Author Topic: LIVE: SMOS and PROBA-2 Launch - November 2, 2009 (Read 35480 times)

anik · « **on:** 01/24/2007 03:49 pm »

Flight Model of the SMOS payload, built by EADS Astrium in Spain, ready for final testing at ESA
http://www.space.eads.net/press-center/press-releases/flight-model-of-the-smos-payload-built-by-eads-astrium-in-spain-ready-for-final-testing-at-esa

jacqmans · « **Reply #1 on:** 04/27/2007 11:32 am »

Testing starts on the SMOS payload at ESA-ESTEC in the Netherlands.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMN3N12Z0F_Netherlands_1.html

See also:
http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMZ59Q11ZE_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #2 on:** 06/08/2007 07:44 pm »

ESA's water mission instrument passes test programme

8 June 2007

After successfully undergoing a rigorous three-month testing programme, the innovative SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) payload is about to make its journey from ESA's Test Centre in the Netherlands to France, where it will join the platform to form the satellite in preparation for launch next year.

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMN5JEVL2F_index_0.html

sammie · « **Reply #3 on:** 06/09/2007 12:50 am »

Sorry for the daft question. What are the pylon/triangular shaped objects in the testing enviroment for?

MKremer · « **Reply #4 on:** 06/09/2007 08:55 am »

Quote

sammie - 8/6/2007 7:50 PM

Sorry for the daft question. What are the pylon/triangular shaped objects in the testing enviroment for?

Similar to an audio anechoic chamber, but in this case designed for dampening EM rather than sound - the long pyramids are filled with a carbon/conductive compound and grounded.

anik · « **Reply #5 on:** 07/04/2007 02:51 pm »

The SMOS payload has been successfully mated on the PROTEUS platform
03 July 2007
http://www.thalesatm.com/Press-Room/Press-Release-search-all/Press-Release-search-result/Press-Release-Article.html?link=05525429-0203-3770-5300-4a357e42583a:central&locale=EN-gb&Title=The+SMOS+payload+has+been+successfully+mated+on+the+PROTEUS+platform&dis=1

sammie · « **Reply #6 on:** 08/12/2007 09:48 pm »

Successful PROBA 2 Mechanical Fitcheck conducted for ROCKOT Launch
24 July 2007
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040936

anik · « **Reply #7 on:** 05/09/2008 07:19 am »

According to http://smsc.cnes.fr/SMOS/index.htm the launch is currently planned in April 2009.

Also, the quote from http://www.cesbio.ups-tlse.fr/us/indexsmos.html

"Opportunity mission scheduled for launch between april and july 2009"

anik · « **Reply #8 on:** 06/03/2008 05:35 pm »

SMOS Mission Agenda
http://smsc.cnes.fr/SMOS/GP_actualites.htm

July 2008 - Satellite Qualification Review
July 2008 to January 2009 - Storage of the Satellite in Thalès Alenia Space premise in Cannes
October 2008 - Launcher Final Mission Analysis Delta Review
October 2008 to February 2009 - In orbit Operations preparation
February 2009 - Mission Flight Acceptance Review, Operation Readiness Review
Mid February 2009 - Shipment of the Satellite to Plesetsk launch site
February 2009 to Mid April 2009 - Launch campaign at Plesetsk launch site
April 2009 - Launch acceptance review
Mid April 2009 - Launch

jacqmans · « **Reply #9 on:** 02/12/2009 12:06 pm »

Following word from Eurockot that launch of the Earth Explorer SMOS satellite can take place between July and October this year, ESA, CNES and the prime contractor Thales Alenia Space are now making detailed preparations for the last crucial steps before ESA's water mission is placed in orbit.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM4ZO05VQF_planet_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/27/2009 03:29 pm »

Following confirmation from Eurockot Launch Services that they will launch ESA's SMOS mission on 9 September this year, the satellite has just been taken out of storage – providing an opportunity for the media to view the satellite before it is prepared for shipment to the launch site in Russia.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMHHTANJTF_planet_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #11 on:** 05/28/2009 09:10 am »

SMOS ready to ship to launch site

28 May 2009
ESA's next Earth Explorer, SMOS, has just passed the all-important Flight Acceptance Review, signifying that all the elements that make up the mission are in place for launch later this year. The satellite can now be prepared for its journey to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM9SE1OWUF_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #12 on:** 06/22/2009 06:31 pm »

Following an agreement between ESA, Krunichev Space Centre and Eurockot Launch Services, ESA's next Earth Explorer mission SMOS and a secondary payload, the technology demonstrator Proba-2 satellite, will now launch on 2 November 2009.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM54I0P0WF_planet_0.html

anik · « **Reply #13 on:** 07/06/2009 02:50 pm »

Proba-2's journey to Russia marks its first step towards space
2 July 2009

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM402S7NWF_index_0.html

Proba-2, one of the smallest satellites ESA has ever built for space, is about to leave its Belgian homeland. Its development and testing complete, the satellite is being packed up for the first leg of its journey to orbit - shipment to the distant Plesetsk launch site in northern Russia.

Proba-2 is second in ESA's Project for OnBoard Autonomy series, building on nearly eight years of operational experience gained with Proba-1. While standard satellites are truck-sized structures, the Proba satellites have a volume of less than one cubic metre. But this small scale does not limit their functionality: Proba-2 incorporates a total of 17 new technological developments and four scientific experiments, focused on solar and space weather observations.

Like Proba-1 before it, Proba-2 was constructed for ESA by Verhaert Design & Development in the East Flanders town of Kruibeke, with the support of the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office. On Wednesday Belgian Minister for Science Policy Sabine Laruelle visited the company to bid farewell to the satellite and emphasise again the importance of space technology for the Belgian space policy.

“Proba-2 is the result of ESA's commitment to technological innovation,” said Director Courtois. “This mission is serving as a testbed for a variety of new space technologies. And the next two in the Proba series, the Proba-3 formation flying demonstrator and Proba-V vegetation monitoring mission, are already in preparation.”

"PROBA was developed under the ESA General Studies Technology Programme (GSTP), which fosters the development of flight hardware,” explained Frank Preud’homme, Verhaert Space Business Unit Manager. “This allowed Verhaert Space to build up satellite engineering capabilities and to attain a competitive position on the international market for small satellites."

David Berghmans of the Royal Observatory of Belgium briefed journalists on Proba-2's Sun-monitoring instruments: LYRA (Lyman-Alpha Radiator) is designed to measure solar irradiance in key ultraviolet bands, while SWAP (Sun Watcher using Active pixel detector and image Processing) will make ultraviolet observations of the corona around the Sun. Two further science instruments developed by a scientific consortium from the Czech Republic will detect the radiation and plasma environment around the spacecraft.

In-orbit technology testing supporting European competitiveness

The Proba series are part of ESA's GSTP In-orbit Technology Demonstration Programme: missions dedicated to the demonstration of innovative technologies. In orbit demonstration is the final step on the technology development ladder, proving new hardware has the 'right stuff' for ongoing use.

Such missions provide small and medium sized companies with rich operational experience essential for European industry to remain innovative and competitive.

As part of ESA's strategy to reduce mission costs the satellite will piggyback its way to orbit aboard the same Rockot launcher carrying ESA's full-sized Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Earth Explorer satellite. The two are scheduled to launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 2 November.

jacqmans · « **Reply #14 on:** 08/14/2009 03:30 pm »

Members of the SMOS team have just returned from Moscow after viewing components that make up the upper-composite of a Rockot launcher. The hardware is soon to be shipped to the launch site in readiness for liftoff at the beginning of November.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMM5N161YF_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #15 on:** 09/01/2009 03:09 pm »

With launch just two months away, members of the SMOS team are currently in Russia inspecting the facilities where the launch campaign will soon get underway to prepare the ESA's water mission for liftoff on 2 November.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMJF5I7KYF_index_0.html

anik · « **Reply #16 on:** 09/04/2009 06:59 pm »

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=1272

PROBA-2 satellite has arrived to Plesetsk cosmodrome yesterday.

jacqmans · « **Reply #17 on:** 09/07/2009 02:00 pm »

Proba-2 has reached Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, where it is being prepared for launch this November. Among the smallest satellites ever built by ESA, it was transported there aboard an Ilyushin cargo plane.

Read more:
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM0GLFF5ZF_index_0.html

anik · « **Reply #18 on:** 09/17/2009 05:14 pm »

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=1303

SMOS satellite has arrived to Plesetsk cosmodrome yesterday.

jacqmans · « **Reply #19 on:** 09/18/2009 12:22 pm »

After leaving Thales Alenia Space in the south of France on 15 September, ESA’s SMOS Earth Explorer has arrived safely at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, where it will be prepared for launch on 2 November.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMI9ZFWNZF_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #20 on:** 09/25/2009 11:45 am »

With the launch of ESA’s water mission SMOS just six weeks away, members of the team are testing the satellite and preparing for liftoff from Russia on 2 November. In the run-up to launch, ESA has published a website where you can learn about the mission, meet key team members, stay abreast of updates and follow the launch live.

Visit the website at:

http://www.esa.int/smos

jacqmans · « **Reply #21 on:** 10/05/2009 04:35 pm »

ESA's next Earth Explorer mission SMOS and a secondary payload, the technology demonstrator Proba-2 satellite, are set for launch on 2 November 2009.

Follow the countdown to launch on our dedicated websites.

For SMOS:
http://www.esa.int/smos

For Proba:
http://www.esa.int/proba

patchfree · « **Reply #22 on:** 10/05/2009 09:15 pm »

News from Plesetsk http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cat_id=105&main=3&subm=105

jacqmans · « **Reply #23 on:** 10/06/2009 10:24 am »

As the first snow of the winter arrives in Plesetsk, the team has reached a significant milestone in the launch campaign – the launch authorities have given the green light to fuel the satellite.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMYM6XRA0G_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #24 on:** 10/08/2009 03:09 pm »

The hazardous task of fuelling the SMOS satellite with 28 kg of hydrazine propellant has been completed. The team from Thales Alenia Space carried out this important part of the launch campaign yesterday. They wore special protective clothing called a Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble (SCAPE).

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM1DKXRA0G_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #25 on:** 10/08/2009 03:11 pm »

08 October, 2009 / L-25

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041065&main=3

For the launch vehicle (LV) team this day started with the tension check of the CASA clamp band that was installed yesterday. The tension was inside the nominal value. Today the umbilical connectors will be installed on the LV adapter system and after that the adapter electrical checks will be carried out. Meanwhile the upper stage and fairing stack was transferred from the MIK general hall into the upper stage clean room.

As to the spacecraft today the contamination activity will be finished as well as the MLI installation. The SMOS team is going to perform also the final SC inspection before installing the SMOS SC on the LV adapter tomorrow.

jacqmans · « **Reply #26 on:** 10/09/2009 11:48 am »

Matthias Drusch has been involved with the SMOS mission since joining ESA in 2008. As Mission Scientist, his role in supporting the mission preparations has been to ensure that the satellite, ground data processing systems and resulting product quality are compatible with the expectations of the scientific community.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM1PKXRA0G_0_iv.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #27 on:** 10/12/2009 08:03 am »

Daily 09 October, 2009 / L-24

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041066&main=3

The SMOS launch campaign in Plesetsk cosmodrome is going on well according to the schedule. Today there should be MLI (multi-layer isolation) installation on the SMOS spacecraft finished as well as decontamination of the hydrazine cart. At the same time in order to give some more space for the PROBA-2 team that will arrive this Sunday, some of SMOS EGSE was transferred from the clean room into the general hall.

The latter action will be also carried out with the upper stage (i.e. transfer from the clean room to the general hall) that will be processed for further transportation to the fuelling station. The transportation to the fuelling station itself will take place on Monday October 12. Also the launch vehicle adapter will be covered by MLI today.

jacqmans · « **Reply #28 on:** 10/12/2009 08:04 am »

Daily 10 October, 2009 / L-23

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041067&main=3

This Saturday started with the transfer of the LV (launch vehicle) adapter from the LV clean room to the SC (spacecraft) clean room. After that the SMOS SC was lifted by the crane and installed on top of the LV adapter. Immediately after that the activities on the CASA 937 clamp band tensioning began.

As far as the launcher itself is concerned today the LV upper stage preparation for the fuelling continued. The other activity that was planned for today was the LV fairing cleaning.

jacqmans · « **Reply #29 on:** 10/13/2009 06:44 am »

Daily 12 October, 2009 / L-21

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041068&main=3

Yesterday after a couple of weeks break the PROBA-2 team arrived in Plesetsk again. And though it was Sunday it was decided to work yesterday as well. The PROBA-2 team unpacked their satellite and performed its inspection. After that the GSE set-up was done. Today PROBA-2 SC is going to be switched on. After that the battery will be charged.

As to the SMOS SC today the Khrunichev ground cables were connected via the LV adapter to the SMOS satellite. After that the SC electrical check-outs were started.

Also today the LV upper stage will be transported to the fuelling station.

jacqmans · « **Reply #30 on:** 10/13/2009 09:06 pm »

Jordi Font was one of the scientists that proposed the mission. As Lead Scientist for ocean salinity, his role has been to maintain the scientific integrity of the mission as it went from a paper design to a real satellite.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM031YRA0G_0_iv.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #31 on:** 10/14/2009 08:53 pm »

As preparations for the launch of SMOS on 2 November continue to progress well at the launch site in Russia, a milestone in the schedule has been passed as the satellite joins the Rockot launch adapter.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMDR7YRA0G_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #32 on:** 10/14/2009 09:08 pm »

Daily 13 October, 2009 / L-20

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041069&main=3

Today the Proba-2 team finished the functional test and started charging the flight batteries. The satellite "stated" that it is in a "good health" and ready for mating with the adapter system.

The SMOS team switched on the SMOS satellite in the morning. At that point of time, this is a hazardous operation; everyone had to leave the cleanroom for one hour. Afterwards, the fuelling team could go on with the packing activities as planned today.

On the launcher side the Breeze KM upper stage was fuelled today. This took place in the fuelling facility of the Russian Space Forces. In parallel Khrunichev specialists cleaned the fairing halves in the cleanroom 101B.

anik · « **Reply #33 on:** 10/16/2009 07:30 am »

According to http://www.space-center.ru/Timeline.aspx, the launch is planned at 01:50:51 UTC on November 2nd.

jacqmans · « **Reply #34 on:** 10/16/2009 01:19 pm »

Yann Kerr was one of the scientists that proposed the mission. As Lead Investigator for soil moisture, his role has been to maintain the scientific integrity of the mission as it went from a paper design to a real satellite.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM2ELYRA0G_0_iv.html

Danderman · « **Reply #35 on:** 10/17/2009 04:12 pm »

Quote from: anik on 10/16/2009 07:30 am

According to http://www.space-center.ru/Timeline.aspx, the launch is planned at 01:50:51 UTC on November 2nd.

It happens that I will be in St. Petersburg on that date - what is the conversion to local time from UTC? I think it should 04:50 DMT.

Since this is flying into a high 98 degree orbit from Plesetsk, it may be visible from St. Petersburg.

anik · « **Reply #36 on:** 10/17/2009 05:21 pm »

Quote from: Danderman on 10/17/2009 04:12 pm

what is the conversion to local time from UTC?

04:50:51 local time (on October 25th the time will be changed from UTC+4 to UTC+3 there).

jacqmans · « **Reply #37 on:** 10/20/2009 04:58 pm »

Another major milestone in the SMOS launch campaign has been passed as the satellite was secured on top of the Breeze-KM upper stage of the launcher yesterday.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMXJZYRA0G_0.html

anik · « **Reply #38 on:** 10/20/2009 06:20 pm »

Images from http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=21

jacqmans · « **Reply #39 on:** 10/21/2009 01:45 pm »

As preparations for the launch of SMOS and Proba-2 continue on schedule, the engineers and technicians at the Russian launch site say goodbye as both satellites are encapsulated within the half-shells of the Rockot fairing.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMMX8ZRA0G_0.html

patchfree · « **Reply #40 on:** 10/21/2009 05:26 pm »

Daily 21 October, 2009 / L-12

Khrunichev finalized the upper composite (Space Head) today. The SMOS team started the day with charging of the flight batteries.

Tomorrow the SMOS/Proba-2 and Eurockot Logo will be stuck on the fairing.

On Friday, while the SMOS team has a day off, Khrunichev will finalize the electrical checks with the Space Head.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041077&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #41 on:** 10/23/2009 03:12 pm »

Guillermo Buenadicha is responsible for operating MIRAS - a completely new and sophisticated type of radiometer. With its own processor and on-board data storage, MIRAS performs many functions normally handled by an instrument's satellite platform. Its operation requires a careful blend of flight operations expertise together with instrument know-how.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMPQ0YRA0G_0_iv.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #42 on:** 10/26/2009 06:32 am »

24-10-2009 Plesetsk Space Port: ESA`s SMOS/Proba 2 Prepared for Roll-Out

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7910

The Khrunichev/ESA/Space Forces/Eurockot launch team preparing Rockot launcher for its 2 November launch with ESA`S SMOS and Proba -2 spacecraft successfully completed the spacecraft and rocket elements standalone checkouts. Rockot Upper Composite (consisting of the spacecraft, adapter, Breeze KM upper stage and the fairing) was integrated.

The upper composite is to be rolled out to the launch pad and installed on the Rockot`s booster assembly. The launch is to take place on Nov. 2.

jacqmans · « **Reply #43 on:** 10/26/2009 06:33 am »

Daily 22 October, 2009 / L-11

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041079&main=3

The SMOS and Proba-2 teams started the day with charging the flight batteries.

The main Khrunichev activity today was to attach the SMOS/Proba-2 and Eurockot logo on the fairing. Then, after lunch time, all members of the SMOS and Proba-2 teams signed these logos followed by the Khrunichev team. Everybody had the opportunity to add his or her famous last words!

jacqmans · « **Reply #44 on:** 10/26/2009 06:34 am »

Daily 23 October, 2009 / L-10

SMOS / PROBA-2 Daily for October 23rd, 2009 (L-10 days):

While the SMOS team took a day off and travelled to Archangelsk the logistical activities of the launch day were planned today at the Rockot hotel in Mirny.

In the MIK Khrunichev finalized the electrical checks of the Space Head (upper composite) today.

On Monday the Space Head will be prepared for transportation to the Launch Pad.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041080&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #45 on:** 10/26/2009 06:35 am »

Daily 24+25 October, 2009 / L-9/L-8

In the last 2 days both satellite teams send several people to the Integration facility MIK to charge their flight batteries and to prepare the necessary documents for the dress rehearsal on Wednesday 28/29th October and the SMOS/ PROBA 2 launch which is planned for Monday morning 2nd of November.

In the evenings the discussions always went on in different meetings between Khrunichev, the SMOS- and the PROBA-2 teams. The whole launch night was planned in detail including all bus transfers to the MIK, the MCC and the undertable room at the Launch Pad, all communication lines checked to the S/C operation centers in Redu/ Belgium and Toulouse/France.
And finally not to forget the most important question: "Who of the team is where at which point of time in the launch night."

The launch itself (lift-off) is foreseen on the 2nd of November 01:50:51 (UTC).

This means 04:50:51 local time in Plesetsk and 02:50:51 in Western Europe Winter Time (CET).

The SMOS satellite separation is foreseen at:
03:00:44 (UTC) / 04:00:44 (CET)

The PROBA-2 separation is foreseen at:
04:50:06 (UTC) / 05:50:06 (CET)

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041081&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #46 on:** 10/28/2009 08:58 am »

In readiness for launch on 2 November, ESA’s SMOS and Proba-2 satellites – encapsulated in the launcher fairing – have been transported from the cleanroom and installed in the launch tower at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM37VZRA0G_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #47 on:** 10/28/2009 08:49 pm »

Press Release
No. 27-2009

Paris, 28 October 2009

Follow the launch of ESA's SMOS and Proba-2 satellites

ESA's SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) and Proba-2 (PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy) satellites are scheduled for launch on Monday 2 November at 02:50 CET on a Russian Rockot launcher from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia.

SMOS, ESA's water mission, is the first satellite designed both to map sea surface salinity and monitor soil moisture on a global scale, thus contributing to better understanding of the Earth's water cycle. Proba-2 will perform in-orbit demonstration of 17 advanced satellite technologies, solar observation experiments and plasma environment studies.

The main launch event for SMOS and Proba-2 will be held at ESA's ESRIN establishment in Frascati, Italy. ESA senior management and programme specialists will be on hand to give explanations and interviews.

Live TV transmission of the launch will provide quality pictures to broadcasters from Plesetsk and from mission control rooms at CNES/Toulouse in France and at ESA's Redu ground station in Belgium (for further details, see http://television.esa.int).

The media (and the general public) can also follow a web-streamed video transmission at: http://www.esa.int/smos or http://www.esa.int/proba

jacqmans · « **Reply #48 on:** 10/29/2009 07:56 am »

Daily 26 October, 2009 / L-7

Today the upper composite was moved to the General Hall and prepared for transportation to the launch pad tomorrow morning. It was covered with thermal blankets and finally vertically hoisted onto the railcar where it will remain air-conditioned until tomorrow morning.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041083&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #49 on:** 10/29/2009 07:57 am »

Daily 27 October, 2009 / L-6

The upper composite (space head) was moved to the launch pad today. The train left the MIK at 6 o'clock and arrived at the launch pad about 2 hours later.

The upper composite was hoisted to the first floor of the launch tower while Khrunichev was preparing the boosters for mating with it which took place successfully this evening.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041084&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #50 on:** 10/29/2009 07:58 pm »

The rehearsal of the countdown for the launch of SMOS and Proba-2 has taken place. The purpose of this simulation is to ensure that everything is in place for the day of launch – from the all-important operation and communication sequences and procedures to everyone involved knowing their positions.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEM61N4AD1G_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #51 on:** 10/29/2009 07:59 pm »

Daily 28+29 November, 2009 / L-5/L-4

Yesterday, October 28 and today, October 29, the dress rehearsal for the SMOS & Proba-2 launch took place in the Mission Control Center (MCC) in Mirny about 32 km away from the launch pad.

The dress rehearsal was mostly driven by the S/C operation centres and ground stations involved, to which the internal rehearsals of the Russian Space Forces were added.

Two key points were the green status of the launcher which was given about 4:25 h before the launch and the S/C "Go" signal which was given 40 minutes before the simulated "Lift-Off" of the launcher.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041085&main=3

jacqmans · « **Reply #52 on:** 10/30/2009 05:27 pm »

Live web streaming of the SMOS and Proba-2 launch on Monday 2 November starts at 02:20 CET (01:20 UT). Liftoff is scheduled to take place at 02:50 CET (01:50 UT). Streaming of the separation and Acquisition of Signal starts at 04:00 CET (03:00 UT) for SMOS and at 05:59 CET (04:59 UT) for Proba-2.

Watch the launch at:

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMCYXZRA0G_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #53 on:** 10/31/2009 08:08 am »

30 October 2009 - The Russian State Commission has given the go-ahead to fuel the Rockot launcher that will take ESA's SMOS and Proba-2 satellites into orbit. This formal authorisation confirms that launch can take place on 2 November at 02:50 CET (01:50 UT).

Full story:
http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMRO2CUE1G_index_0.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #54 on:** 10/31/2009 08:16 am »

Daily 30 October, 2009 / L-3

The day started with battery charging of the two satellites while all parties proceed with packing of office equipment and all kinds of ground support equipments. Slowly the first SMOS containers were filled. In parallel the last documents for the launch were finalized.

This evening the formal key point for the fuelling of the 2 military Rockot stages will take place in front of members of the Military Space Forces, Khrunichev and the Customers. All parties have to give a "green light" for the launch and especially for fuelling tomorrow. With this key point one of the biggest steps for the forthcoming launch will have taken place.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041086&main=3

Satori · « **Reply #55 on:** 11/01/2009 01:44 pm »

Moved for live coverage... Launch will take place from Plesetsk at 0150UTC.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #56 on:** 11/01/2009 01:48 pm »

Glad we've got a webcast for this early morning fun!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #57 on:** 11/01/2009 11:03 pm »

Launch Preview:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/live-smos-and-proba-2-set-for-launch-from-plesetsk/

Satori · « **Reply #58 on:** 11/01/2009 11:05 pm »

Khunichev is now showing live images from Plesetsk Cosmodrome!

Satori · « **Reply #59 on:** 11/01/2009 11:12 pm »

Images on the Khrunichev webcast is not good. Let's hope that ESA's webcast will be better...

Satori · « **Reply #60 on:** 11/01/2009 11:32 pm »

A very quiet launch complex at this time in Plesetsk...

Satori · « **Reply #61 on:** 11/01/2009 11:34 pm »

Satori · « **Reply #62 on:** 11/01/2009 11:57 pm »

Satori · « **Reply #63 on:** 11/02/2009 12:15 am »

Not much to see at this time. Hopefully ESA webcast will start in a few minutes...

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #64 on:** 11/02/2009 12:20 am »

Webcast started:

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #65 on:** 11/02/2009 12:21 am »

Live from Plesetsk

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #66 on:** 11/02/2009 12:21 am »

English bloke commentating. Richard's done a few and is a very good PAO guy.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #67 on:** 11/02/2009 12:23 am »

Fully fueled and ready, automatic countdown should have started

Satori · « **Reply #68 on:** 11/02/2009 12:24 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #69 on:** 11/02/2009 12:28 am »

Rokot green to go, automatic launch sequence, can stop sequence till L-3 minutes

Satori · « **Reply #70 on:** 11/02/2009 12:29 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #71 on:** 11/02/2009 12:30 am »

Under 21 minutes till launch

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #72 on:** 11/02/2009 12:32 am »

Overview of SMOS

Satori · « **Reply #73 on:** 11/02/2009 12:35 am »

T-15m

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #74 on:** 11/02/2009 12:39 am »

comming up is the service tower retraction, had a problem with this last mission

Satori · « **Reply #75 on:** 11/02/2009 12:40 am »

T-10m

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #76 on:** 11/02/2009 12:43 am »

Tower moving back

Satori · « **Reply #77 on:** 11/02/2009 12:47 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #78 on:** 11/02/2009 12:47 am »

Launch campaign overview

Satori · « **Reply #79 on:** 11/02/2009 12:48 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #80 on:** 11/02/2009 12:48 am »

Rokot exposed:

Satori · « **Reply #81 on:** 11/02/2009 12:48 am »

ckiki lwai · « **Reply #82 on:** 11/02/2009 12:49 am »

Satori can you give us the link of images?

Satori · « **Reply #83 on:** 11/02/2009 12:49 am »

Satori · « **Reply #84 on:** 11/02/2009 12:51 am »

Launch!!!

robertross · « **Reply #85 on:** 11/02/2009 12:51 am »

damn that was bright!

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #86 on:** 11/02/2009 12:51 am »

wow, atomic launch!

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #87 on:** 11/02/2009 12:52 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #88 on:** 11/02/2009 12:52 am »

Very bright launch, but then vanished into the clouds.

robertross · « **Reply #89 on:** 11/02/2009 12:53 am »

1st stage sep

Satori · « **Reply #90 on:** 11/02/2009 12:53 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #91 on:** 11/02/2009 12:53 am »

Stage 1 sep, stage 2 firing

robertross · « **Reply #92 on:** 11/02/2009 12:54 am »

PLF separation

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #93 on:** 11/02/2009 12:54 am »

fairing sep

Satori · « **Reply #94 on:** 11/02/2009 12:55 am »

Quote from: ckiki lwai on 11/02/2009 12:49 am

Satori can you give us the link of images?

http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=201

You need to sign-up to have access to the video and data.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #95 on:** 11/02/2009 12:56 am »

2nd stage sep, 3rd stage start

Satori · « **Reply #96 on:** 11/02/2009 12:56 am »

Satori · « **Reply #97 on:** 11/02/2009 12:57 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #98 on:** 11/02/2009 12:58 am »

Satori · « **Reply #99 on:** 11/02/2009 12:58 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #100 on:** 11/02/2009 12:59 am »

Next will be Breeze-m shutdown over North America

Satori · « **Reply #101 on:** 11/02/2009 01:00 am »

Satori · « **Reply #102 on:** 11/02/2009 01:02 am »

Satori · « **Reply #103 on:** 11/02/2009 01:03 am »

Satori · « **Reply #104 on:** 11/02/2009 01:05 am »

Satori · « **Reply #105 on:** 11/02/2009 01:06 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #106 on:** 11/02/2009 01:07 am »

right now no live telemetry, everything seems to be nominal

Satori · « **Reply #107 on:** 11/02/2009 01:07 am »

End of Briz-KM burn

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #108 on:** 11/02/2009 01:08 am »

Breeze-M should have stopped and now coasting to the pacific ocean, should pick it up from Johannesburg

Live coverage should be back in 45 minutes

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #109 on:** 11/02/2009 01:09 am »

Satori · « **Reply #110 on:** 11/02/2009 01:09 am »

In coast phase...

Satori · « **Reply #111 on:** 11/02/2009 01:13 am »

Satori · « **Reply #112 on:** 11/02/2009 01:19 am »

Well, time to go to bed for me... have a good night guys!!!

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #113 on:** 11/02/2009 02:02 am »

Bakc to coverage, SMOS should be separating. Waiting for acquisition from Johannesburg

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #114 on:** 11/02/2009 02:18 am »

SMOS has separated! Correct Telemetry, solar panel deployed

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #115 on:** 11/02/2009 02:25 am »

PROBA-2 separation next:

Cbased · « **Reply #116 on:** 11/02/2009 04:05 am »

3rd burn should start in less than 10 min.

btw, I can't see any of the attached images. Is it only me or is there a problem with this site at the moment?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #117 on:** 11/02/2009 04:11 am »

Quote from: Cbased on 11/02/2009 04:05 am

3rd burn should start in less than 10 min.

btw, I can't see any of the attached images. Is it only me or is there a problem with this site at the moment?

Nope, site is fine. Sounds like it's your browser.

Satori · « **Reply #118 on:** 11/02/2009 09:21 am »

Launch time was 01:50:51.014UTC

Separation of SMOSS at 03:00:43.955UTC

Separation of PROBA-2 at 04:50:05.914UTC

Satori · « **Reply #119 on:** 11/02/2009 09:26 am »

ESA press-release Two new ESA satellites successfully lofted into orbit.

robertross · « **Reply #120 on:** 11/02/2009 12:00 pm »

Quote from: Satori on 11/02/2009 09:26 am

ESA press-release Two new ESA satellites successfully lofted into orbit.

Congrats ESA.

Thanks for the coverage btw.

JimO · « **Reply #121 on:** 11/04/2009 04:49 pm »

The launch was observed and photographed from Hammerfest in northern Norway, where it sparked a brief 'UFO flap'.

ostangen · « **Reply #122 on:** 11/05/2009 06:19 am »

Quote from: JimO on 11/04/2009 04:49 pm

The launch was observed and photographed from Hammerfest in northern Norway, where it sparked a brief 'UFO flap'.

The launch observed was identified as the SS-N-23 test launch not the Rokot launch.

Picture and text her: http://www.yr.no/nyheter/1.6847340

The site is in norwegain but use Google translate.

JimO · « **Reply #123 on:** 11/05/2009 05:48 pm »

I knew about the Bryansk SLBM launch but I never saw a time-of-day given. And aren't SLBM launches made towards Kamchatka?

My first impression was that the time of the Hammerfest image was consistent with the ascent trajectory of SMOS/PROBA but maybe I ought to check again.

ostangen · « **Reply #124 on:** 11/05/2009 06:33 pm »

The women who took the picture said it was taken around 4.am (local time) on the 1 November. The object she observed moved eastward for 3-4 min before "landing" in the horizon.
I belive the images "lies", it appears to be moving westward.
If it helps, Hammerfest is located: 70° 39′ 50″ N, 23° 41′ 24″ E

The Rokot launch took place 2. nov 01.50z, and had to move westward, right?

But you were right, it created a little fuzz, everything from decaying satellite, metorite, ligthing, to supermann with a flashligth was proposed, before they ended up with the SS-N-23 launch.