6*Globalstar Satellites (Soyuz-2-1A launched on Oct.19,2010)

[Zipi]

Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

An Arianespace Soyuz rocket will launch six second-generation Globalstar mobile communications satellites. The Soyuz rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the commercial launch.

Globalstar Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalstar
Aerospace-Technology.com Globalstar Sat Specs: http://www.aerospace-technology.com/pro ... specs.html

Live Coverage from Videocorner: http://www.videocorner.tv/

Soyuz Launch Vehicle

Soyuz Rocket Family Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_(rocket_family)
Soyuz-2 Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz-2_(rocket)
Astronautix Soyuz Page: http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/soyuz.htm
Samara Space Centre Soyuz-U Page: http://www.samspace.ru/ENG/RN/souz_2.htm
Starsem Modernized Soyuz Page: http://www.starsem.com/soyuz/soyuzst.htm
SuzyMcHale's Soyuz Page: http://suzymchale.com/ruspace/rocksoyuz.html
Soyuz Engines @ b14643.de: http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Eas ... ngines.htm
Russianspaceweb Soyuz 2 Page: http://www.russianspaceweb.com/soyuz2_lv.html
TsSKB-Progress Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TsSKB-Progress (Soyuz launch vehicle manufacturer)
Samara Space Centre Soyuz-ST Assembly Gallery: http://www.samspace.ru/CSDB_Progress/Ko ... 202010.htm
Starsem Photo Gallery: http://www.starsem.com/news/photos.htm

Soyuz launch vehicle belongs to R7 rocket family.

Soyuz-2-1A First Stage:

One RD-108A engine burning LOX/RP1.

NPO Energomarsh RD-107 & RD-108 Page: http://www.npoenergomash.ru/eng/engines/rd107/
Astronautix RD-108 Page: http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd108.htm

Soyuz-2-1A Boosters: (Stage 0)

Four boosters each having one RD-107A engine burning LOX/RP1.

NPO Energomarsh RD-107 & RD-108 Page: http://www.npoenergomash.ru/eng/engines/rd107/
Astronautix RD-107 Page: http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd107.htm

Soyuz-2-1A Second Stage:

One RD-0110 engine burning LOX/RP1.

Khrunichev RD-0110 Page: http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=101&lang=en



Soyuz-2-1A Third Stage:

Fregat upperstage which has one S5.92 engine burning UDMH/NTO/N[sub]2[/sub]O[sub]4[/sub].

Fregat Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fregat
NPO Lavochkin Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPO_Lavochkin
NPO Lovochkin current projects: http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... ojects.php
(without Google Translate: http://www.laspace.ru/rus/projects.php)
Starsem Soyuz Page (also Fregat information): http://www.starsem.com/soyuz/soyuz.htm#fregat
Russianspaceweb Fregat Page:[/b) http://www.russianspaceweb.com/fregat.html
Astronautix Fregat Page: http://www.astronautix.com/stages/fregat.htm
Astronautix S5.92 Page: http://www.astronautix.com/engines/s592.htm

Baikonur Kosmodrome

Baikonur Kosmodrome Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikonur_Cosmodrome
Russianspaceweb Baikonur Page: http://www.russianspaceweb.com/baikonur.html
Russianspaceweb Baikonur Downrange Page: http://www.russianspaceweb.com/baikonur_downrange.html
Russianspaceweb Baikonur Facilities Page: http://www.russianspaceweb.com/baikonur_facilities.html
Historical Photos from Baikonur Kosmodrome: http://www.buran.ru/htm/baykonur.htm
NASA's Baikonur Page: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stati ... konur.html
Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&q=45.96 ... 30341&z=15
Baikonur-info.ru: http://translate.google.com/translate?j ... l=ru&tl=en
(without Google Translation: http://www.baikonur-info.ru/)

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

A bit of a timeline to this point :

Delivery of the first three satellites to Baikonur, 2010.Aug.11 :
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZmR_JEJBNg[/youtube]

Arianespace about delivery and further processing :
http://www.arianespace.com : Arianespace’s initial Soyuz mission with Globalstar second-generation satellites is being readied for an October liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome

August 27, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

Preparations are underway for a milestone Soyuz flight during which Arianespace is to orbit the first six Globalstar second-generation communications satellites from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome in October.

The launch campaign for this mission began on August 11 with arrival of its initial three Globalstar satellites at the Cosmodrome, and has progressed as these spacecraft undergo their checkout in clean rooms that are dedicated to commercial Soyuz missions.

All three of the second-generation Globalstar spacecraft began their preparations in the Cosmodrome’s Payload Processing Facility, which included electrical testing and radio frequency verifications. The first of them was transferred to the Hazardous Processing Facility for the loading of its propellant today, which will be followed by this satellite’s integration on a conical-shaped dispenser system that ultimately will carry all six of the mission’s payloads

The payload dispenser for Arianespace’s upcoming mission with six Globalstar satellites is shown installed on the Fregat upper stage during a fit-check in the Starsem Baikonur facilities.

For the upcoming Soyuz 2 launches, the six Globalstar spacecraft – built by Thales Alenia Space – will be stacked in two levels on the conical-shaped dispenser. Once loaded with the satellites, this EADS Astrium-produced dispenser is to be mated atop the Fregat upper stage, which will make three burns after it is delivered to low-Earth orbit by the Soyuz launcher. The trio of burns will enable Fregat to inject the satellite payloads into a 920-km. circular orbit, inclined 52 deg.

The dispenser is designed to accommodate two of the six satellites on its upper section, with their release occurring at 98.6 minutes into the flight. The other four payloads are to be installed on the dispenser’s lower section and will be separated simultaneously 1.67 minutes later, completing the mission’s deployment sequence.

http://www.roscosmos.ru : GlobalStar prelaunch processing (Russian) :
(Google Translate assisted translation) :

: 31.08.2010

At Baikonur launch site work is continuing in preparation for the launch of a space rocket Soyuz-2.1a with the upper stage "Fregat" and six spacecraft "Globalstar-2".

In the assembly test building sites cosmodrome 112 continued work on the program of preparation for the launch of six satellites for Globalstar 2: after electro-check (elektroispytany ?) and tanking of spacecraft propellants, today foreign experts conducted the first mating of spacecraft with dispenser.

Yuzhny Space Center PAO

Photo S. Sergeyeva (SC Yuzhny)

http://www.arianespace.com : Globalstar's six second-generation satellites are readied for Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome

September 7, 2010

The launch campaign for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The mission’s three remaining satellites were delivered last week – joining the initial three that have been at the Cosmodrome since August 11 for their final checkout, and fueling.

One of the spacecraft has already completed these steps, and is now integrated on the conical-shaped dispenser that will carry the six-satellite cluster for deployment in a 920-km. circular orbit, inclined 52 deg.

Two Globalstar second-generation satellites are shown during the fueling preparation sequence in Starsem’s Baikonur Cosmodrome facilities. The spacecraft at right is mounted on the dispenser.

http://www.roscosmos.ru : Fregat Tanking at Baikonur (photos)

:: 07.09.2010

Globalstar-2 launch campaign continues at Baikonur.

Russian and foreign experts today perform tanking of the Fregat upper stage to be used to inject 6 Globalstar-2 spacecraft into targeted orbit.

The launch of the spacecraft on-top Soyuz-2.1a rocket is to occur on Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

Photo credit: Yuzhny Space Center

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Globalstar's Six Second-Generation Satellites are Readied for Soyuz Launch from Baikonur

:: 14.09.2010

The launch campaign for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur space port in Kazakhstan.
Fregat upper stage tanked with propellant components and pressurized gases last week is now in storage mode.

Globalstar 2 spacecraft are being installed on the dispenser by Starsem and TsSKB-Progress.

Prelaunch operations with Soyuz-2.1a are carried out in parallel by Progress and Yuzhny Space Center experts.

Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone mission will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia’s workhorse launcher. Arianespace has been contracted – via its Starsem affiliate – to conduct four Soyuz 2 launches carrying six satellites each, further building Globalstar’s constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Globalstar Launch Campaign Continues at Baikonur

:: 28.09.2010

Globalstar launch campaign continues at Baikonur.
Starsem’s experts completed standalone testing and tanking of Globalstar 2 spacecraft. All 6 Globalstars are now integrated with the dispenser.
Soyuz-2.1a with Fregat and Globalstar cluster is slated for launch from pad 31 on Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7huv-edQ9s[/youtube]

tvroscosmos | September 28, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Baikonur’s Pad 31 Prepared for Globalstar Launch

:: 29.09.2010

Soyuz-2.1a /Fregat/Globalstar launch campaign goes on at Baikonur.
Facilities of pad 31 are prepared for the launch by Yuzhny Space Center experts.
In parallel, Fregat upper stage is transported to site 112 for further integration into the space upper composite in the clean room to be followed by delivery to site 31 for mating with the LV.
6 Globalstar-2 satellites are scheduled for launch aboard the Soyuz from pad 31 on Oct. 19, at 21.10 MSK.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.arianespace.com : Integration is complete with the six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace’s Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome this month

October 1, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22


This photo sequence highlights several steps in the integration process for Globalstar’s six satellites on Soyuz’s launcher dispenser. At left, the initial spacecraft is mounted on the dispenser’s upper segment. In the center image, three of four spacecraft have been mated to the dispenser’s lower segment, while the upper portion has both of its satellites installed. In the photo at right, the dispenser’s upper segment is hoisted for installation atop the lower portion (visible in the foreground).

All six Globalstar satellites for the upcoming Soyuz flight from Baikonur Cosmodrome have been integrated on their dispenser system, marking a new milestone in this key mission to be performed October 19 for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate.

The second-generation Globalstar spacecraft were installed in sequence on the two segments of this 6.7-meter-high conical-shaped dispenser, which then were assembled together on September 29.


An overhead view shows the fully-assembled Soyuz dispenser, carrying all six spacecraft.

These new 700-kg.-class satellites are larger and heavier than the first-generation platforms in Globalstar’s orbital constellation, which provides mobile satellite voice and data services. A total of 32 first-generation satellites were launched by Starsem on eight Soyuz flights from 1999 to 2007, with those missions lofting four of the 450-kg. spacecraft each.

The new dispenser that will make its debut during the October 19 launch is evolved from the system used on previous missions, and is produced in two segments. A pair of Globalstar satellites is mounted on the dispenser’s upper segment, with both to be released at 98.6 minutes into the flight. The other four payloads are installed on the lower section, and will be deployed simultaneously 1.67 minutes later.

Arianespace designed the Soyuz dispenser system, which is produced by Astrium and weighs 630 kg. Its two conical sections are manufactured in composite materials, with aluminum rings positioned at the bottom, middle and top that contain attach points for the satellites.

Stéphane Mespoulet, Arianespace’s project manager for the dispenser, said the integration of all six second-generation satellites went smoothly in the payload preparation facilities at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Completion of the satellite installation allows the dispenser and its payloads to be mated atop Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage next week.

Globalstar has contracted four Soyuz launches to carry six of its second-generation satellites each, further building the company’s constellation with these 24 new spacecraft.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Globalstar Space Upper Composite Assembled at Baikonur

:: 07.10.2010

Globalstar2 spacecraft are mated with the Fregat upper stage at Baikonur’s site 112, to make the upper composite which is to undergo electrical testing.
Then, the upper composite will be integrated with the launcher at site 31.
6 Globalstar-2 satellites are scheduled for launch aboard the Soyuz from pad 31 on Oct. 19, at 21.10 MSK.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.arianespace.com : Globalstar's second-generation satellites are integrated on the Soyuz upper stage

October 8, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22


The dispenser with its six Globalstar second-generation satellites is installed atop Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage during integration activity at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Payload integration for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission is nearly complete, as the dispenser with its six Globalstar satellites has been installed on the launcher’s Fregat upper stage at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The October 19 flight will be performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and the integration of the dispenser with its satellite cluster on Fregat was completed yesterday in Starsem’s Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) – located at Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Site 112 facility.

This step clears the way for the dispenser’s encapsulation in the Soyuz ST payload fairing, which is planned for the weekend.

Arianespace has been contracted to perform four Soyuz launches carrying six satellites each – further building Globalstar’s constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft. Their deployment will secure the company’s space segment beyond 2025, ensuring continuity for its mobile satellite voice and data services provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Globalstar’s second-generation satellites will have a liftoff mass of approximately 700 kg. each, and are fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

Arianespace's Globalstar missions will use the Soyuz 2 evolved version of Russia’s venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system. Soyuz 2 is the same vehicle that Arianespace will utilize at the Spaceport in French Guiana, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 and Vega lightweight launchers.

These four new missions follow eight flights performed by Starsem from 1999 to 2007 using an earlier Soyuz version to orbit a total of 32 first-generation Globalstar spacecraft. Each of those launches orbited four of the 450-kg. satellites.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.arianespace.com : Globalstar’s six satellites are encapsulated for their upcoming Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

October 11, 2010 – Ariane Flight ST22

The encapsulation process in Starsem’s Upper Composite Integration Facility is detailed in these photos. At left, the payload “stack” is rotated horizontally, enabling the Soyuz ST fairing to be moved into position over it (photo at center). With the encapsulation process completed (photo at right), the payload is now ready for transfer to the Soyuz integration building for mating with the launcher.

The payload of six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz mission has been encapsulated in the protective ST payload fairing at Baikonur Cosmodrome, clearing the way for its integration on the launch vehicle for an October 19 liftoff.

This encapsulation process occurred during the weekend, with the activity performed in the Cosmodrome’s Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF). The UCIF is operated by Arianespace affiliate Starsem, which is performing the Soyuz launch on behalf of Arianespace.

To start the encapsulation process, the Soyuz payload “stack” was rotated to the horizontal position. This “stack” consists of the Astrium-built dispenser system with its six integrated Globalstar satellites, along with the Fregat upper stage on which the dispenser is installed.

Once the stack was fixed in its horizontal orientation, the ST payload fairing was then moved into position, encapsulating the dispenser and its satellites. The ST payload fairing has a diameter of 4.11 meters and an overall length of 11.4 meters, and was developed for the improved Soyuz 2 launcher for the Globalstar mission – which also will be the version operated by Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The Globalstar payload stack is now set for its transfer to the Soyuz’ launcher integration building at Baikonur Cosmodrome during the night of October 12-13, readying it for mating to the launch vehicle.

Arianespace’s October 19 mission is one of four contracted by Globalstar to orbit 24 of its second-generation spacecraft – ensuring continuity for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Liftoff of the Soyuz 2 is scheduled for 11:10 p.m. local time at Baikonur Cosmodrome (9:10 p.m. in Moscow, 7:10 p.m. in Paris, and 10:10 a.m. at Globalstar’s headquarters in Milpitas, California). The nominal mission duration from liftoff to the deployment of Globalstar’s satellites is 1 hr. 40 min., with the six spacecraft being injected into a phasing orbit at an altitude of 920 km., inclined 52 deg.

Each of the satellites – built by Thales Alenia Space – has a trapezoidal-shaped main body, and weigh approximately 700 kg. The spacecraft are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- band to C-band.

Launch Window for Soyuz Flight ST22 with six Globalstar second-generation satellites :

• Baikonur Cosmodrome : 11:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Moscow, Russia : 9:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Paris, France : 7:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Pacific Daylight Time : 10:10 a.m., on October 19, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Soyuz-2.1а Assembly Begins at Baikonur

:: 14.10.2010

A cluster of 6 Globalstar-2 spacecraft with Fregat upper stage under the fairing – space upper composite – arrived to Baikonur’s site 31, for further general assembly of the launch vehicle.
The first stage of Soyuz-2.1а assembly covers space upper composite mating with the third stage; then, this stack will be integrated with the first and second stages.
The roll out is to occur on Oct. 16.
The launch is slated for Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.arianespace.com : Launcher integration moves into final phase for the Soyuz 2 mission with six Globalstar satellites

October 14, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

The Soyuz upper composite is shown mated to launcher’s third stage in the MIK 40 vehicle assembly building at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Final launcher integration is now underway for next week’s Soyuz 2 mission, which will orbit six Globalstar second-generation satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The launcher’s upper composite – which is composed of the six Globalstar spacecraft and their dispenser system, along with the ST payload fairing that protects the satellites during ascent and the Fregat upper stage – has been mated to the Soyuz 2’s Block I third stage.

This activity occurred in the Cosmodrome’s Soyuz vehicle assembly building, known as MIK 40, where the upper composite was transferred during the night of October 12-13. It clears the way for final integration to complete the four-stage launcher.

The October 19 mission will be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the first of four flights to orbit 24 of Globalstar’s second-generation spacecraft – ensuring continuity for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Each of the six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the 1-hr., 40-min. flight weigh approximately 700 kg., and are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

Soyuz 2 is the evolved version of Russia’s venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system. Arianespace will utilize Soyuz 2 at the Spaceport in French Guiana beginning next year, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicle and the future Vega lightweight launcher.

Launch Window for Soyuz Flight ST22 with six Globalstar second-generation satellites :

• Baikonur Cosmodrome : 11:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Moscow, Russia : 9:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Paris, France : 7:10 p.m., on October 19, 2010
• Pacific Daylight Time : 10:10 a.m., on October 19, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Globalstar-2 Launch Campaign Continues at Baikonur

:: 15.10.2010

State Board today at Baikonur approved roll out of the Soyuz 2.1а rocket which is to take place at 5.30 a.m. tomorrow.
A cluster of 6 Globalstar-2 satellites is to be launched by Soyuz-2.1а with Fregat upper stage on Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.arianespace.com : Assembly of the Soyuz 2 launcher is complete for its upcoming Globalstar mission

October 15, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22

The Soyuz 2’s upper portion is lowered into position for mating with the launcher’s second stage central core during assembly activity in the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s MIK 40 integration facility.

The Soyuz 2 launcher for next Tuesday’s Arianespace mission with six Globalstar second-generation satellites has completed its assembly, clearing the way for this vehicle’s rollout to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

During activity in the Cosmodrome’s MIK 40 integration facility, the launcher’s upper portion was lowered into place for mating with Soyuz’ lower section, using the traditional horizontal assembly process for Russian launch vehicles.

The Soyuz 2’s upper portion consists of the six Globalstar spacecraft installed on a cone-shaped dispenser, the ST-type payload fairing that will protect them during ascent, along with the launcher’s Fregat upper stage and Block I third stage. Soyuz 2’s lower section is composed of the launcher’s central core second stage and four boosters that function as the first-stage.

With the assembly process completed, a launch readiness review and state commission assessment were held today, authorizing the Soyuz 2’s rollout tomorrow morning to Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome – where the launcher will be erected and readied for the October 19 liftoff at 11:10 p.m. local time.


Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome awaits tomorrow morning’s arrival of the Soyuz 2 with its payload of six Globalstar second-generation satellites.

Next week’s launch is one of four to be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, deploying a total of 24 of the Globalstar second-generation satellites.

The trapezoidal-shaped spacecraft weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services. Once the company’s next-generation ground network is installed, the advanced satellite constellation also will provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.

...

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.federalspace.ru : Baikonur: Roll Out of Soyuz-2 with Cluster of 6 Globalstar's

:: 16.10.2010

Baikonur: this morning Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2’s was rolled out. The transportation from mounting and test facility began at 5.30 MSK. In half an hour, the LV was delivered to the launch pad. By 7 a.m., the rocket was erected vertically. Experts of Roscosmos began L-3 operations.
Final stages of Globalstar-2 launch preps are observed at Baikonur by Arianespace CEO Jean Ives Le Galle and DG of Russian-European venture Starsem Victor Nikolaev. Both attended the roll out today.
Launch of Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2 spacecraft is slated for 21.10 MSK, Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

...

...

...

Photo credit: S.Sergeev (Yuzhny Space Center)

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.arianespace.com : Soyuz moves to the launch pad with its six Globalstar second-generation satellites

October 16, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22


Soyuz is raised into position at Baikonur Cosmodrome. The vehicle was rolled out from its integration building to Launch Pad #6 on a transporter/erector rail car.

The Soyuz vehicle with Globalstar’s initial cluster of six second-generation satellites is now on Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, where it is being readied for liftoff on October 19 in an Arianespace mission performed by its Starsem affiliate.

This improved version of Russia’s long-operating medium-lift workhouse rolled out in the morning hours today at the Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and was raised into position on the launch pad by its rail car transporter/erector.

Next steps in the mission’s preparations will include the check-out and countdown rehearsal for Soyuz’ lower three stages, a countdown rehearsal for its payload of six Globalstar spacecraft and the launcher’s Fregat upper stage, followed by the final chronology leading to the launch at 11:10 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

The mission will last 1 hr. 40 min., with the six satellites being deployed in a 920-km. circular phasing orbit inclined 52 deg. during in a two-step process from a purpose-built dispenser system. Two spacecraft mounted on the dispenser’s upper section will be released first at 98.6 minutes into the flight, followed by a simultaneous separation of the four payloads from the dispenser’s lower portion 1.67 minutes later.

Arianespace has been contracted by Globalstar to perform four missions carrying six second-generation satellites each, which will be carried out by Starsem.

The second-generation Globalstar satellite weighs approximately 700 kg., and is fitted with 16 transponders from C-to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band. Its trapezoidal shape conserves volume and allows the cluster of spacecraft on their dispenser to be accommodated under the improved Soyuz’ enlarged ST-type payload fairing.

These second-generation satellites are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services. When the company’s next-generation ground network is installed, the advanced constellation also will provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.

Soyuz launchers have played a key role in the deployment of Globalstar’s satellite constellation. An earlier Soyuz version was employed in eight missions conducted from Baikonur Cosmodrome during 1999-2007 to orbit a total of 32 first-generation Globalstar spacecraft. These flights were performed under the direction of Starsem, with each mission carrying four of the 450-kg. first-generation satellites.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Baikonur: L-2 Operations with Soyuz-2 with Cluster of 6 Globalstar's

:: 17.10.2010

Baikonur space port: L-2 operations are carried out with Soyuz-2-1А rocket - Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2’s today at the launch pad. These include tests of the LV and tanking simulations.
Yesterday, the LV was delivered to the launch pad.
Launch of Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2 spacecraft is slated for 21.10 MSK, Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

http://www.federalspace.ru : Baikonur: Soyuz-2 with Cluster of 6 Globalstar's to Lift Off Today

:: 19.10.2010

Baikonur space port: L-day operations are carried out with Soyuz-2-1А rocket - Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2’s today at the launch pad. The operations at pad 31 have commenced at 8 a.m.
The State Board will meet at 17:15 to evaluate launch campaign results and give ‘go’ for the tanking and launch.
The launch of Soyuz-2-1А rocket with Fregat upper stage and cluster of 6 Globalstar2 spacecraft is slated for 21.10 MSK, Oct. 19.

Roscosmos PAO

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neGzfoqdyrk[/youtube]

tvroscosmos | October 18, 2010

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

Arianespace video corner :
Live video from the Baikonur Cosmodrome

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

6 min to launch.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

Launched.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

Booster separation ok.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

Separation of 1st stage, 2nd stage ignition.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

2nd stage separation.

 

[EarthlingX]

Re: Oct. 19 Soyuz-2-1A - 6*Globalstar Satellites

www.federalspace.ru : Soyuz-2 with 6 Globalstar's Lifts off from Baikonur

:: 19.10.2010

Soyuz-2.1a rocket with Fregat upper stage designed and produced by TSKB-Progress Space Center lifted off at 21.10.59 MSK from Baikonur’s pad 31. The launch was supported by Roscosmos industry.
After successful separation of the rocket’s third stage, Fregat continues injection of the spacecraft which are slated for separation from the upper stage at 22.49 MSK (spacecraft №№5,6) and 22.51 MSK (spacecraft №№ 1-4).

Roscosmos PAO

 

[EarthlingX]

All 6 satellites deployed, one more burn for Fregate upper stage to enter atmosphere.