LIVE: Rockot launch with SERVIS-2 satellite - June 2, 2010

[anik]

SERVIS-2 to be launched on Rockot
Repeat Order from Japan for Eurockot

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040899

"Tokyo / Bremen, February 15, 2007: The Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF) of Tokyo, Japan and Eurockot Launch Services GmbH of Bremen, Germany yesterday signed a contract for the launch of the SERVIS-2 spacecraft on a Rockot launch vehicle following an international competition. SERVIS-2 will verify the performance of commercial off-the shelf-parts and technologies in the space environment. It is planned to be launched in 2009 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia.

SERVIS-2 is an acronym for the second spacecraft in the "Space Environment Reliability Verification Integrated System" programme. The spacecraft was designed and built by USEF under a contract from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO). The purpose of SERVIS-2 is the verification of commercial off - the - shelf (COTS) parts and technologies in the severe space environment, thus establishing evaluation and equipment design guidelines to use COTS in space. SERVIS-2 has a mass of some 900 kg. Rockot will launch the spacecraft into a sun-synchronous orbit of 1,200 km altitude.

Eurockot Launch Services had already successfully launched the predecessor of SERVIS-2, the SERVIS-1 spacecraft, in October 2003 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Eurockot`s latest mission launched the KOMPSAT-2 satellite successfully for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute in July 2006.

Eurockot Launch Services GmbH is the joint venture of EADS Astrium and Khrunichev, holding 51% and 49% respectively, and provides launch services to operators of low earth orbit satellites. Eurockot uses the Rockot small launch vehicle with a maximum payload of 1,950 kg from Plesetsk Cosmodrome where substantial investment created dedicated satellite preparation, launch and customer facilities.

Eurockot will perform its next launch from Plesetsk for the European Space Agency (ESA) with the GOCE earth observation satellite at the end of 2007"

[anik]

anik - 16/2/2007  6:24 PM

It is planned to be launched in 2009 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia

SERVIS-2 launch is now planned in 2008, instead of 2009, according to Eurockot website:

"Also in 2008, Eurockot will launch SERVIS-2 for its Japanese customer USEF"

[anik]

SERVIS-2 satellite was delivered to Plesetsk cosmodrome on April 27th.

Yesterday the fuelling of satellite has begun.

SERVIS-2 preparation's diary - http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cat_id=106&main=3&subm=106

[anik]

L-14 / 19 May 2010
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041125&main=3

This morning started perfectly: Blue skies, the temperature looking good and everybody from the teams prepared for the satellite fuelling operation!

The operations start as scheduled at 10:30h (German precision) and finished this afternoon without any problems.

SERVIS-2 is now fuelled and prepared for the mission!

[anik]

Information about launch from Khrunichev enterprise: http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=486

[jacqmans]

L-10 / 23 May 2010

As the mating of spacecraft and adapter system was successfully completed the day before, now the stack of both had to be connected with the upper stage of the Rockot launch vehicle, the so called Breeze seen in the bottom part of Figure 1. For the careful alignment and mating of the two units an experienced crane operator is needed as shown in Figure 2.

After installation of the mechanical and electrical connections (Figure 3) the slings from the crane are removed. Different mobile platforms are used for the access from two sides, as seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

Several verification procedures were run knowing that their will be no more access to the spacecraft after it will be covered with the fairing. The installation of the fairing is foreseen for tomorrow.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041129&main=3

[jacqmans]

L-9 / 24 May 2010

As shown in Figure 1, the encapsulation of the SERVIS-2 satellite and its adapter on the Breeze upper stage was successfully completed at the end of the day. This means that the SERVIS-2 satellite is no longer visible and physically accessible with the closure of the payload fairing half shelves . However, a radio frequency (RF) link allows the remote communication with the subsystems of the spacecraft. The RF link was successfully verified at the end of the day so that the final works on encapsulation could continue (see Figure 2).

The upper composite is now ready for launch; respectively roll-out to the launch site.

Other activities of this day focussed on the preparation of the detailed timeline of the launch day operations.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041130&main=3

[jacqmans]

L-8 / 25 May 2010

The major task of this day was to finalize the works on the encapsulation. Some of these operations can possibly endanger individuals who are not familiar with the procedures.

This is why Security did not allow the presence of unauthorized personnel. However, Security invited the Spacecraft team members to watch the activities on the screens located in the Cosmodrome Security office.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041131&main=3

[Satori]

Carrier rocket Rokot is prepared for launch (in Russian).

[jacqmans]

L-7 / 26 May 2010

Part of the team used this day to detail the planning for the launch day and define who will take what function at which location and at what time. A rehearsal will take place on May 28th and certainly also for the rehearsal the logistics must be organized.

Meanwhile the Launch Vehicle team prepared for the roll-out of the Upper Composite to take place early next morning. The EUROCKOT logo now embellishes the fairing on the Upper Stage (see Figure 1). Tubing for air conditioning of the payload inside the fairing was attached (see Figure 2).

Next to the Upper Stage the train used for the roll-out to the launch pad is waiting (see Figure 3). In addition to the air conditioning railcar it includes a railcar with a special interface to accommodate the Upper Composite. In addition a special 'coat' for the Upper Composite is applied in order to protect it and be prepared for unfavourable temperatures (see Figure 4). This thermal protection will be unfolded when the Upper Composite is transferred to the train and then properly sealed.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041132&main=3

[jacqmans]

L-6 / 27 May 2010

Early in the morning, the Upper Composite was transferred to the launch pad on its railcar (see Figure 1). The SERVIS-2 spacecraft team had the opportunity to visit the launch pad and take a group picture in front of the Service Tower (see Figure 2).

The crane of the Service Tower then lifted it to the very top in order to be mated with the second stage of Rockot (see Figure 3).

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041133&main=3

[jacqmans]

L-5 / 28 May 2010

Today the team was split into two groups. One group went to the integration facility MIK. There, works continued in the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) room. EGSE is also located at the launch pad in the so called Under Table Room beneath the Service Tower shown in Figure 1.

The other group went to the Mission Control Center (MCC) for the count-down rehearsal. Purpose of the rehearsal was to simulate the major events in the MCC between final launch preparation and the reception of the first telemetry sent by the spacecraft. This way also the communication lines used at the launch day were verified. Figure 2 depicts an example of the display used to show the time until lift-off. The example is taken from a previous mission.

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041134&main=3

[jacqmans]

L-4 / 29 May 2010

The launch vehicle team is busy at the launch pad with preparing Rockot for flight. Today was the launch rehearsal of the spacecraft team using the EGSE in the MIK and in the undertable room.

Meanwhile the equipment which was used in the clean room of the integration facility MIK has been packed and removed.

As the contact to the spacecraft shall be maintained continuously, the works in the MIK and the undertable room at the launch pad are performed in two shifts. The team members are supplied with food packages from Hotel Rockot in Mirny.

[jacqmans]

L-3 / 30 May 2010

Today there were no activities for the spacecraft team scheduled in the integration facility MIK or at the launch pad. A perfect opportunity to walk along the lake side of Lake Mirny and enjoy the good weather as well as the plants now growing very quickly. Some team members like to play football on the sports ground nearby, others prefer to stay in the hotel and play table football.

The Lenin Statue marks the center of the city. It is a popular place to meet and here you can see many children riding bicycle or inline skating.

In the building next to the statue an event very important for the SERVIS-2 project took place in the evening. The so called State Commission met to decide on the next step towards launch, namely the launch vehicle fuelling. Obviously, this operation is performed only if all launch vehicle, launch complex and spacecraft systems are nominal for a subsequent launch. The conclusion was positive for a launch vehicle fuelling on May 31st, and, provided the subsequent launch vehicle tests are positive, for a SERVIS-2 launch on Rockot in the morning of June 2nd. 

[jacqmans]

L-2 / 31 May 2010

Excitement regarding the upcoming launch is slightly increasing. While the Russian team has been busy with fuelling the launch vehicle with about 95 tons of fuel, oxidizer and pressurant gases, we performed our last preparations in the integration building (MIK) as nobody will be here during the day.

Only tomorrow evening a small customer team will start to prepare the spacecraft for launch and will be able to communicate with the satellite through ground umbilical lines and through a Radio Frequency link.

For the launch our MIK will also welcome a group of Japanese VIPs from government and industry. They will be accompanied by a Eurockot, Astrium and Khrunichev team. In the fourth floor there is a nice room with a good view towards the launch pad, which was decorated by Eurockot today with strong help from Victor, one member of the extremely helpful, effective and friendly Khrunichev security team. The "final inspection" of the launch viewing facility was successfully performed by our Japanese team from USEF and MBA.

[Satori]

Moved for live coverage...

[Satori]

Live from Plesetsk Cosmodrome...

mms://www.space-center.ru/video

[Satori]

Less than 2 hours from launch... At this time there is not much to see at the launch pad. The gantry still covers the launch vehicle.

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-1h

[Satori]

T-40 minutes...

[Satori]

Separation of first stage will take place at T+0:02:02. At T+0:02:48 we will have the separation of the payload fairing and at T+0:05:05 occurs the end of the second stage burn.

First ignition of Briz-KM takes place at T+0:05:11 and ends at T+0:14:03. The second burn of the Briz-KM takes place at T+1:14:50 and ends at T+1:32:56.

Separation of the SERVIS-2 satellite should take place at T+1:37:16.

[Satori]

Zooming on banner at the launch platform...

[Satori]

T-30 minutes

[Satori]

Other perspective of the launch pad...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-22 minutes. All parameters are normal...

[Satori]

T-20 minutes.

The Rokot/Briz-KM (5111992007P/72516) launch vehicle stands ready at the LC133/3 launch complex on the GIK-1 Plesetsk cosmodrome for the launch of the SERVIS-2 satellite.

All parameters are normal...

[Satori]

T-17 minutes... All parameters are normal...

[klausd]

i could make a stream for youtube but this time i'm asking because my last 3 ones have all have been replaced by another one after a few seconds...

yes, no?

[Andy USA]

It is up to Ron as he has priority for youtube videos as he is a live coverage member.

[Satori]

T-10 minutes... All parameters are normal and everything is ready for the launch of SERVIS-2.

[Fuji]

SERVICE-2 photo.
http://www.usef.or.jp/project/servis/images/servis-2_100416-3.JPG
Shipping to the Russia from Narita airport.
http://www.usef.or.jp/project/servis/servis-2_0426.html


In Japane, this is very minor launch event. Nothing related to this news.
Due to no relation to JAXA, I think.

[Satori]

Service tower into launch position...

[Satori]

i could make a stream for youtube but this time i'm asking because my last 3 ones have all have been replaced by another one after a few seconds...

yes, no?

Yes, I think you can do that...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

T-5 minutes... all normal...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

In Japane, this is very minor launch event. Nothing related to this news.
Due to no relation to JAXA, I think.

Yes, I found hardly anything on the web for this launch.

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

Will be under T-60 seconds.

[Satori]

LAUNCH!!!!!

[Satori]

Lost images seconds before liftoff... into first stage burn...

[klausd]

a little bit too late 

[MikeMi.]

[Satori]

End of first stage burn.

Separation of payload fairing.

Second stage burn...

[Chris Bergin]

Only see a blue screen and calls in Russian.

[Satori]

End of secnd stage burn.

First burn of Briz-KM...

[MikeMi.]

a little bit too late 

0:24 interesting, I guess fire? Something was strange with that launch...

[Satori]

[Satori]

[MikeMi.]

Last pics. I hope Chris won't be angry cause of 3 attachments

[Satori]

a little bit too late 

0:24 interesting, I guess fire? Something was strange with that launch...

Why do you say that?

[Satori]

[Satori]

[Satori]

At this time we should have had the end of the first Briz-KM burn.

[otisbow]

I watch the launch too and the pix turned blue,  How did you get the world global picture?

[MikeMi.]

a little bit too late 

0:24 interesting, I guess fire? Something was strange with that launch...

Why do you say that?

I'm not experienced in that launch procedures. I see there is water in use and it attract my attention. Was it normal?

[Satori]

Next burn will take place at T+1:14:50. Separation of SERVIS-2 will take place at T+1:37:16.

[tonthomas]

I watch the launch too and the pix turned blue,  How did you get the world global picture?

It´s from Khrunichev:
http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=201

Yours   Thomas

[Satori]

a little bit too late 

0:24 interesting, I guess fire? Something was strange with that launch...

Why do you say that?

I'm not experienced in that launch procedures. I see there is water in use and it attract my attention. Was it normal?

Yes, that is normal. I think the water is used to cool the launch platform and also to prevent any fire.

[Satori]

That's all for me guys, I'm going to bed!

Thanks for the help with the coverage and with the pictures!

[Chris Bergin]

Great work guys, that was a terrible webcast (for me at least)

[MikeMi.]

a little bit too late 

0:24 interesting, I guess fire? Something was strange with that launch...

Why do you say that?

I'm not experienced in that launch procedures. I see there is water in use and it attract my attention. Was it normal?

Yes, that is normal. I think the water is used to cool the launch platform and also to prevent any fire.

Ahh thanks! Glad to learn/see something more heh.

Good work with coverage Satori!

[Fuji]

SERVICE-2 brochures.
6 pages, Japanese and English version. Good payload information.
http://www.usef.or.jp/panfu/servis2.pdf

[jan_carlo_bascu]

Rockot Blasts Off from Plesetsk

http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=561
Launch photo

[lbiderman]

According to Eurockot, the satellite has been successfully deployed. Here is the press release:

L-0 / 2 June 2010

The SERVIS-2 satellite was successfully launched at 01.59 h UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia using a ROCKOT launch vehicle. The spacecraft was injected into a sun-synchronous orbit of 1200 km altitude. The SERVIS-2 mission is the successor to SERVIS-1 also successfully launched on a Rockot in October 2003 by Eurockot for its Japanese customer, the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF) of Tokyo, Japan.

SERVIS-2, the acronym for the second 'Space Environment Reliability Verification Integrated System' mission, will be employed to verify the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and technologies in space conditions. USEF developed and built SERVIS-2 under the auspices of Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). SERVIS-2 had a launch mass of 736 kg.

The launch of SERVIS-2 represents the tenth launch performed by Eurockot using the Rockot launcher and this launch also marks the tenth anniversary of operations which Eurockot commenced with its first launch in May 2000.

In 2009, Eurockot successfully launched three satellites for the European Space Agency (GOCE, SMOS and Proba-2) and has just been awarded a new contract by the European Space Agency for two launches in 2012: one to orbit the three SWARM-satellites presently being built by Astrium and a second launch for a spacecraft still to be defined by ESA.

Eurockot Launch Services is the joint venture of Astrium (51%) and Khrunichev Space Center (49%) and provides commercial launch services to operators of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites using the ROCKOT launch vehicle from dedicated facilities at Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Archangel region of Northern Russia.

For further information please contact:
Peter Freeborn
Director Sales
Phone: + 49 421 539 6512
[email protected] 

http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20041138&main=3

[Satori]

According to Khrunichev launch too place at 0159:11.766UTC and the SERVIS-2 spacecraft separated from the Briz-KM at 0336:30.810 UTC.

[edkyle99]

I've read an account of this launch that described the reddish exhaust as "toxic".  Fumes from the hypergolic propellants are, of course, hazardous, but is the post-combustion exhaust? 

 - Ed Kyle

[ugordan]

Perhaps it wasn't a complete combustion of the propellants during startup? Like LH2 engines tend to vent a lot of H2 before ignition. Sure looks that way.

[Nicolas PILLET]

[jan_carlo_bascu]