally, it builds on an earlier series of eight Soyuz flights conducted by Starsem from 1999 to 2007, which deployed 32 of Globalstar’s first-generation spacecraft.

Jean-Yves Le Gall, the Chairman & CEO of Arianespace and Starsem, noted that the initial Soyuz mission for Globalstar occurred almost exactly 14 years ago – on February 9, 1999 – making this provider of mobile satellite voice and data services the first-ever customer for Starsem’s commercial launch services with the Russian-built vehicle.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Globalstar for its constant confidence and support,” Le Gall said. “Globalstar and Starsem have definitely formed close ties together on the path to success.”

He also thanked the program partners, including Astrium; Russia’s Roscosmos, TsSKB-Progress, NPO-Lavotchkin and KBOM; along with the teams at Starsem and Arianespace for today’s close-out success. “Once again, we have demonstrated that Soyuz and its Fregat upper stage represent an extremely reliable launch system and the workhorse for satellite constellation deployments! Bravo!”

Globalstar’s second-generation spacecraft deployed by Soyuz weighed approximately 700 kg. each, and are three-axis-stabilized satellites built by Thales Alenia Space. They are fitted with 16 transponders operating from C-band to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L-band to C-band. Their 15-year design life is twice that of Globalstar’s predecessor first-generation spacecraft, which weighed some 450 kg. each.

The modernized Soyuz utilized by Starsem to loft Globalstar’s second-generation payloads is the same basic vehicle as employed by Arianespace in operations with the medium-lift launcher from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Today’s mission was the 26th Starsem launch since its February 1999 maiden liftoff. In addition to deploying the Globalstar constellations, Starsem flights have lofted the Metop-A and Metop-B meteorological spacecraft, the GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B experimental navigation satellites, the Radarsat-2 radar-based Earth observation platform, the Corot and Cluster II scientific spacecraft, the Mars Express and Venus Express interplanetary probes, the Amos 2 and Galaxy 14 telecommunications satellites, and the IRDT (Inflatable Reentry and Descent Technology) demonstrator.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1017.asp

jacqmans · « **Reply #107 on:** 02/06/2013 05:30 pm »

Mission accomplished! Arianespace and Starsem orbit six new Globalstar-2 satellites

Baikonur, February 6, 2013

On Wednesday 6 February, Arianespace and Starsem orbited six new satellites of the Globalstar-2 constellation.

The 1,799th launch of a Soyuz family rocket (Soyuz-Fregat version) took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted off at 16:04 Universal Time on Wednesday 6 February 2013 (10:04 pm local time, 5:04 pm in Paris and 8:04 am in San Francisco).

Arianespace, Starsem and their Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat orbital stage accurately injected the six Globalstar-2 satellites into their targeted orbit. Two successive firings of the Fregat stage were needed to carry out this mission. After stabilization of the stage, the dispenser released 1 hour and 38 minutes after lift off the two satellites positioned in its upper section; 1 minute and 40 seconds later, the four satellites in the lower part of the dispenser were released simultaneously.

This latest success for the Soyuz launcher – and for the Fregat upper stage – clearly indicates the capabilities of the Samara Space Centre (TsSKB-Progress) and NPO Lavotchkine, as well as the skills of the operating teams working under the authority of Russian space agency Roscosmos.

Each Globalstar-2 satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space, weighs approximately 650 kg at launch. The constellation features an optimized design to provide telephone and data transmission services to businesses and individuals in more than 120 countries.

The first 18 satellites of the Globalstar-2 constellation were orbited successfully by Arianespace and Starsem in 2010 and 2011.

In 1999, Starsem had launched the 24 satellites in the Globalstar-1 constellation and in 2007 launched eight replacement satellites.

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 1st February 2013, 211 Ariane launches, 29 Soyuz launches (four at the Guiana Space Centre and 25 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega have been performed. The company has a backlog of 19 Ariane 5, 12 Soyuz and three Vega launches, equaling three years of business.

About Starsem

Starsem is dedicated to providing international commercial marketing and operation of the Soyuz launch vehicle from the Baikonur cosmodrome. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, Astrium, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress).

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2013/2-6-2013-ST26-launch.asp

Prober · « **Reply #108 on:** 02/06/2013 05:46 pm »

confused by all the Soyuz models....was this the first 2-1A lauched from this location?

Is this model set as the replacement for the Progress flights?