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LIVE: Rokot/Briz-KM - Sentinel-3A - Plesetsk - February 16, 2016 by bolun on 21 Nov, 2015 13:19
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http://www.eurockot.com/missions/manifest/Quote
The next spacecraft on the manifest of Eurockot is Sentinel-3A from the Copernicus Sentinel range of satellites. Sentinel-3A is presently scheduled to be launched in 4Q 2015 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3A_on_its_wayQuoteThe latest satellite for the European Commission’s Copernicus environmental programme has left France bound for the Plesetsk launch site in Russia and launch late next month.
QuoteSentinel-3A is scheduled for liftoff on a Rockot launcher at the end of December.
Image credit: ESA–J.F. Flamand
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#1 by bolun on 21 Nov, 2015 17:33
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Data sheet of the mission: http://www.eurockot.com/press-media/downloads/
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#2 by jacqmans on 30 Nov, 2015 12:55
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Arrival of Sentinel-3A at Arkhangelsk
The start of the unloading of Sentinel-3A from the Antonov aircraft at Arkhangelsk, Russia, prior to shipment by rail to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, on 28 November 2015.
The mission is the result of close collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, Eumetsat, France’s CNES space agency, industry, service providers and data users. The satellite will systematically measure Earth’s oceans, land, ice and atmosphere to monitor and understand large-scale global dynamics. It will provide critical near-realtime information for ocean and weather forecasting.
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#3 by zubenelgenubi on 30 Nov, 2015 16:41
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Does Plesetsk have an airport? Or are all air shipments bound for Plesetsk via Arkhangelsk?
A certain on-line encyclopedia informs me that Arkhangelsk is 200 km north of Plesetsk.
If Plesetsk does lack an airport, is that much of an issue--are most domestic shipments to Plesetsk via rail? -
#4 by anik on 30 Nov, 2015 18:20
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Does Plesetsk have an airport? Or are all air shipments bound for Plesetsk via Arkhangelsk?
Yes, it has. Plestsy airport. It is available for landing not for all types of planes. -
#5 by Satori on 02 Dec, 2015 11:11
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Acoording to information on the Novosti Kosmonavtiki forum, this launch will onle take place at the end of January 2016.
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#6 by Satori on 03 Dec, 2015 16:24
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"After an eventful journey to Russia, by plane, lorry and train, the Sentinel-3A satellite is safe and sound in the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia, for lift-off next month."
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3A_taking_final_steps_to_launch -
#7 by bolun on 04 Dec, 2015 19:58
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"After an eventful journey to Russia, by plane, lorry and train, the Sentinel-3A satellite is safe and sound in the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia, for lift-off next month."
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3A_taking_final_steps_to_launch
"Bruno Berruti, ESA’s Sentinel-3 Project Manager, comments, “We’ve had some delays from Cannes to Plesetsk. The journey has taken almost two weeks instead of the expected two and a half days, but our baby is finally here safe and sound, so we are all relieved. " -
#8 by input~2 on 04 Dec, 2015 21:28
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First installation in the Antonov An-124 on November 20"After an eventful journey to Russia, by plane, lorry and train, the Sentinel-3A satellite is safe and sound in the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia, for lift-off next month."
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3A_taking_final_steps_to_launch
"Bruno Berruti, ESA’s Sentinel-3 Project Manager, comments, “We’ve had some delays from Cannes to Plesetsk. The journey has taken almost two weeks instead of the expected two and a half days, but our baby is finally here safe and sound, so we are all relieved. "
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#9 by bolun on 07 Dec, 2015 08:35
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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2015/12/04/unpacking-and-getting-organised/
Unpacking and getting organisedQuoteThe officer in charge of the activities reported that the Military Commando in Moscow prohibited any activities during the holiday period, therefore the launch campaign should restart on 11 January.
The same officer confirmed their preference for the satellite to be stored in its container during the break, even if this may mean delaying the launch campaign by a few days.Quote.... the military and Khrunichev will proceed to provide their inputs to their management for the formalisation of a new launch date.
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#10 by zubenelgenubi on 07 Dec, 2015 16:14
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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2015/12/04/unpacking-and-getting-organised/
I see that in recent years, the New Year's Holiday has expanded to take in New Year's Day, January 2-6, Russian Orthodox Christmas on January 7, and January 8. Then there's the weekend immediately following in 2016 on January 9-10.
Unpacking and getting organisedQuoteThe officer in charge of the activities reported that the Military Commando in Moscow prohibited any activities during the holiday period, therefore the launch campaign should restart on 11 January.
The same officer confirmed their preference for the satellite to be stored in its container during the break, even if this may mean delaying the launch campaign by a few days.Quote.... the military and Khrunichev will proceed to provide their inputs to their management for the formalisation of a new launch date.
Also, this quote from the same blog entry, published December 4:QuoteMost of the activities that we had planned for today were carried out despite the fact that we had some delays because we couldn’t use the main hall for two hours as the Russian military was busy moving a booster.
Would this have been the Soyuz-2-1V launched on December 5? Or something else? -
#11 by russianhalo117 on 07 Dec, 2015 18:01
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With a quick check of the Plesetsk rail system and Rockot user guide launch campaign timeline, the movement seems more likely to do with Rockot Processing (Pad Check of the launcher or return of the booster to the MIK following the recent delay to January) than Soyuz rollout.http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2015/12/04/unpacking-and-getting-organised/
I see that in recent years, the New Year's Holiday has expanded to take in New Year's Day, January 2-6, Russian Orthodox Christmas on January 7, and January 8. Then there's the weekend immediately following in 2016 on January 9-10.
Unpacking and getting organisedQuoteThe officer in charge of the activities reported that the Military Commando in Moscow prohibited any activities during the holiday period, therefore the launch campaign should restart on 11 January.
The same officer confirmed their preference for the satellite to be stored in its container during the break, even if this may mean delaying the launch campaign by a few days.Quote.... the military and Khrunichev will proceed to provide their inputs to their management for the formalisation of a new launch date.
Also, this quote from the same blog entry, published December 4:QuoteMost of the activities that we had planned for today were carried out despite the fact that we had some delays because we couldn’t use the main hall for two hours as the Russian military was busy moving a booster.
Would this have been the Soyuz-2-1V launched on December 5? Or something else?
Final rollout of Rockot Booster to the Pad will occur on the 23rd day of the mission campaign when following the standard campaign profile. -
#12 by bolun on 10 Dec, 2015 10:38
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12/08/2015
Sentinel-3A satellite and Launch Vehicle Check-Outs Started
After arrival at the Rockot integration facility (MIK), the Sentinel-3A satellite was unloaded from its transport container and erected in the dedicated spacecraft clean room. On Saturday, December 5th, the satellite was powered up for the first time after a long journey marking the start of various electrical test runs.
In parallel, the Breeze-KM upper stage and the payload fairing have arrived at the MIK for extensive check-outs in preparation for a launch vehicle dry-run and eventually mating with the spacecraft.
On Monday, December 7th, the Sentinel-3A team started the propulsion system checks. During these activities, the propellant tanks are pressurized to confirm their structural integrity before the spacecraft may be fuelled.
http://www.eurockot.com/2015/12/sentinel-3a-satellite-and-launch-vehicle-check-outs-started/
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#13 by bolun on 13 Dec, 2015 20:49
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12/11/2015
Rockot Launch Vehicle and Sentinel-3A Satellite Undergo Extensive Testing
So far, the Sentinel-3A satellite and the launch vehicle components, Rockot’s upper stage Breeze-KM and the payload fairing, are being processed in different clean rooms by their respective engineering teams.
The electrical check-out on the satellite continues. The check-up on the Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem on Sentinel-3A started; the activation lines (to trigger unfolding the solar array wing once the satellite is in orbit) have been tested as well. Instrument testing of the spacecraft payload is on-going.
The propulsion system tests on Sentinel-3A have been concluded on December 9th.
In the meantime, the electrical check-out on the Breeze-KM has been completed successfully. In a next step, the launch vehicle components will be prepared for a so-called dry-run to test the actual assembly: Today, December 11th, the payload faring will be installed on the upper stage.
http://www.eurockot.com/2015/12/rockot-launch-vehicle-and-sentinel-3a-satellite-undergo-extensive-testing/
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#14 by bolun on 19 Dec, 2015 18:31
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12/18/2015
Functional Testing Completed – Preparing for the Holidays
The Sentinel-3A satellite successfully passed the functional test series which kept the spacecraft team busy for the past two weeks. The platform and instrument subsystems have been deemed healthy and are ready to carry out their mission.
The Rockot launch vehicle completed the dry run and associated checks with success as well. Having been returned from the launch pad to the test and integration facility MIK, the Upper Composite (occasionally also referred to as Space Head Unit) is currently disassembled again into the Breeze-KM upper stage and the two half-shells of the payload fairing.
The completion of stand-alone testing of the satellite and launch vehicle marks a new phase in the launch campaign which will go into a break over the holiday season. In order to keep the Sentinel-3A spacecraft in an optimal environment during the upcoming three-weeks-long storage period, the satellite will be put back into its container. The handling activities commenced today; by Monday the spacecraft will be enclosed inside its container and exposed to a protective atmosphere.
The launch campaign team will return home on December 22nd; only a small group of five will stay at the Cosmodrome to watch over Sentinel-3A. The campaign will resume in 2016 on January 11th.
The Eurockot team wishes all fellow launch campaign members and their families happy holidays and a cheerful time for recreation. We are looking forward to a successful start together into the New Year with the continuation of our common work.
http://www.eurockot.com/2015/12/functional-testing-completed-preparing-for-the-holidays/ -
#15 by bolun on 12 Jan, 2016 10:58
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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2016/01/12/back-to-plesetsk-and-brrrrr-its-cold/Quote
.... Assuming everything is ok, we’ll open the container on Wednesday and then we’ll be ready to resume the final countdown to launch on 4 February.
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#16 by bolun on 15 Jan, 2016 13:33
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01/15/2016
Sentinel-3A back in testing mode
The Sentinel-3A launch campaign resumed with the removal of the satellite from its container. After clean room conditions had been reinstated and the cleanliness was checked, the spacecraft could be released from the protective environment inside the container to be returned into the dedicated clean room for further processing.
With the opening of the spacecraft container on January 13th, Sentinel-3A was subjected over two days to a couple of maneuvers to be brought back to its test stand: lifting out of the container, mounting on horizontal handling device, erection into a vertical position, and mounting on its stand.
Sentinel-3A currently undergoes electrical testing and final installation of multi-layer insulation (MLI) to get ready for fueling mid of next week.
The activities on the Rockot launcher will resume next week to be synchronized with the satellite schedule. Satellite and launcher activities will be coordinated as part of the joint operations in about ten days.
http://www.eurockot.com/2016/01/sentinel-3a-back-in-testing-mode/
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#17 by eeergo on 21 Jan, 2016 09:24
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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2016/01/21/satellite-fuelling-on-hold/
Satellite fueling has been put on hold until Feb 2nd, and launch will be delayed until the second half of the month, while the launch pad is recertified (launch vehicle team needs another dress rehearsal with the GSE). -
#18 by Mammutti on 27 Jan, 2016 09:47
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New launch date: 2016-02-16
http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2016/01/27/sentinel-3a-gets-new-launch-date/ -
#19 by jacqmans on 01 Feb, 2016 13:49
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Press Release
N°03-2016
Paris, 1 February 2016
Call for Media: Launch of Sentinel-3 satellite for Copernicus
The third satellite of Europe’s Copernicus programme is set for launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia on 16 February at 17:57 GMT (18:57 CET). Media representatives are invited to follow the launch at the main event at ESA’s operations
centre in Darmstadt, Germany.
The Sentinels are a fleet of satellites designed to deliver the wealth of data and imagery that are central to the European Commission’s Copernicus programme.
This unique environmental monitoring programme is providing a step change in the way we view and manage our environment, understand and tackle the effects of climate change and safeguard everyday lives.
Carrying a suite of cutting-edge instruments, Sentinel-3 will systematically measure Earth’s oceans, land, ice and atmosphere to monitor and understand large-scale global dynamics. It will provide essential information in near-real time for ocean and
weather forecasting.
With a focus on our oceans, Sentinel-3 measures the temperature, colour and height of the sea surface as well as the thickness of sea ice. These measurements will be used, for example, to monitor changes in sea level, marine pollution and biological
productivity.
Over land, this innovative mission will provide a bigger picture by monitoring wildfires, mapping the way land is used, observing vegetation state and measuring the height of rivers and lakes – complementing the high-resolution measurements of its
Sentinel-2 sister mission.
Sentinel-3 is based on a two identical satellites (Sentinel-3A and -3B) working together for optimum global coverage and data delivery. For example, with a swath width of 1270 km, the ocean and land colour sensor will provide global coverage every
two days.
The mission is the result of close collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, Eumetsat, France’s CNES space agency, industry, service providers and data users. The satellites were designed and built by a consortium of around 100 companies
under the leadership of Thales Alenia Space, France.
For the latest news and information on this mission, visit www.esa.int/Sentinel-3
The Twitter hashtag to follow is #Sentinel3
Launch event at ESOC, ESA’s space operations centre
Doors open at 17:30 CET (16:30 GMT). Addresses by ESA’s Director General, the ESA Director of Operations and high-level representatives from the European Commission and Eumetsat will begin the event. Speakers will also include representatives from
German national ministries. Experts will then provide an overview on the socio-economic impact of Copernicus and the concrete use of Sentinel-3 data for ocean and land monitoring.
Before the launch event, there will be the opportunity for interested journalists to visit Eumetsat’s control room from 15:15 to 16:30 CET.
Media should register at https://myconvento.com/public/event_register/do_register/1248325 by 9 February 2016 at the latest.
Information on “How to get to ESOC”: www.esa.int/gettingtoesoc
Coverage
ESA TV
ESA TV will provide broadcasters with live satellite relay or live videostream of the launch from Plesetsk.
Video material is available in the video archive, complemented with new productions according to the following provisional scheduleSentinel-3 technology and heritage 2 February; Copernicus 11 February .
Details at: http://esatv.esa.int/Television
Website
ESA’s Portal will cover the launch live, providing the videostream and updates of the launch at: www.esa.int/esalive and www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency
For a collection of videos, including interviews with key team members and animations, visit: www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Missions/Sentinel-3