LIVE: Soyuz-FG - GIOVE-B - April 26

• LIVE: Soyuz-FG - GIOVE-B - April 26 by Jester on 21 May, 2007 11:41
• The GSTB-V2-B (GIOVE-B's old name) contract with Galileo Industries was definitely terminated on 15 May.
  
  An ATP has been signed on the same day with ESNIS (new name for Galileo Industries) BUT with a clear allocation of responsibilities to prime contractors: the satellite prime is EADS Astrium GmbH supported by Alenia for AIT and EADS Astrium Ltd for payload, the ground segment prime is EADS Astrium Ltd, and the operations prime is Telespazio. The role of ESNIS is limited to contractual coordination and overall technical / schedule coordination tasks.
  
  The date for launch is 29 December 2007.
  
  Personal Note:
  Fingers crossed that they don't mess this up.
  
• #1 by pippin on 21 May, 2007 12:39
• There's nothing to mess up. Galileo is needed to keep pressure on the US to keep GPS open and evolve it. There is no further business case for Galileo. That's why the whole dreamed up mess they set up is breaking apart right now.
  
  EU is going to finance it.
• #2 by Jester on 21 May, 2007 12:46
• Quote

  pippin - 21/5/2007  2:39 PM
  
  There's nothing to mess up. Galileo is needed to keep pressure on the US to keep GPS open and evolve it. There is no further business case for Galileo. That's why the whole dreamed up mess they set up is breaking apart right now.
  
  EU is going to finance it.

  
  Yeah I know that, I was talking about messing up GIOVE-B, not galileo....
  
• #3 by pippin on 21 May, 2007 12:50
• Ah...
• #4 by kevin-rf on 21 May, 2007 14:40
• You know, we would all be better off if instead of competing with GPS they would say, hey this is a valuable resource how do we work with it to improve it. You know contrbute launches, offer to provide funding, fund research to improve the system, ground stations, ect. Instead we have two (actually three with the russian system, four if the chinese ever build one) competing systems. These are duplicate efforts that take away money from more worth while adventures.
  
  Probally some of my Western NY hippie roots spouting, but a single system does more to encourage world peace than four seperate systems run by four seperate large military powers.
  
  Edit : reminds me of cell phones in europe vs. the US. In europe they settled on a single standard and everyone built to it providing everyone with excellent coverage, In the US we have a half dozen competing systems that do not play nice with everyone and you really need to look where you are going to use the phone in order to decide whose phone you are going to use. There is a truck stop just outside of Judy Gap WV that put up a single transponder that works great if you have singular, but you are SOL if you have Verizon.
• #5 by pippin on 21 May, 2007 16:28
• Quote

  kevin-rf - 21/5/2007  4:40 PM
  
  Probally some of my Western NY hippie roots spouting, but a single system does more to encourage world peace than four seperate systems run by four seperate large military powers.
  
  Edit : reminds me of cell phones in europe vs. the US. In europe they settled on a single standard and everyone built to it providing everyone with excellent coverage, In the US we have a half dozen competing systems that do not play nice with everyone and you really need to look where you are going to use the phone in order to decide whose phone you are going to use. There is a truck stop just outside of Judy Gap WV that put up a single transponder that works great if you have singular, but you are SOL if you have Verizon.

  
  It's your roots.
  Competition makes the world go round. Go to Commie countries to compare.
  
  Comparison with Cell Phones is not good since Europe and US DID in fact agree on compatibility stndards for GPS and Galileo that allow the two systems to interoperate, especially to improve availability, which is the only real benefit that is in there for cooperation.
• #6 by William Graham on 21 May, 2007 17:57
• Is this launching on a Soyuz 2.1a or b?
• #7 by anik on 21 May, 2007 18:51
• Quote

  GW_Simulations - 21/5/2007  9:57 PM
  
  Is this launching on a Soyuz 2.1a or b?

  
  GIOVE-B will be launched on Soyuz-FG rocket with Fregat upper stage, as GIOVE-A...
• #8 by William Graham on 21 May, 2007 19:29
• Quote

  anik - 21/5/2007  7:51 PM
  
  

  Quote

  GW_Simulations - 21/5/2007  9:57 PM
  
  Is this launching on a Soyuz 2.1a or b?

  
  GIOVE-B will be launched on Soyuz-FG rocket with Fregat upper stage, as GIOVE-A...

  I thought FG was the military-only version. What's the difference between FG and 2?
• #9 by Space Lizard on 21 May, 2007 19:38
• 2 is FG with digital avionics.
  
  FG is a U with upgraded propulsion.
• #10 by anik on 21 May, 2007 20:59
• Quote

  GW_Simulations - 21/5/2007  11:29 PM
  
  I thought FG was the military-only version

  
  Soyuz-FG rockets were used for launches of three Progress M1 cargo ships, ten Soyuz TMA spacecrafts and five foreign (Mars Express, AMOS 2, Venus Express, Galaxy 14, GIOVE-A) satellites... As you can see, no military satellites were launched on Soyuz-FG rocket...
  
  

  Quote

  GW_Simulations - 21/5/2007  11:29 PM
  
  What's the difference between FG and 2?

  
  Soyuz-FG is intermediate rocket between Soyuz-U and Soyuz-2...
  
  Soyuz-FG differs from Soyuz-U by modernized engines on the first (RD-108A, instead of RD-118) and the second (RD-107A, instead of RD-117) stages...
  
  Soyuz-2.1a differs from Soyuz-FG by digital control system (instead of analog)...
  
  Soyuz-2.1b differs from Soyuz-FG by digital control system (instead of analog) and new engine RD-0124 (instead of RD-0110) on the third stage...
• #11 by sammie on 21 May, 2007 21:13
• Since we are sort of 'off topic' anyway. Why are the current Progress vehicles and Military payloads still being launched by the Soyuz U? I can imagine that especially the Progress would benefit from the additional payload. Further standardization wouldn't hurt either I imagine.
  
  Concerning Giove-B, are they going to scrap the 'messed-up' spacecraft or re-hash it under a new contract.
• #12 by pippin on 21 May, 2007 23:58
• They didn't mess up the spacecraft. That was only me misunderstanding Jester.
  They messed up the idea on how and why to build and operate the overall system.
• #13 by sammie on 22 May, 2007 00:38
• I do believe there were serious problems with Giove B. Launch has slipped quite a bit after glitches, but I can't find the articles that gave a better indication of the problems. Of course I could be completly wrong...
• #14 by Jester on 22 May, 2007 08:11
• Quote

  sammie - 22/5/2007  2:38 AM
  
  I do believe there were serious problems with Giove B. Launch has slipped quite a bit after glitches, but I can't find the articles that gave a better indication of the problems. Of course I could be completly wrong...

  
  There were problems with the ICDU and during vac. chamber testing, after "some kicking by ESA" they are trying to get things back on track for a December 29th launch, but (and you didnt hear this from me) it's more likely to be launched in feb. 2008
• #15 by jacqmans on 26 Feb, 2008 13:14
• Press Release No.11-2008
  Paris, 26 February 2008
  
  
  Galileo satellite GIOVE-B presented at ESA/ESTEC
  
  Europe is building its own satellite navigation system, Galileo, which will deliver a new, advanced global civil positioning service for the benefit of citizens in Europe and throughout the world.
  
  On Wednesday 5 March, media representatives will have the unique opportunity to attend an in-depth Galileo background briefing at ESTEC. It will be the last opportunity to see GIOVE-B before it is packed for shipment to the launch base at Baikonur in Kazakhstan. A visit of the navigation laboratory where GIOVE signals are analysed is included in the programme.
  
  The foundations of Galileo are currently being laid through what is known as the In-Orbit Validation phase. This includes the launch of pilot satellites. In 2005, GIOVE-A was placed in orbit by a Soyuz launcher from Baikonur, and since then, Galileo signals have been broadcast by GIOVE-A and received all around the globe.
  
  Now the second Galileo satellite, GIOVE-B, is being prepared for launch at the end of April, again from Kazakhstan. GIOVE-B is at present going through the final environmental test campaign at the test facilities at ESTEC, the European Space Agency's research and technology centre in the Netherlands at Noordwijk.
  
  This second Galileo satellite will continue the validation of the critical technologies that need to be developed in Europe for the success of the Galileo programme. Furthermore GIOVE-B will test the most accurate atomic clock ever flown in space, which will contribute to the quality of the Galileo system performance.  
  
  
• #16 by jacqmans on 05 Mar, 2008 14:42
• Today there was a media day for the GIOVE-B satellite at ESA/ESTEC in the Netherlands...
  
  I took these photos of GIOVE-B in the test center...
  
  GIOVE-B is ready for transport to the launch site, Today I heard that shipping to Baikonour will be in the first part of next week....
  
  Photos below:
  
  Giuseppe Viriglio (Director of EU and Industrial programs)
  Paul Verhoef (Head of Galileo Unit, DG TREN European Commission)
  Javier Benedicto (ESA Galileo Project manager)

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• #17 by jacqmans on 05 Mar, 2008 14:43

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• #18 by jacqmans on 05 Mar, 2008 14:44

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• #19 by jacqmans on 05 Mar, 2008 14:45

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• #20 by jacqmans on 05 Mar, 2008 14:46

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• #21 by Jester on 06 Mar, 2008 02:24
• Hello from Baikonur !
  
  Rest of the Team arrives on the 11th of March, unloading of the Antonov is planned for the 13th of March
  
  Live updates on L2 soon
  
  
• #22 by jimvela on 06 Mar, 2008 03:48
• Is it just me, or does that S/C look MIGHTY sparse?
  
  
• #23 by jacqmans on 06 Mar, 2008 16:10
• Second Galileo spacecraft prepares for launch
  
  6 March 2008
  Yesterday, members of the media visited ESA-ESTEC, the agency's European Research and Technology Centre, to see and learn about GIOVE-B, the second Galileo in-orbit validation satellite, before it is packed for shipping to the launch site.
  
  http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMQGHK26DF_index_0.html
  
• #24 by jacqmans on 07 Mar, 2008 09:05
• More photos of GIOVE-B taken by me on 05 March 2008:
  
  http://www.mach25.nl/~jacques/GIOVE/gioveb.html
  
• #25 by jacqmans on 13 Mar, 2008 13:13
• 13.03.2008 second experimental satellite of the European global navigation system GALILEO will be neglected from Baikonur into space
     
  http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3012
  
  Today, on 13 March, into 7.50 Moscow time on the airfield "anniversary" of spaceport Baikonur completed landing the aircraft An-124, which delivered to the spaceport automatic spacecraft Gstb-v2/b ("ZHSTB-V2/B", for the designation of satellite also it adapts abbreviation Giove- giove-v - Galileo In- orbits Validation Element) and accessory equipment for it. After the fulfillment of the necessary customs procedures and unloading, the satellite will be transported into the assembly and testing housing of area 112, where it will pass launch preparation to the clean camera of company StarSem ("StarSem").
  
  This is the second experimental satellite of the European global navigation system GALILEO, the first was neglected from Baikonur on 28 December, 2005.
  
  The launch of space rocket "Soyuz-fG" with the starting block "frigate" and by European navigation satellite from the area of 31 spaceports is planned to the end of April of 2008.
  Automatic spacecraft is intended by mass about 700 kg. for the testing under the actual conditions of a number of the newest technologies of the future European system of global positioning and must be injected into orbit by the height of more than 23000 km with inclination 56. The period of active existence of satellite is 12 years.
  
  the    Polnomasshtabnaya operation of system Galileo is planned after 2010, when in orbit be brought out 30 satellites of system - 27 operating and 3 reserve.  
   
  
• #26 by DmitryP on 13 Mar, 2008 13:51
• I hope SOYUZ-FG would not "neglect" Giove-B into space, as the first line reads. Be careful with the dictionaries, launch is a correct word for "zapuskat" in this context.
• #27 by Satori on 13 Mar, 2008 17:09
• Quote

  DmitryP - 13/3/2008  9:51 AM
  
  I hope SOYUZ-FG would not "neglect" Giove-B into space, as the first line reads. Be careful with the dictionaries, launch is a correct word for "zapuskat" in this context.

  
  LOL, this was a Babel Fish translation (I think)... for some reason it translates launch to 'neglect'...
• #28 by catfry on 14 Mar, 2008 14:51
• Let's hope that the second GALILEO test satellite, after all this time, finally get's neglected!
• #29 by William Graham on 14 Mar, 2008 15:41
• Thread title: "Soyuz FG, Giove-B, April 27, 3008"
  
  Let's hope it doesn't take that long to get it off the ground
• #30 by jacqmans on 14 Mar, 2008 15:53
• I has taken long before anyone saw that..LOL, I can't change it...
  
• #31 by Satori on 20 Mar, 2008 09:35
• The special ESA website for the launch is here.
• #32 by Jirka Dlouhy on 23 Mar, 2008 18:45
• GIOVE-B was delivered to the launch site on March 13.
  
  More details:
  
  http://www.arianespace.com/site/news/news_sub_featurestory_index.html
• #33 by jacqmans on 29 Mar, 2008 10:30
• 28.03.2008 in Baikonur continues work on launch preparation Of rKN"Soyuz-FG" with the navigation satellite of the European system "of Galileo"
  
  http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3115
  
     At the spaceport Baikonur continues the work on preparation for the starting of carrier rocket "Soyuz-fG" of production "QSKB- progress" and the European navigation satellite Gstb-v2/b (European system of navigation "Galileo"). European specialists in the clean camera of company StarSem on the area of 112 spaceports conduct the autonomous tests of automatic spacecraft.
  
     Today into 9.00 Moscow time on the airfield "anniversary" of spaceport Baikonur completed landing aircraft An-124 "Ruslan", who delivered in Baikonur starting block the "frigate" of production GKNPTS im. M.V.Khrunicheva. Work on the customs cleaning of load is carried out, preparation for the transport of container with the starting block on the area of 31 spaceports, where in the clean camera of assembly and testing housing starting block will be prepared for the starting, occurs.
  
     The launch of space rocket "Soyuz-fG" with the starting block "frigate" and by the European navigation satellite Gstb-v2/b from the area of 31 spaceports is planned for 1 hour 16 minutes on 27 April, 2008.
   
  
• #34 by Jester on 29 Mar, 2008 10:39
• Also the fairing has arrived on the same flight
• #35 by jacqmans on 04 Apr, 2008 13:54
• Euronews this week looks at Galileo
   
  4 April 2008
  Galileo, Europe's global navigation satellite system, is becoming a reality. It will provide a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. The first Galileo In-Orbit Verification Element (GIOVE) spacecraft, GIOVE-A, has successfully completed its mission. GIOVE-B is being prepared for launch later this month at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
  
  http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMG6GXMMEF_index_0.html
  
• #36 by Jirka Dlouhy on 04 Apr, 2008 20:45
• GIOVE-B:

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• #37 by anik on 07 Apr, 2008 19:09
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3168
  
  GIOVE-B satellite has been transported for the fuelling today. Also the preparation of Fregat upper stage to the fuelling are finishing.
  
  "Soyuz FG, Giove-B, April 27, 2008" thread is moved into "Galileo/GIOVE-B Update" thread and then the whole thread is renamed as "GIOVE-B launch - April 26"
• #38 by anik on 11 Apr, 2008 15:24
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3196
  
  Today GIOVE-B satellite has been installed onto adapter.

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• #39 by anik on 15 Apr, 2008 16:51
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3219
  
  Yesterday GIOVE-B satellite with adapter was installed onto Fregat upper stage.

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• #40 by Jirka Dlouhy on 16 Apr, 2008 06:03
• Some informations from Starsem
  
  http://www.arianespace.com/site/news/news_sub_featurestory_index.html
• #41 by Jester on 16 Apr, 2008 13:36
• *waves hi from the cleanroom*
• #42 by pm1823 on 17 Apr, 2008 14:17
• Make a foto of yourself with some heavy instrument in the hands, you will show it to the grandchildren - "its your oldman fixing g'damned Galileo".  
• #43 by anik on 17 Apr, 2008 17:19
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3236
  
  Final tests of Soyuz-FG rocket is performing. Checkings of docked GIOVE-B and Fregat are continuing.

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• #44 by anik on 18 Apr, 2008 14:00
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3244
  
  The fairing of Soyuz-FG rocket has been rolled onto GIOVE-B satellite and Fregat upper stage today.

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• #45 by Jester on 18 Apr, 2008 16:51
• Tomorrow we fix the back plate onto the fairing and we will transport the upper composite to from MIK112 to MIK 40 (site 31)
• #46 by Nicolas PILLET on 22 Apr, 2008 13:17
• A first picture of the complete launcher, taken earlier today.

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• #47 by anik on 22 Apr, 2008 15:07
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3264
  
  Ascent unit with the third stage was attached to the second stage of Soyuz-FG rocket today.
  
  The rollout of Soyuz-FG rocket with Fregat upper stage and GIOVE B satellite to the launch pad no. 6 of the site no. 31 is planned tomorrow.

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• #48 by jacqmans on 22 Apr, 2008 18:32
• Jester, are you going to make photos of the roll out tomorrow ? like to see some HR images of that :-)
  
• #49 by anik on 23 Apr, 2008 15:39
• http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3272
  
  Soyuz-FG rocket has been rolled out to the launch pad today.
  
  GIOVE-B launch is planned at 22:16:02 UTC on April 26th.
• #50 by jacqmans on 24 Apr, 2008 13:49
• Watch the GIOVE-B launch live
  
  http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GIOVE-B_launch/SEMP83QJCFF_0.html
   
  23 April 2008
  Live web streaming of the GIOVE-B launch begins at 23:35 CEST on 26 April.
  
  
• #51 by Spiff on 24 Apr, 2008 14:58

• Question: The fairing on the Soyuz launch vehicle looks rather odd. It has two big red air ducts? or something similar near the top. It has some kind of white umbilical near the bottom (see here: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM25TYZDFF_index_1.html ) and it has all these blankets on the outside. I don't remember all this from previous wide fairing soyuz launches (although I may be mistaken) What are the things I'm wondering about and what purpose do they have? Thanks in advance! Spiff

  Edit: Ok, forget I said I've never seen it before. MetOp had it too. But it's not always used. So, again: When and why do they use this odd looking fairing?

• #52 by Jester on 24 Apr, 2008 18:07
• Quote

  Spiff - 24/4/2008  4:58 PM
  
  

  Question: The fairing on the Soyuz launch vehicle looks rather odd. It has two big red air ducts? or something similar near the top. It has some kind of white umbilical near the bottom (see here: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM25TYZDFF_index_1.html ) and it has all these blankets on the outside. I don't remember all this from previous wide fairing soyuz launches (although I may be mistaken) What are the things I'm wondering about and what purpose do they have? Thanks in advance! Spiff

  Edit: Ok, forget I said I've never seen it before. MetOp had it too. But it's not always used. So, again: When and why do they use this odd looking fairing?

  
  Niets geks aan hoor
  
  Nothing weird about it, its a standard fairing for Soyuz FG, check the images for GIOVE-A, you are looking at the thermal isulation (the grayish stuff around the nose) the two red ducts are for connecting the climate control unit, you will see it being removed before launch, then you can also see that our fairing is much smaller compaired to Metop-A.
  
• #53 by Spiff on 25 Apr, 2008 13:36
• Hee dankjewel Jester!
  Thanks!
  
  I'll pay close attention during the launch tomorrownight. Good luck to you and the rest of the team!
  Spiff
• #54 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2008 14:20
• We're going to make an unusually big deal out of tomorrow - which starts early with Discovery's rollover...right through to the countdown status ahead of the webcast.
  
  I think we can hand on heart say we'll own the updates on this one, thanks to our Dutch friend
• #55 by Jester on 26 Apr, 2008 05:09
• Hi all,
  
  It's 11:06am here, and we're getting the pre-launch jitters
  
  Anyway, launch team leave for the bunker at 16:00 Local time, updates will be coming to you live from the bunker
  
  I'm posting live on L2 (including pics from inside the bunker)
  and yes thats a cheap plug for L2
  
  Anyway i'm off for now reparing for the launch
  C ya
  
• #56 by jacqmans on 26 Apr, 2008 08:56
• Flight ST 21: Launch date - 27 April 2008
  
  The Flight ST 21 Launch Kit (GIOVE-B) is available here:
  
  http://www.starsem.com/images/GB_GIOVE_B.pdf
  
  
• #57 by Lawntonlookirs on 26 Apr, 2008 12:17
• I have to ask the same dumb question.  Is the launch at 7:16 PM Eastern Daylight time in the USA.
• #58 by jacqmans on 26 Apr, 2008 12:49
• Launch window:
  
  UTC: 10:16 p.m. on April 26, 2008.
  BAIKONUR: 04:16 a.m. on April 27, 2008.
  MOSCOW: 02:16 a.m. on April 27, 2008.
  PARIS: 00:16 a.m. on April 27, 2008.
  
  EST is 06:16 pm today (I think   )
• #59 by anik on 26 Apr, 2008 12:57
• Quote

  Lawntonlookirs - 26/4/2008  4:17 PM
  
  Is the launch at 7:16 PM Eastern Daylight time in the USA

  
  EDT equals UTC minus 4 hours. So the launch is planned at 18:16:02 EDT. Is it so difficult to count?
• #60 by Jester on 26 Apr, 2008 15:02
• *waves hi from the bunker*
  
  everything nominal so far....
  
• #61 by anik on 26 Apr, 2008 19:08
• According to NK forum, the fuelling of Soyuz-FG rocket has begun.
• #62 by Jester on 26 Apr, 2008 19:34
• correct, i can see the vapor....
  
• #63 by Jester on 26 Apr, 2008 20:22
• launcher fuelling has been completed
• #64 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 20:50

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• #65 by vt_hokie on 26 Apr, 2008 21:01
• Interesting music!
• #66 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:20
• 15 minutes until the webcast starts.
  
  A small video will be provided in the video section shortly after the launch.

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• #67 by Jonesy STS on 26 Apr, 2008 21:21
• Webcast link please.
• #68 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:22
• Quote

  Jonesy STS - 26/4/2008  5:21 PM
  
  Webcast link please.

  
  http://www.videocorner.tv/index.php?langue=en
• #69 by Andrewwski on 26 Apr, 2008 21:28
• Direct webcast link (can be used with VLC) - 400k:
  
  http://mfile.akamai.com/13736/live/reflector:39290.asx?bkup=42145
• #70 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:29
• Arms holding the Soyuz-FG are retracting:

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• #71 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:30

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• #72 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:31

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• #73 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:32

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• #74 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:34
• People at the base of the rocket?  Tourists?

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• #75 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:35
• Official webcast starting now!

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• #76 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:46
• Under 30 minutes until launch:

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• #77 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 21:52
• 'Pre-heating activities have been completed.  Spacecraft to be switched to internal power.  Everything looks fine at the moment.'
  
  T-24 minutes and counting.
• #78 by janmb on 26 Apr, 2008 21:53
• Quote

  Andrewwski - 26/4/2008  10:28 PM
  
  Direct webcast link (can be used with VLC) - 400k:
  
  http://mfile.akamai.com/13736/live/reflector:39290.asx?bkup=42145

  
  I love you!
  
  Not getting the arianespace broadcast to work on any system, including windows.
• #79 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:01
• T-15 minutes and counting, everything proceeding nominally.

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• #80 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:06
• T-10 minutes and counting.
• #81 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:10

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• #82 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:11
• T-5 minutes and counting, all is go so far!

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• #83 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:12

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• #84 by Jester on 26 Apr, 2008 22:13
• finger crossed in the bunker....confirmed
  
  
• #85 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:14
• T-2 mins.
• #86 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:14
• Good luck. Go Jester! Go GIOVE-B!
• #87 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:14

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• #88 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:15
• T-1m 30s, all go.
• #89 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:15
• T-30s

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• #90 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:16
• Good English PAO bloke telling people to keep quiet
  
  T-30 seconds.
• #91 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:16
• LIFTOFF!  GO GIOVE-B!

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• #92 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:16
• LAUNCH!!
• #93 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:16

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• #94 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:17
• T+60 seconds. In first stage (Russians already clapping). Nominal Flight.
• #95 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:17
• PAO has been quiet, great sound at launch!

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• #96 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:18
• Everything nominal.

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• #97 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:18
• Booster sep!

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• #98 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:18
• T+2 minutes. Nominal Flight. Open mic fun on the loop.
  
  Waiting for booster sep. Booster Sep confirmed.
• #99 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:20
• Fairing sep!

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• #100 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:21
• Staging. Nominal Flight.
  
  Third Stage ignition.
• #101 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:21
• Third stage ignition confirmed.  Second stage burnout and sep confirmed.

  ---

  
• #102 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:24
• Nominal flight, waiting on staging. Confirmed and seperation of the third stage.
• #103 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:25
• Separation of the nose module, not confirmed by the officials, though.

  ---

  
• #104 by DaveS on 26 Apr, 2008 22:28
• What the heck is the Fregat doing?!! If it is going to burn in that attitude it will put itself on fast intercept trajectory with Terra Firma in no time!
• #105 by shuttlepilot on 26 Apr, 2008 22:29
• Still waiting for confirmation of nose module separation.
• #106 by Zachstar on 26 Apr, 2008 22:29
• It got quiet and the Fregat looks in a bad position for the burn.
• #107 by William Graham on 26 Apr, 2008 22:30
• Quote

  DaveS - 26/4/2008  10:28 PM
  
  What the heck is the Fregat doing?!! If it is going to burn in that attitude it will put itself on fast intercept trajectory with Terra Firma in no time!

  
  I think it is re-orienting for the first coast phase.
• #108 by Ronsmytheiii on 26 Apr, 2008 22:30
• Seems like the first burn was good, but no nose module separation confirmation.
• #109 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:31

• ---

  
• #110 by Chris Bergin on 26 Apr, 2008 22:32
• Tracking seems nominal, they note. And Traj is right down the middle.
• #111 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:32
• 'Data coming from ground tracking stations seems nominal...'
  
  Trajectory is nominal.
• #112 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:33
• Fregat upper-stage is nominal.
  
  
  "We're not getting all the information on the trajectory.. but all seems nominal for now..."
  
  Doesn't sound too good...
• #113 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:36
• Empty launch-pad, problems replaying the launch.

  ---

  
• #114 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:37
• First boost is OK, all seems nominal.
• #115 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 22:38

• ---

  
• #116 by Ford Mustang on 26 Apr, 2008 22:38
• Webcast ended.

  ---

  
• #117 by jaythehokie on 26 Apr, 2008 22:39
• is it me.... or is everyone out there still NOT convinced everything is nominal...echoes of AMC 14?
• #118 by shuttlepilot on 26 Apr, 2008 22:49
• Quote

  jaythehokie - 27/4/2008  12:39 AM
  
  is it me.... or is everyone out there still NOT convinced everything is nominal...echoes of AMC 14?

  After a few last Proton missions I am convinced that Soyuz is more reliable launch vehicle than Proton, and I hope everything was nominal. But I can't stand this waiting for resuming of the webcast.
• #119 by GLOUPY on 26 Apr, 2008 22:56
• News from Baikonur. Flight is nominal. First burn of Fregat was normal and intermediate orbit is conform. :laugh:
• #120 by satpad on 26 Apr, 2008 23:05
• can somebody explain to me the attitude displayed on the left side.
  My feeling is that something went wrong...!
  ...it seems tha fregat was pointing to the earth? is there an explaination for that?
  Why do you think people was so concerned there?
• #121 by Felix on 26 Apr, 2008 23:06
• Quote

  GLOUPY - 27/4/2008  12:56 AM
  
  News from Baikonur. Flight is nominal. First burn of Fregat was normal and intermediate orbit is conform. :laugh:

  
  Thanks
• #122 by DaveS on 26 Apr, 2008 23:11
• Quote

  satpad - 27/4/2008  1:05 AM
  
  can somebody explain to me the attitude displayed on the left side.
  My feeling is that something went wrong...!
  ...it seems tha fregat was pointing to the earth? is there an explaination for that?
  Why do you think people was so concerned there?

  It was in coast-mode attitude slowing rolling for the BBQ-roll.
• #123 by edkyle99 on 26 Apr, 2008 23:18
• Quote

  satpad - 26/4/2008  6:05 PM
  
  can somebody explain to me the attitude displayed on the left side.
  My feeling is that something went wrong...!
  ...it seems tha fregat was pointing to the earth? is there an explaination for that?
  Why do you think people was so concerned there?

  
  My impression is that the broadcast team did not receive real time confirmation of nose module separation or that the Fregat first burn had been nominal.  This might have been due to a telemetry drop out, which is not at all unusual for a launch.  It happens with Delta II fairly often, for example.    Confirmation did come eventually.
  
   - Ed Kyle
• #124 by DaveS on 26 Apr, 2008 23:34
• Quote

  edkyle99 - 27/4/2008  1:18 AM
   It happens with Delta II fairly often, for example.
  
   - Ed Kyle

  Yes, but those drop-outs usually happens with the third stage which is spinning rather rapidly and is hard to lock on to. Fregat however is stable and shouldn't be hard to lock on to.
• #125 by jaythehokie on 26 Apr, 2008 23:34
• how long 'til webcast picks up again?
• #126 by edkyle99 on 26 Apr, 2008 23:45
• Quote

  jaythehokie - 26/4/2008  6:34 PM
  
  how long 'til webcast picks up again?

  
  2 hours 10 minutes from now, at 01:55 UTC.
  
   - Ed Kyle
• #127 by edkyle99 on 26 Apr, 2008 23:47
• Quote

  DaveS - 26/4/2008  6:34 PM
  
  

  Quote

  edkyle99 - 27/4/2008  1:18 AM
   It happens with Delta II fairly often, for example.
  
   - Ed Kyle

  Yes, but those drop-outs usually happens with the third stage which is spinning rather rapidly and is hard to lock on to. Fregat however is stable and shouldn't be hard to lock on to.

  
  Fregat entered a "barbecue mode" roll after its relatively short (20 sec) burn.
  
   - Ed Kyle
• #128 by Jester on 27 Apr, 2008 01:25
• Just got back from the bunker, so far all is nominal, waiting for downlink....
• #129 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 01:56
• Webcast resumed at time as advertised, nothing new going on so far.

  ---

  
• #130 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 02:00
• Some countdown is taking place, no PAO, so I'm in the dark.

  ---

  

  
• #131 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 02:01
• PAO is back!  Thanks for that!
  
  Shot of the control room, people still hard at work!

  ---

  
• #132 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 02:03
• Separation of the GIOVE-B Satellite took place about two minutes ago.
  
  Congratulations Arianespace!
• #133 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 02:05
• 'Main control-room has received downlink from the satellite.  Spacecraft is entering initialization sequence.'
• #134 by jaythehokie on 27 Apr, 2008 02:09
• Congrats to Starsem, and everyone at ESA!!!
• #135 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 02:18
• This segment of the webcast has ended!
  
  Congratulations, once again, Arianespace, and all involved!

  ---

  

  
• #136 by jacqmans on 27 Apr, 2008 08:22
• N°25-2008 - Paris, 27 April 2008
  ESA's most advanced navigation satellite launched tonight
  
  A further step towards the deployment of Europe's Galileo global navigation satellite system was taken tonight, with the successful launch of ESA's second Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element (GIOVE-B) satellite, carrying the most accurate atomic clock ever flown into space.
  
  The GIOVE-B satellite was lofted into a medium altitude orbit around the earth by a Soyuz/Fregat rocket departing from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan by launch operator Starsem. Lift-off occurred at 04:16 local time on 27 April (00:16 Central European Summer Time). The Fregat upper stage performed a series of manoeuvres to reach a circular orbit at an altitude of about 23,200 km, inclined at 56 degrees to the Equator, before safely delivering the satellite into orbit some 3 hours and 45 minutes later. The two solar panels that generate electricity to power the spacecraft deployed correctly and were fully operational  by 05:28 CEST.
  
  This 500 kg satellite was built by a European industrial team led by Astrium GmbH, with Thales Alenia Space performing integration and testing in Rome. Two years after the highly successful GIOVE-A mission, this latest satellite will continue the demonstration of critical technologies for the navigation payload of future operational Galileo satellites.
  Three high-accuracy space clocks aboard
  
  Like its predecessor, GIOVE-B carries two redundant small-size rubidium atomic clocks, each with a stability of 10 nanoseconds per day. But it also features an even more accurate payload: the Passive Hydrogen Maser (PHM), with stability better than 1 nanosecond per day. The first of its kind ever to be launched into space, this is now the most stable clock operating in earth orbit. Two PHMs will be used as primary clocks onboard operational Galileo satellites, with two rubidium clocks serving as back-up.
  
  GIOVE-B also incorporates a radiation-monitoring payload to characterise the space environment at the altitude of the Galileo constellation, as well as a laser retroreflector for high-accuracy laser ranging.
  
  Signal generation units will provide representative Galileo signals on three separate frequencies broadcast via an L-band phase array antenna designed to entirely cover the visible earth below the satellite.
  
  The satellite is now under the control of Telespazio's spacecraft operations centre in Fucino, Italy, and in-orbit checking-out of the satellite has begun.
  
  In addition to its technology-demonstration mission, GIOVE-B will also take over GIOVE-A's mission to secure the Galileo frequencies, as that first Galileo demonstration satellite launched in December 2005 is now approaching the end of its operational life.
  
  Beyond GIOVE-B, the next step in the Galileo programme will be the launch of four operational satellites, to validate the basic Galileo space and related ground segment, by 2010. Once that In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase is completed, the remaining satellites will be launched and deployed to reach the Full Operational Capability (FOC), a constellation of 30 identical satellites.
  
  "With the successful launch of GIOVE-B, we are about to complete the demonstration phase for Galileo", said ESA Director General Jean Jacques Dordain in Fucino while congratulating the ESA and industrial teams. "The strong cooperation between ESA and the European Commission has been instrumental in making progress in a difficult environment over the past few years; and, even with that being so, Galileo has already materialised, with two satellites now in orbit, significant headway made on the next four (already in the construction phase) and a fully qualified EGNOS service (*) - all this designed to serve citizens in Europe and all around the globe.  ESA will begin shortly the procurement process for the overall constellation beyond IOV under EC responsibility."
  
  Galileo will be Europe's very own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civil control. It will be interoperable with the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russia's GLONASS, the two other global satellite navigation systems. Galileo will deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the metre range with unrivalled integrity.
  
  Numerous applications are planned for Galileo, including positioning and derived value-added services for transport by road, rail, air and sea, fisheries and agriculture, oil-prospecting, civil protection, building, public works and telecommunications.
  
  (*) Note for Editors:  European Gesotationary Navigation Overlay Service. EGNOS is a joint programme being carried out by the European Space Agency, the European Commission and Eurocontrol. It comprises a network of more than forty elements all over Europe that collect, record, correct and improve data from the US Global Positioning System. The modified signals are then relayed via geostationary satellites to user terminals, offering positional accuracy better than two metres, compared with 15 to 20 metres for GPS alone. In addition, EGNOS provides a guarantee of signal quality that GPS does not.
  
  For further information:
  ESA Media Relations Office
  Communication and Knowledge Department
  Phone + 33 1 53 68 72 99
  
• #137 by jacqmans on 27 Apr, 2008 08:23
• ESA's most advanced navigation satellite launched tonight
   
  27 April 2008
  ESA PR 25-2008 A further step towards the deployment of Europe's Galileo global navigation satellite system was taken tonight, with the successful launch of ESA's second Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element (GIOVE-B) satellite, carrying the most accurate atomic clock ever flown into space.
  
  http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM9GD2QGFF_index_0.html
  
• #138 by jacqmans on 27 Apr, 2008 08:24
• Soyuz launches GIOVE-B on the second Starsem mission for Europe's Galileo navigation system
  
  http://www.starsem.com/news/Giove-B_feature_story_5.html
  
  April 27, 2008
  
  Starsem's 21st commercial flight successfully orbited the GIOVE-B payload today, reconfirming its Soyuz launcher's capability to deploy a constellation of satellites for the newest space-based navigation network – Europe's Galileo system.
   
  Lifting off on schedule from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome at 4:16 a.m. local time, the Soyuz flew a multi-phase mission that led to GIOVE-B's separation 3 hrs., 45 min. later.
  
  GIOVE-B is the second developmental satellite launched by Starsem for the Galileo navigation system, following an on-target Soyuz flight with GIOVE-A in December 2005. The fully-deployed Galileo constellation will consist of 30 satellites, positioned in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 23,222 km., inclined 56 deg.
  
  Both the medium-lift Soyuz and heavy-lift Ariane 5 vehicles are poised to play a key role in launching the Galileo constellation, operating side-by-side from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana under the management of Starsem's Arianespace affiliate.
  
  "Today's mission with GIOVE-B is a very important success for Galileo, and it also is a success for Arianespace - which has the two launch systems that are ready to deploy this new navigation system," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, the Chairman & CEO of Arianespace and Starsem.
  
  GIOVE-B was produced by prime contractor EADS Astrium, and weighed 530 kg. at liftoff. The 0.95 x 0.95 x 2.4-meter cube-shaped spacecraft was released in MEO after three burns of the Soyuz' Fregat upper stage.
  
  Galileo is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Space Agency, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. It will be interoperable with America's Global Position System and the Russian GLONASS network.
  
• #139 by Jester on 27 Apr, 2008 08:44
• did somebody post the recording of the webcast already ?
  
• #140 by satpad on 27 Apr, 2008 08:58
• I would change the perspective. The satellite has been built and launch prepared by the industrial consortium that ESA dismounted just few month ago.
  The success (or unsuccess) of GIOVE B is for the europen industry and its consortium..!!!
  
  ESA disrupted the consortium to become prime on Galileo and its success is then VERY LONG to be demonstrated... I mean we have to see in next 2-3 years...
• #141 by Jester on 27 Apr, 2008 09:05
• Quote

  satpad - 27/4/2008  10:58 AM
  
  I would change the perspective. The satellite has been built and launch prepared by the industrial consortium that ESA dismounted just few month ago.
  The success (or unsuccess) of GIOVE B is for the europen industry and its consortium..!!!
  
  ESA disrupted the consortium to become prime on Galileo and its success is then VERY LONG to be demonstrated... I mean we have to see in next 2-3 years...

  
  Nope, the consortium took WAY too long, have been warned numerous times and still didnt meet set targets, ESA didnt "disrupte" anything, the call was made by the EC (with support from ESA) they did this rightly so ! the mess had to stop.
  If they didnt do this, we would not have launched giove-b yesterday.
  
  I do agree that the people involved (NOT the company) did a great job building it amids crappy political/management games being played.
• #142 by satpad on 27 Apr, 2008 09:33
• so who decided and requested industry for that lacky organizational structure?  
  How could it be that industry (replying to an ITT) is pointed out as the reason of the failure so far (not at technical level but at organizational level)?
  
  How would you explain me that?
• #143 by Jester on 27 Apr, 2008 09:56
• Quote

  satpad - 27/4/2008  11:33 AM
  
  so who decided and requested industry for that lacky organizational structure?  
  How could it be that industry (replying to an ITT) is pointed out as the reason of the failure so far (not at technical level but at organizational level)?
  
  How would you explain me that?

  
  I'll explain but please open (yet another...sigh) thread about why and how galileo, not in the Live coverage thread.
  
  Thanks
  
• #144 by satpad on 27 Apr, 2008 10:15
• catched the point: I'm not going to ask again here.
  But with the lauch of GIOVE-B few months after reorganization I guess may people are re-asking themselves a lot of questions on that.
  
• #145 by eeergo on 27 Apr, 2008 12:49
• Is the in-orbit validation phase going to take much time? When are the next 4 satellites (quoted in ESA's site as being well into the construction phase), the first operational ones, planned to be launched? They're using an Ariane 5, right?
• #146 by Mighty-T on 27 Apr, 2008 15:42
• Quote

  eeergo - 27/4/2008  2:49 PM
  
  When are the next 4 satellites planned to be launched? They're using an Ariane 5, right?

  
  We're talking about 2010 here. The plan is to use two Soyuz-flights, each with two sats, from Kourou. Check out also: http://www.spacedaily.com/2006/080426202037.k1scl6t2.html
• #147 by Ford Mustang on 27 Apr, 2008 16:50
• Quote

  Jester - 27/4/2008  4:44 AM
  
  did somebody post the recording of the webcast already ?
  

  
  I have, from T-1m 30s to Booster Sep.
  
  It is located here:
  http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=12858
• #148 by Satori on 28 Apr, 2008 12:59
• Does anyone has the exact launch time in format 2216:02,XXXUTC???
  
  Thanks!
  
• #149 by jacqmans on 30 Apr, 2008 10:33
• GIOVE-B spacecraft in good health
   
  29 April 2008
  After its successful launch by a Soyuz Rocket from Baiknour on 27 April and accurate insertion into its target orbit by the Fregat autonomous upper stage, GIOVE-B is now completing its Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP), which will shortly give way to the platform commissioning phase.
  
  http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMZWWTQMFF_index_0.html
  
• #150 by jacqmans on 07 May, 2008 09:54
• Press Release N°26-2008
  Paris, 7 May 2008
  
  GIOVE-B transmitting its first signals
  
  Following a successful launch on 27 April, GIOVE-B began transmitting navigation signals today 7th of May. This is a truly historic step for satellite navigation since GIOVE-B is now, for the first time, transmitting the GPS-Galileo common signal using a specific optimised waveform, MBOC (multiplexed binary offset carrier), in accordance with the agreement drawn up in July 2007 by the EU and the US for their respective systems, Galileo and the future GPS III. These GIOVE B signals, locked on-board to a highly stable Passive Hydrogen Maser clock, will provide higher accuracy in challenging environments where multipath and interference are present, and deeper penetration for indoor navigation. It demonstrates that Galileo and GPS are truly compatible and interoperable and that positioning services will benefit all users worldwide.
  
  “Now with GIOVE B broadcasting its highly accurate signal in space we have a true representation of what Galileo will offer to provide the most advanced satellite positioning services, while ensuring compatibility and interoperability with GPS" said Galileo Project Manager, Javier Benedicto.
  
  After launch, early orbit operations and platform commissioning, GIOVE-B’s navigation payload was switched on and signal transmission commenced on 7 May and the quality of these signals is now being checked. Several facilities are involved in this process, including the GIOVE B Control Centre at Telespazio facilities in Fucino, Italy, the Galileo Processing Centre at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), in the Netherlands, the ESA ground station at Redu, Belgium, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) Chilbolton Observatory in the United Kingdom.
  
  Chilbolton’s 25-metre antenna makes it possible to analyse the characteristics of GIOVE-B signals with great accuracy and verify that they conform to the Galileo system’s design specification. Each time the satellite is visible from Redu and Chilbolton, the large antennas are activated and track the satellite. GIOVE-B is orbiting at an altitude of 23,173 kilometres, making a complete journey around the Earth in 14 hours and 3 minutes.
  
  
  The quality of the signals transmitted by GIOVE-B will have an important influence on the accuracy of the positioning information that will be provided by the user receivers on the ground. Onboard GIOVE-B carries a passive hydrogen maser atomic clock, which is expected to deliver unprecedented stability performance.
  
  The signal quality can be affected by the environment of the satellite in its orbit and by the propagation path of the signals travelling from space to ground. Additionally, the satellite signals must not create interference with services operating in adjacent frequency bands, and this is also being checked.
  
  Galileo teams within ESA and industry have the means to observe and record the spectrum of the signals transmitted by GIOVE-B in real time. Several measurements are performed relating to transmitted signal power, centre frequency and bandwidth, as well as the format of the navigation signals generated on board. This allows the analysis of the satellite transmissions in the three frequency bands reserved for it.
  
  The GIOVE-B mission also represents an opportunity for validating in-orbit critical satellite technologies, characterising the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) radiation environment, and to test a key element of the future Galileo system – the user receivers.
  
  For further information:
  ESA Media Relations Office
  Communication and Knowledge Department
  Tel: + 33 1 5369 7299
  Fax: + 33 1 5369 7690
  
• #151 by Jester on 07 May, 2008 11:44
• GIOVE-B First signal
  

  ---

  
• #152 by Lawntonlookirs on 07 May, 2008 14:11
• Quote

  Jester - 7/5/2008  7:44 AM
  
  GIOVE-B First signal
  

  
  What if any changes will take place with existing GPS receivers with GIOVE-B?