Proton-M Launch (WorldSat-3) December 29

• #20 by Martin FL on 29 Dec, 2005 01:17
• Two minutes....at least until we get some live images of when they are due to launch
• #21 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:22
• T-15 minutes and counting.
  
  Very slick webcast by ILS
• #22 by braddock on 29 Dec, 2005 01:24
• Damn cold.... -19 C.  Typical Russian Winter?  Eek.
• #23 by Flightstar on 29 Dec, 2005 01:25
• -19C!  
  
  The insulation is off, but now we know why it was on in the first place
• #24 by ADC9 on 29 Dec, 2005 01:30
• Very complex launch. Four stages, lots of engine firings for the geo-stationary transfer.
• #25 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:30
• That's nice. The ground crew get to sign their names on the fairing.
• #26 by ADC9 on 29 Dec, 2005 01:32
• Quote

  Chris Bergin - 28/12/2005  8:22 PM
  
  
  
  Very slick webcast by ILS

  
  That mess of the VT link wasn't very slick
• #27 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:34
• Should be at about T-5 minutes....no countdown clock on the webcast yet.
• #28 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:37
• T-30 seconds and counting.
• #29 by braddock on 29 Dec, 2005 01:37
• Launch!
• #30 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:38
• Wow, that blew off the pad big time. Powerful launch or what!
• #31 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:41
• Flight nominal. Second Stage ignition.
• #32 by braddock on 29 Dec, 2005 01:42
• What's the launch cost on a Proton-M?
• #33 by Andy L on 29 Dec, 2005 01:46
• Quote

  Chris Bergin - 28/12/2005  8:38 PM
  
  Wow, that blew off the pad big time. Powerful launch or what!

  
  I hear you there! I thought it was going to destroy the pad!
• #34 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:46
• Second Stage seperation. Payload fairing seperation.
• #35 by Flightstar on 29 Dec, 2005 01:48
• Bill McMurry of ILS doesn't appear to like that cold weather
• #36 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 01:51
• Third Stage seperation. Briz-M ignition - now heading to a parking orbit before four burns to the geo-transfer. (which will take hours).
• #37 by David AF on 29 Dec, 2005 01:52
• 5 for 5 in 8 days from Russia. Has to be congratulated.
• #38 by Chris Bergin on 29 Dec, 2005 02:04
• +19:14 seconds. Launch nominal, webcast ending.
  
  6:48am EST (11:48am UK time) is the expected time for spacecraft seperation.
  
  ILS say they'll post confirmation of that on www.ilslaunch.com
• #39 by Flightstar on 29 Dec, 2005 02:08
• Impressive launch and I hope they stay nominal all the way to the transfer.