LIVE: Proton-M launch with Satmex 8 - March 26, 2013

[input~2]

Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. Announces Satmex 8 Launch Slot

[anik]

According to http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=275236, Proton-M rocket has arrived to Baikonur cosmodrome today.

[Satori]

According to http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=275236, Proton-M rocket has arrived to Baikonur cosmodrome today.

This is 8K82KM Proton-M (93535).

[beidou]

A short description about Satmex 8:
http://www.ssloral.com/html/satexp/satmex8.html

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Hmmm...... the original Proton rocket planned for this launch was found damaged during rail transportation to Baikonur, and will head back to Moscow for inspection and repairs. 

http://vz.ru/news/2012/11/26/608864.html

[Nicolas PILLET]

Press release of Khrunichev :

В связи с появлением в ряде СМИ информации о повреждении ракеты-носителя «Протон», ГКНПЦ им. М.В.Хруничева сообщает, что при прибытии железнодорожного состава с ракетой-носителем на космодром, в ходе ее осмотра были обнаружены замечания к двум боковым блокам ускорителя первой ступени. Эти замечания носят не производственный, а механический характер, появление которых произошло во время транспортировки ступеней ракеты-носителя с предприятия на космодром.

В настоящее время проводится анализ причин возникновения подобной ситуации.

Учитывая важность выполнения сроков предстоящих запусков, руководством ГКНПЦ им. М.В.Хруничева было принято решение отправить на Байконур очередную ракету-носитель «Протон». В ночь на 20 ноября, ракета-носитель была отправлена на космодром.

Данная ситуация не повлияет на предстоящий график пусков ракеты-носителя «Протон».

До конца года планируется осуществить еще два пуска ракеты-носителя «Протон». В декабре с его помощью должны быть выведены на орбиту космические аппараты «Ямал-402» и «Сатмекс».

I don't understand : the rocket which left Moscow on 20th november was the one which would be damaged, or the new one to replace the damaged rocket ?

[anik]

I don't understand: the rocket which left Moscow on 20th november was the one which would be damaged, or the new one to replace the damaged rocket?

The rocket 93535 for Satmex 8 has arrived to Baikonur on November 10th. She was damaged. She will be returned to Moscow. The rocket 93536 for Anik G1 has departed Moscow on November 20th. She will replace damaged rocket.

[zaitcev]

Glad that Protons are sufficiently compatible for such maneuvering. ULA may be a little envious about it, although they are working on such capability wth RS-68A for Deltas.

[Artyom.]

Satmex 8 satellite was delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome today 
http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2665 (on Russian)

[Nicolas PILLET]

Briz-M was delivered today.

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2676

[akula2]

I'm wondering will there is any affect on this launch due to the current Yamal 402 mission 'complication' aka Briz-M anamoly 

[Satori]

I'm wondering will there is any affect on this launch due to the current Yamal 402 mission 'complication' aka Briz-M anamoly 

Almost certainly the mission will be delayed.

[patchfree]

So it (Yamal 402 launch) was the last 2012 Proton/Briz-M launch!

[kevin-rf]

Depends, at least one Russia source is claiming a delay is premature: http://ria.ru/science/20121209/914023802.html

[Artyom.]

Launch postponed until next year 

http://ria.ru/science/20121212/914436128.html (in Russian)

[anik]

The launch is planned at 19:15:07 UTC on March 15th.

[anik]

As per NK forum, the launch is planned at the end of March.

[owais.usmani]

As per NK forum, the launch is planned at the end of March.

March 27:

http://www.ilslaunch.com/newsroom/news-releases/sat%C3%A9llites-mexicanos-international-launch-services-announce-satmex-8-launch

[akula2]

The rocket 93535 for Satmex 8 has arrived to Baikonur on November 10th. She was damaged. She will be returned to Moscow. The rocket 93536 for Anik G1 has departed Moscow on November 20th. She will replace damaged rocket.

Could you share how the Rocket got damaged? To what extent? Any links?

Thank you

[akula2]

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) announced in May 2010 that it has been  selected to provide a satellite for Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.  Satmex 8 is a high-power C and Ku-band satellite that replaces Satmex 5 and will provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in both North and South America.   



http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/satmex-8.htm

[russianhalo117]

The rocket 93535 for Satmex 8 has arrived to Baikonur on November 10th. She was damaged. She will be returned to Moscow. The rocket 93536 for Anik G1 has departed Moscow on November 20th. She will replace damaged rocket.

Could you share how the Rocket got damaged? To what extent? Any links?

Thank you

AFAIK, During its move by railway from its factory to Baikonur Cosmodrome while in its rail transport containers.

[akula2]

During its move by railway? I'm surprised because they do it so many times...just wondering the costs over the damage repairs 

[anik]

The launch is planned at 19:06:48 UTC on March 26th.

[Artyom.]

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2754
http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=284

[Artyom.]

Launcher integration is complete and the Proton-M rocket has moved to the Breeze-M fueling station.
http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2762 (on Russian)

[Artyom.]

Proton-M rocket was transported to the launch pad today.

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2763 (on Russian)

[Adonis1]

MEDIA ADVISORY: ILS PROTON TO LAUNCH SATMEX 8
Reston, Va - March 22, 2013
(Coordinates for viewing in Mexico updated)
 
Payload:   
Satmex 8 communications satellite
SSL 1300 Platform
Separated spacecraft mass: 5,474 kg
Launch Vehicle:   
Proton M/Breeze M
705,000 kg (1,554,000 lbs), including payload
58.2 m (191 ft)
Launch Date:   
March 27, 2013
Launch Time:   
01:06:48 Baikonur
23:06:48 Moscow (March 26)
13:06:48 Mexico City (March 26)
12:06:48 Palo Alto (March 26)
19:06:48 GMT (March 26)
15:06:48 EDT (March 26)
Launch Site:   
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch Pad 39
Launch Customer:   
Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V.(Satmex), Mexico City, Mexico
Satellite Manufacturer:   
SSL, California, USA
Launch Vehicle Manufacturer:   
Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center,
Moscow, Russia
Launch Services Provider:
International Launch Services, Virginia, USA
Satellite Use:   
Satmex 8 is a high-power C- and Ku-band satellite that will replace Satmex 5 and will provide fixed satellite services in North, Central and South Americas. This new satellite will provide enhanced performance and capacity to the coverage area. Satmex 8 will improve the current continental and regional services for video contribution, video distribution, broadband, cellular backhaul and distance learning.
Satellite Statistics:   
__24 C-band transponders
__40 Ku-band transponders
__Planned orbital location: 116.8° west longitude
__Anticipated service life: 15 years
Mission Profile:   
The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, will lift off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, with the Satmex 8 satellite on board. The first three stages of the Proton will use a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Satmex 8 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M will perform planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit. Separation of the Satmex 8 satellite is scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff.
Target Orbit at Separation:
Perigee: 6,159 km
Apogee: 35,786 km
Inclination: 18.38 degrees
Spacecraft Separation:   
Approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff
ILS Mission Statistics:   
_1st ILS Proton Launch in 2013
_78th ILS Proton Launch Overall
_1st Satmex Satellite Launched on ILS Proton
_25th SSL Satellite Launched on ILS Proton
Live Broadcast:   
Live Coverage starting at 14:45 EDT/ 18:45 GMT
Launch is scheduled for 15:07 EDT/ 19:07 GMT
Broadcast concludes no later than 15:45 EDT/ 19:45 GMT
Webcast stream seen can be seen at:   
http://satmex8.imgondemand.com/
And via Satellite TODAY:
http://www.satellitetoday.com/
Baikonur to US Eutelsat 10A will begin at 13:45 EDT
HD test for US/AMC-9 will begin at 14:15 EDT
SD test for Mexico will begin at 14:15 EDT
 
In Baikonur and Europe, the Launch Broadcast will be seen on the following (HD):
Eutelsat 10A (EX W2A) 10 deg East TXP B4 Channel 12MHZ SLOT 4C12
Uplink Frequency: 14357 MHZ POL X BY D-FRA-022 UP1
Downlink Frequency: 11057 MHZ POL Y
HD 1080i 50Hz DVBS2 8PSK 9.875Ms/s FEC 3/4,
P RoF 0.2 (MPEG4/H.264 420 21.503 Mbps)
AUDIO: 1 SOUND MONO
AUDIO: 2 SOUND MONO
In the US, the Launch Broadcast will be seen on the following (HD):
AMC-9, transponder C10, channel C10A
83 degrees West
18 mhz.
Uplink frequency: 6,116.000 Horizontal
Downlink frequency:  3,891.000 Vertical
1080i QPSK
FEC:  3/4
Symbol rate:  13.333, DVB – S, MPEG2 HD 4:2:0
In Mexico, the Launch Broadcast will be seen on the following (SD):
SatMex 6
113 degrees West
9 MHz
Transponder 12C1(d)
Center frequency of 6151.5 MHz uplink, V
3926.5 MHz downlink, H
Symbol rate: 6.900 Msps
Modulation: QPSK
FEC: 3/4 + Reed Solomon (188/204)

http://www.ilslaunch.com/newsroom/news-releases/media-advisory-ils-proton-launch-satmex-8

[jacqmans]

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19974

[Artyom.]

Roscosmos video of the roll-out:

[Nicolas PILLET]

This is launcher n°4925656748.

[anik]

Information about launch: http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=630

[Satori]

Moved for live coverage...

[Artyom.]

State commission has given "go" for a fuelling of Proton-M rocket.
http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=2766 (on Russian)

[Mapperuo]

Current view from their satellite feed, live high definition from Baikonur today:

[Artyom.]

Live from Baikonur Cosmodrome!

[Satori]

Live from Baykonur (don't expect a good feed from TsENKI)

[Artyom.]

Service tower being rolled to the launch position

[input~2]

NOTAM for 1st stage debris

K0117/13 -  ATS ROUTE SEGMENTS CLSD: 1.B822 BETIK-LUGER FROM 75 KM TO 120 KM 2.A113 TIROK-GISIR FROM 25 KM TO 65 KM SFC/UNL. DAILY 1900/2000, 26 MAR 19:00 2013 UNTIL 28 MAR 20:00 2013. CREATED: 24 MAR 01:43 201

Navigational warning for 3rd stage debris

NO.13-0199       Date:2013/03/22 12 UTC

 NORTH PACIFIC, WESTERN PART.   
 DANGEROUS TO NAVIGATION AREA DESIGNATED   
 DUE TO ROCKET CARRIER ELEMENTS FALL.   
 1900Z TO 2030Z DAILY 26 TO 29 MAR.   
 IN ELLIPSE SHAPED AREA CENTERED IN   
 24-23N 161-46E. LARGE AXIS 216 MILES AND   
 SMALL AXIS 59.4 MILES. AZIMUTH OF LARGE   
 AXIS 134 DEGREES.   
 CANCEL THIS MSG 292130Z MAR.

[Satori]

Mapperuo, what feed are you using?

Current view from their satellite feed, live high definition from Baikonur today:

[Mapperuo]

Direct from satellite, 10 east. It's 1920x1080.

Mapperuo, what feed are you using?

Current view from their satellite feed, live high definition from Baikonur today:

[Satori]

Okay, thank you!!!

Direct from satellite, 10 east. It's 1920x1080.

Mapperuo, what feed are you using?

Current view from their satellite feed, live high definition from Baikonur today:

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

This is the first Proton (ILS and Russian Gov) since Yamal402, right?

[patchfree]

This is the first Proton (ILS and Russian Gov) since Yamal402, right?

Right. Return to flight.

[Satori]

T-50 m... all looks good for launch...

[Nicolas PILLET]

This is the first Proton (ILS and Russian Gov) since Yamal402, right?

Right. Return to flight.

But the Briz upper stage has since flown on Rokot (15th january 2013).

[Chris Bergin]

This is the first Proton (ILS and Russian Gov) since Yamal402, right?

Right. Return to flight.

Copy, thanks! And copy on the Briz use.

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-45m LV final countdown activities commence. Propulsion system GO signal is generated by the LV GN&C GLSTE. Countdown display system remote units are synchronized to the master CD clock.

[Satori]

T-40m

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-35m LV GN&C GLSTE arms the launch abort systems. Readiness green indicator light illuminates on the launch abort unit front panel. Two redundant displays on the launch abort unit are synchronized to the CD clock and start countdown. SC launch unit abort switch is active.

[Chris Bergin]

15 mins to the ILS launch broadcast.

[kevin-rf]

This is the first Proton (ILS and Russian Gov) since Yamal402, right?

Right. Return to flight.

Copy, thanks! And copy on the Briz use.

Don't forget in your article that the final Briz burn during January 15th Rokot flight did not occur.

[Prober]

Looks like ILS will broadcast this:
http://satmex8.imgondemand.com/

[Artyom.]

T-30 mins

[Artyom.]

ILS broadcast has started.

[Satori]

T-20m

[Chris Bergin]

ILS up and running:
http://satmex8.imgondemand.com/stream400.aspx

[Prober]

ILS broadcast has started.

yes, end of new age music (kinda nice)

[Chris Bergin]

[Prober]

[Prober]

Nice graphics

[Chris Bergin]

Everyone have a go at a good quality launch image (wider than 800 pixels) if possible, for the article's lead image). Thanks!

[Chris Bergin]

Absolutely love the woman's accent on the mission profile video. Dreamy!

[Satori]

T-10m SC Customer gives verbal readiness on countdown network.

[Satori]

Arriba Satmex!!!!!!!!!!!

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-5m LV GN&C GLSTE sends a T-300 sec command signal to the Breeze M GN&C GLSTE to synchronize the lift-off time. Breeze M begins transfer to internal power.

[Satori]

T-2m LV GN&C begins transfer to internal power. Breeze M completes transfer to internal power, sends “BREEZE M GO” signal to LV GN&C GLSTE.

[Satori]

At T-3.1s the LV GN&C GLSTE performs a final GO/NO-GO check of the LV, Breeze M and SC. If all the integrated LV components are GO, the first stage ignition sequence start is sent at the estimated time.

[Satori]

If the lift-off contact signal is not received, the Breeze M systems begin transfer to ground power.

[Chris Bergin]

T-60 seconds.

[Artyom.]

LAUNCH!!!

[Chris Bergin]

LAUNCH!!

[Chris Bergin]

[Artyom.]

[Satori]

All normal...

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

Staging.

Second Stage ignition.

1-2 Sep.

[Artyom.]

Staging!

Second stage ignition.
1-2 Sep.

[Satori]

1 / 2 sep!

[Prober]

[Chris Bergin]

[Prober]

[Satori]

Stage 2 / 3 sep!

[Satori]

Fairing sep! All normal!

[Satori]

Third stage firing now...

[Satori]

The end of the second stage burn, the 2 / 3 stage separation and the fairing separation, took place right as planned!

[Satori]

All normal so far!

[Satori]

3rd stage / Briz-M sep!

[Galactic Penguin SST]

As noted in the video - Proton is named after its first payloads. But do you know that it apparently was first named "Gerkules" (Hercules)? 

[Satori]

Waiting for first Briz-M ignition...

[Satori]

Into first Briz-M ignition!!!!

[Prober]

So now we wait....1st burn up and running of the Britz.

[Satori]

End of the first Briz-M burn...

[Chris Bergin]

Yeah, he's a cool dude.

[Satori]

Does anyone has the information about the duration of the Briz-M burns? Thanks!

[thebartonfox]

Great coverage, as usual. Thanks Chris and everyone.

A bit late, but here are my launch screen grabs:

[Satori]

Orbital Unit (Briz-M + Satmex-8) is now on a circular parking orbit.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Does anyone has the information about the duration of the Briz-M burns? Thanks!

Burn 1 - 4:27
Burn 2 - 17:46
Burn 3 - 12:59
Burn 4 - 4:31
Burn 5 - 7:31

[input~2]

[Satori]

The first Briz-M burn started 1 second later than planned and ended 3 seconds before than planned. No problem with this and is normal to see this values on previous missions.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

End of ILS launch coverage. Of course as indicated from previous launches, the fun has just began. 

[Chris Bergin]

ILS coverage ending. New co-commentator was very nervous, bless. Not easy at all, so she did well.

[Satori]

Remember this is a 9 hours 13 minutes long mission, so still a long way to go for this one!

[owais.usmani]

ILS coverage ending. New co-commentator was very nervous, bless. Not easy at all, so she did well.

Probably because it was her birthday.....

[Gorizont]

As I understand, Karen/ Keren has birthday today.
Congratulations to her!
Yes she was nervous, but she did it well. 

Thank you Chris for the coverage!

greetings...
Soeren

[Mapperuo]

Launch video:

[Satori]

The second Briz-M Burn will take place at 2014:21UTC to 2032:07UTC, the third burn at 2235:15UTC to 2248:17UTC, the APT will separate at 2249:06UTC, the fourth burn at 2250:34UTC to 2255:05UTC and the fifth and last burn at 0358:23UTC to 0405:54UTC on March 27.

Spacecraft separation should take place at 0419:48UTC.

[Nicolas PILLET]

I've just realised that it is the 70th launch of Proton-M !

[input~2]

end of 2nd burn was 18s early according to TM

[input~2]

[Satori]

Launch time was 1906:47.937UTC.

[Prober]

end of 2nd burn was 18s early according to TM

should be coming up on the 3rd burn in a few. 

[russianhalo117]

end of 2nd burn was 18s early according to TM

should be coming up on the 3rd burn in a few. 

Yep all is nominal at this point.

All eyes will be watching even more near end of burn 3 through SC SEP Confrimation.

[Satori]

Into third Briz-M burn...

[russianhalo117]

Into third Briz-M burn...

Where online are you watching the TM??

[Satori]

On the Khrunichev page http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=523

Into third Briz-M burn...

Where online are you watching the TM??

[Satori]

Third Briz-M burn ended...

[Satori]

APT separated successfully...

[Satori]

Briz-M fourth burn started...

[Satori]

Fourth Briz-M burn ended...

[Satori]

Over Portugal!!! 

[Satori]

Looks like so far so good... The fifth and last burn will take place at 0358:23UTC and end at 0405:54UTC on March 27.

Spacecraft separation should take place at 0419:48UTC.

[Satori]

The third burn ended 6 seconds early and the fourth burn ended 5 seconds early. These values are normal for the mission.

[russianhalo117]

I guess I will go eat something, exercise, and then take a long power nap so that I can get up and monitor last burn, SC SEP, and Briz-M CAM events in a few hours time.

Later everyone until thirty or so minutes out from burn 5. 

[Galactic Penguin SST]

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19977

Last Briz-M burn 8 minutes from now...

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Burn started on time - 3 minutes to cutoff.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Burn started on time - 3 minutes to cutoff.

Now completed - 4 seconds early, which is normal.

Spacecraft scheduled to separate in 14 minutes.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

And spacecraft separation!

[Artyom.]

Satmex 8 successfully separated!!!

We have confirmation of SC separation!

My congratulations!!!

[Galactic Penguin SST]

http://www.ilslaunch.com/newsroom/news-releases/ils-proton-successfully-launches-satmex-8-satellite-satmex

ILS PROTON SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES SATMEX 8 SATELLITE FOR SATMEX

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, March 27, 2013 – International Launch Services (ILS), a leader in providing mission integration and launch services to the global commercial satellite industry, today announced that it has successfully carried the Satmex 8 satellite into orbit on an ILS Proton launch vehicle for Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) of Mexico City, Mexico.

The ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle launched from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 01:07 today local time (19:07 GMT and 15:07 EDT on March 26).  Utilizing a standard 5-burn Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) mission design, the Breeze M successfully released the Satmex 8 satellite into orbit 9 hours and 13 minutes after launch.  The satellite, built on the flight-proven 1300 platform, weighed nearly 5.5 metric tons at liftoff and was the 25th Space Systems/Loral (SSL) satellite launched on an ILS Proton rocket. This was also the first Satmex satellite launched by ILS and the first ILS Proton launch of the year.

Satmex 8 will replace Satmex 5 and will provide enhanced performance and capacity in North, Central and South America at 116.8 west longitude. This new high-power, fixed service satellite has 24 C- and 40 Ku-band transponders, and will improve the current continental and regional services for video contribution and distribution, broadband, cellular backhaul and distance learning.

Satmex 8 adds 45% of total capacity over Satmex 5 which translates to 94% of increased capacity on Ku band to fulfill the growing demand for satellite services in the Americas.

This was the 384th launch for Proton since its maiden flight in 1965 and the 78th ILS Proton launch.  The Proton Breeze M vehicle was developed and built by Khrunichev Research and Production Space Center of Moscow, Russia’s premier space industry manufacturer and majority shareholder in ILS.

“We want to thank Satmex for entrusting us with the launch of the Satmex 8 satellite.  We also want to express our sincere appreciation for the ILS, Khrunichev, Satmex, and SSL teams for their tireless work in ensuring the mission’s success,” said ILS President Phil Slack.

Satmex President and CEO Patricio Northland added, “We are delighted with the successful ILS Proton launch and orbit of Satmex 8, the latest satellite in our expanding fleet.  Satmex offers fixed satellite transmission services to more than 90% of the population in the Americas, and this important addition will provide enhanced performance and capacity to our coverage areas. It also positions us well for future launches of advanced models that will mark step-change expansions in our capabilities.  Our sincere gratitude goes to all those who played a role in building and orbiting the Satmex 8 satellite.”

[input~2]

[input~2]

USSTRATCOM has catalogued a first object, presumably the APT:
39124/2013-012C in 330 x 18008 km x 49.49°

[Galactic Penguin SST]

[Artyom.]

[Satori]

Great news! Congratulations!

Some launch photos from TsENKI http://www.tsenki.com/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=98669

[anik]

Launch time was 1906:47.937UTC

.973

[input~2]

We now have orbital data for Satmex-8 and Briz-M:
Satmex-8 at epoch 3/27 11:28
39122/2012-012A in 6119 x 35825 km x 18.38°
Briz-M at epoch 3/27 11:33
39123/2012-012B in 5393 x 34126 km x 18.12°

[Chris Bergin]

SSL-built SATELLITE SATMEX 8 successfully

performs post-launch maneuvers

 

PALO ALTO, Calif. – March 27, 2013 — Space Systems/Loral (SSL), the world’s leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Satmex 8 satellite, designed and built for Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. (Satmex), was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS) from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. The satellite will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.

 

“SSL shares Satmex’s focus on quality service and the use of satellite communications for an interconnected world,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “We are pleased to see Satmex 8 performing on orbit where it joins Satmex 6, also built by SSL, which continues to provide reliable service over the Americas.”

 

Satmex 8 is a Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) spacecraft that will provide video content and distribution, broadband services, and cellular backhaul in North, South and Central America. It will also help people in remote areas with services for telemedicine, distance learning, and emergency communications. When the satellite completes in-orbit testing, it will replace Satmex 5 at 116.8 degrees West longitude.

 

“SSL has been an important contributor to our fleet expansion,” said Jesus Gutierrez, program manager and director of engineering of Satmex. “We would like to thank everyone at SSL, ILS, and Satmex who dedicated their time to this satellite and made this launch a success.”

 

Satmex 8 is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 72 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit. 

 

About Satmex

Satélites Mexicanos (“Satmex”) is a significant provider of fixed satellite services (“FSS”) in the Americas, coverage of more than 90% of the population of the region. As one of only two privately-managed FSS providers based in Latin America, Satmex (together with its predecessors) has designed, procured, launched and operated three generations of satellites over a 25 year period. Satmex’s current fleet is comprised of three satellites in highly attractive, contiguous orbital slots that enable its customers to effectively serve their entire coverage footprint utilizing a single satellite connection.

 

For further information, visit www.satmex.com

 

About SSL

SSL has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the world’s leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

SSL-built SATELLITE SATMEX 8 successfully performs post-launch maneuvers

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There aren't a lot of high-res Proton launch photos around the Internet, so here's one included in the SS/L press release: 

[Adonis1]

[input~2]

The 2nd stage and both parts of fairing fell in the prescribed area SW of Lake Teletskoye, Altai R., Russian Federation

[input~2]

The 1st stage fell some 50km south of Karsakbay, Kazakhstan in the prescribed area

[input~2]

An interesting BBC article on Proton 2nd stage debris potential health hazard:
"Russians say space rocket debris is health hazard"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19127713

Edit: "The Telegraph" had a similar article in 2001
More details on debris drop zones over Altai Rep. and environmental impact (in Russian) at
http://ekologia-ra.ru/osobye-vidy-vozdejstviya-na-okruzhayuschuyu-sredu/raketno-kosmicheskaya-deyatelnost/

[Stan Black]

An interesting BBC article on Proton 2nd stage debris potential health hazard:
"Russians say space rocket debris is health hazard"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19127713

Since 1998 Proton has apparently vented its spent stages; and the Proton-M allows for less residual propellents…

[Lar]

An interesting BBC article on Proton 2nd stage debris potential health hazard:
"Russians say space rocket debris is health hazard"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19127713

Since 1998 Proton has apparently vented its spent stages; and the Proton-M allows for less residual propellents…

Even so, this seems an argument in favor of reuse...