http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6114.285
Цитировать27 January - Astra 3B / COMSATBw-2 - Ariane 5 ECA (V194)
http://space.skyrocket.de/index_frame.htm?http://www.skyrocket.de/space/doc_sdat/astra-3b.htm
ЦитироватьAstra 3B
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/10179.jpg)
Astra 3B [EADS AStrium]
SES Astra, an SES Global company, has announced in November 2006 that it has awarded the contract for the construction of its new satellite, Astra 3B, to the European satellite manufacturer Astrium. As prime contractor for Astra 3B, ASTRIUM will design and build the satellite.
Astra 3B will be a state-of-the-art Ku and Ka-band spacecraft designed for the distribution of both direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe. After Astra 2B and Astra 1M, Astra 3B is the third Astra satellite to be built by ASTRIUM. The satellite will have 52 Ku-band transponders of which 20 transponders are to replace existing in-orbit capacity and 32 transponders which will create new capacity, thereby strenghtening 23.5E as the third orbital hotspot for European DTH services. Additionally there will be and 4 Ka-band transponders. Astra 3B is expected to be launched end of 2009.
Astra 3B will be built on a Eurostar-3000 platform, the latest version of the highly successful Eurostar series.
Nation: Luxembourg
Type / Application: Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Operator: SES-Astra
Contractors: EADS Astrium
Equipment: 52 transponders Ku-Band and 4 Ka-Band transponders
Configuration: Eurostar-3000
Propulsion:
Lifetime: 15 years
Mass: 5400 kg
Orbit: GEO
http://space.skyrocket.de/index_frame.htm?http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm
ЦитироватьCOMSATBw 1, 2
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/10180.jpg)
COMSATBw 1 and 2 [Astrium]
MilSat Services GmbH, a company set up by EADS SPACE Services and ND SatCom, will provide the German Bundeswehr's satellite communications system SatcomBW Step 2. The Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw) and MilSat Services signed a contract in Koblenz, Germany on Wednesday. The contract became valid after the German budget 2006 has been enacted. The satellites in the SatcomBw-2 system are called COMSATBw 1 and 2
With the SATCOMBw programme, the German Armed Forces will have a secure information network for use by units on deployed missions. This will allow voice and fax as well as advanced data, video and multimedia applications. For the first time the Bundeswehr will have a secure communications system with dedicated military communications satellites. The entire system is due to start regular operation in the year 2009 and will constitute an important step in the implementation of the Bundeswehr concept for network-centric operations.
Along with the in-orbit delivery of two communications satellites for operations in military frequencies (SHF/UHF), the SatcomBw Stage 2 contract includes their operation, the delivery of a comprehensive ground user terminal segment and upgrading the network management centre already installed with the Bundeswehr. MilSat Services GmbH will also provide the Bundeswehr with commercial transmission capacities using Intelsat satellites and anchoring services thanks to new large ground stations.
Nation: Germany
Type / Application: Military communication
Operator: MilSat Services GmbH for Bundeswehr
Contractors: EADS Astrium (prime), Alcatel Alenia (bus)
Equipment: 4 SHF and 5 UHF transponders
Configuration: Spacebus-3000B2
Propulsion:
Lifetime: 15 years
Mass: 2440 kg (#1)
Orbit: GEO
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html
ЦитироватьMid-March Ariane 5 • Astra 3B & COMSATBw 2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 194 will use an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Astra 3B direct-to-home television and broadband satellite for Europe and COMSATBw 2 communications satellite for the German military.
На форуме NASASpaceFlight говорят, что COMSATBw 2 полетит 24 марта с Arabsat 5A, а Astra 3B будет запущена 22 апреля с COMS 1.
http://space.skyrocket.de/index_frame.htm
Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/10538.jpg)
Arabsat-5A, a Eurostar-3000 model, will have a launch mass of 4,800kg and a spacecraft power of 11kW at the end of its 15-year service lifetime. Equipped with a payload featuring 16 active transponders in C-band and 24 in Ku-band, the multi-mission Arabsat-5A satellite will take over from Arabsat-2B and provide additional capacity at 30.5
ЦитироватьНа форуме NASASpaceFlight говорят, что COMSATBw 2 полетит 24 марта с Arabsat 5A, а Astra 3B будет запущена 22 апреля с COMS 1
Мда... И все-таки 24 марта летят Astra 3B и COMSATBw 2. На этот раз источник официальнее некуда: http://www.arianespace.com/news/mission-status.asp
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/667.asp
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/61866.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/667-1-lg.jpg
http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/667-2-lg.jpg
The Ariane 5 core cryogenic stage for Arianespace's second mission of 2010 is delivered to French Guiana after its trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the MN Toucan transport ship (photo at left), while the launcher for this year's inaugural flight has moved from the Spaceport's integration building to the final assembly facility (photo at right).
ЦитироватьLaunch campaign activity moves into full swing for another active year with Arianespace's Ariane 5
February 5, 2010
Arianespace is laying the groundwork for another busy year with its workhorse Ariane 5, as the first mission of 2010 moves into its second phase of preparations and the follow-on flight's launch vehicle is delivered to French Guiana.
The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace's kick-off mission of 2010 was transferred from the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building to the Final Assembly Building this morning, readying it to receive a dual-satellite payload.
This flight is scheduled for March 24, carrying the ASTRA 3B telecommunications satellite for SES ASTRA, and the German COMSATBw-2 secure military relay platform.
As preparations move forward for the launch, the next flight's Ariane 5 has arrived in French Guiana aboard the MN Toucan roll-on roll-off transport ship. After the MN Toucan docked at Pariacabo port on February 2, the launcher elements were transported to the Spaceport, where this vehicle will soon be taking shape in the Launcher Integration Building.
Thales Shipped the 2nd ComSatBw Satellite to Kourou
(Cannes, February 18, 2010) -- Thales Alenia Space announced today that it has shipped to the Kourou spaceport the second ComSatBw satellite, which will be launched on March 24 by an Ariane 5 ECA. As satellite prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space designed, built, integrated, tested and delivered both ComSatBw satellites on behalf of EADS Astrium, the space segment prime contractor.
ComSatBw military communications satellites deliver key services for the German armed forces. They provide a secure broadband network guaranteeing uninterrupted communications between the government, military authorities and armed forces deployed anywhere in the world.
ComSatBw multimission geostationary satellites are based on the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 3000B2 platform, and carry payloads comprising SHF (Super-High-Frequency), and UHF transponders (Ultra-High-Frequency), mainly provided by EADS Astrium. Weighing about 2,500 kg at launch, ComSatBw satellites offer 3.5 kW of power and has a design life estimated at 15 years.
http://www.asdnews.com/news/26203/Thales_Shipped_the_2nd_ComSatBw_Satellite_to_Kourou.htm
French Guiana Welcomes The Second Passenger For Ariane 5's Upcoming Mission by Staff Writers
Kourou, French Guianad (SPX) Feb 25, 2010
Both payloads for Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 flight of 2010 are now in French Guiana, following last week's arrival of COMSATBw-2 at Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne.
COMSATBw-2 is a secure relay platform that will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces), and is a follow-on spacecraft to COMSATBw-1 - which was orbited by Ariane 5 in October 2009.
Together, the COMSATBw satellites will provide a secure broadband network which guarantees uninterrupted communications between the government, military authorities and armed forces deployed around the world.
Based on the Spacebus 3000B2 platform, COMSATBw-2 was designed, integrated and tested by satellite prime contractor Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium - which is the program's space segment prime contractor.
With this spacecraft's delivery to French Guiana, COMSATBw-2 joins its "sister" payload for the upcoming mission - ASTRA 3B, which currently is undergoing pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport. ASTRA 3B was built by Astrium for commercial telecommunications operator SES ASTRA.
An Ariane 5 ECA will orbit COMSATBw-2 and ASTRA 3B from Europe's Spaceport on March 24. This year-opening flight will initiate Arianespace's busy launch schedule in 2010, which plans for seven missions with the heavy-lift vehicle.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/671.asp
ЦитироватьASTRA 3B is "topped off" for Arianespace's year-opening flight
March 3, 2010
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/mission-up_671-lg.jpg)
ASTRA 3B is topped off in the S5 payload preparation facility's S5B hall.
Satellite preparations for Ariane 5's initial launch of 2010 have moved into a new phase with the fueling of ASTRA 3B – which is one of two passengers to be orbited by the heavy-lift vehicle on March 24.
Propellant loading of ASTRA 3B was performed in the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility, readying this EADS Astrium-built spacecraft for integration with its Ariane 5 ECA launcher.
ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for the distribution of both direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe and the Middle East. It will be positioned at the increasingly important 23.5 deg. East orbital position for SES ASTRA.
Based on the Eurostar E3000 satellite bus, ASTRA 3B will have a liftoff mass of 5,470 kg. and is equipped with six mission antennas – four of which are side-mounted, to be deployed in orbit. The spacecraft has been designed for a nominal lifetime of 15 years.
ASTRA 3B will be joined on the upcoming mission by COMSATBw-2, a secure relay platform that will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces).
COMSATBw-2 is based on the Spacebus 3000B2 platform, and was designed, integrated and tested by satellite prime contractor Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – which is the program's space segment prime contractor.
This upcoming mission from Europe's Spaceport is the first of seven scheduled for Ariane 5 in 2010 as Arianespace maintains the heavy-lift vehicle's flight pace.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/673.asp
ЦитироватьASTRA 3B begins its integration with launcher hardware for Ariane 5's March 24 mission
March 9, 2010
Satellite preparations for Arianespace's first mission of 2010 have transitioned into their final phase, with the ASTRA 3B payload making its first contact with Ariane 5 launcher hardware.
During activity inside the Spaceport's S5 payload integration building, ASTRA 3B was installed atop a two-piece adapter unit that will serve as the satellite's interface with Ariane 5.
This clears the satellite for integration in Ariane 5's payload "stack," which will be completed inside the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building with its companion spacecraft – COMSATBw-2.
The Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift vehicle with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 is scheduled for launch on March 24, opening another busy year for Arianespace's workhorse vehicle. A total of seven Ariane 5 flights are planned during 2010, maintaining the mission pace in response to the company's growing international order book.
Produced by EADS Astrium, ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East. After its deployment by Ariane 5, it will be positioned at SES ASTRA's important 23.5 deg. East orbital position.
ASTRA 3B is based on the Eurostar E3000 satellite bus, and will have a liftoff mass of 5,470 kg. The spacecraft is designed for a nominal lifetime of 15 years.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62017.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/673_inside-lg.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/676.asp
ЦитироватьFinal payload integration begins for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 flight
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62041.jpg)
ASTRA 3B is lowered for its installation atop Ariane 5's SYLDA structure, which serves as the dispenser system for the heavy-lift launch vehicle's dual-satellite payload.
March 12, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
Arianespace has initiated the payload "stack" build-up for its year-opening heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA mission, which will orbit a dual payload of commercial and military telecommunications satellites from the Spaceport in French Guiana.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62042.jpg)
Integration of ASTRA 3B was performed in the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport.
The integration activity moved into full swing this week with ASTRA 3B's installation atop the Ariane 5 SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system, which occurred in the Spaceport's launch vehicle Final Assembly Building.
Riding as the flight's upper passenger, ASTRA 3B will be deployed first in the launch sequence – to ultimately be positioned at SES ASTRA's important 23.5 deg. East orbital location, where it will provide direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East.
This EADS Astrium-produced spacecraft is based on the Eurostar E3000 satellite bus, and will have a liftoff mass of 5,470 kg. ASTRA 3B is designed for a nominal lifetime of 15 years.
ASTRA 3B and its SYLDA dispenser will be positioned over the Ariane 5 ECA's lower passenger for the upcoming mission, COMSATBw-2, which is continuing its pre-launch processing at the Spaceport. As a secure relay platform, it will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces), and is a follow-on spacecraft to COMSATBw-1 – which was orbited by an Ariane 5 ECA version in October 2009.
Liftoff for this upcoming Ariane 5 mission is set for March 24 – initiating Arianespace's busy launch schedule in 2010, which has seven missions planned with the workhorse vehicle.
The Ariane 5's second launch of this year is targeted for late April, and will loft another pair of spacecraft: Arabsat 5A for satellite services provider Arabsat, and COMS for the Korean Aerospace and Research Institute of South Korea.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/677.asp
ЦитироватьCOMSATBw-2 is readied for integration on its Ariane 5 launcher
March 15, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62063.jpg)
COMSATBw-2 undergoes its fit-check inside the Spaceport's S5A hall – one of three primary clean room zones within the massive S5 facility.
The payload processing for Arianespace's year-opening Ariane 5 flight is continuing apace as the mission's two passengers are prepared for their March 24 liftoff.
During the activity, Germany's COMSATBw-2 made its initial contact with Ariane 5 launcher hardware inside the Spaceport's state-of-the-art S5 facility, where the spacecraft is undergoing the checkout and fueling process. This step involved COMSATBw-2's fit-check with its cone-shaped payload adapter – which serves as the satellite's interface with Ariane 5.
COMSATBw-2 is a secure relay spacecraft that will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces). Based on the Spacebus 3000B2 satellite bus, this platform was designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – the program's space segment prime contractor.
Together with COMSATBw-1 – which was orbited by Ariane 5 last year – the spacecraft will provide a secure broadband network that guarantees uninterrupted communications between the government, military authorities and armed forces deployed around the world.
COMSATBw-2 will ride as the lower passenger during Arianespace's upcoming mission, to be deployed after its companion payload – ASTRA 3B, which has been installed atop the Ariane 5 SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system inside the Spaceport's launch vehicle Final Assembly Building.
ASTRA 3B was built by Astrium for commercial telecommunications operator SES ASTRA, and will provide direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East.
Liftoff of the dual-payload Ariane 5 mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 will initiate Arianespace's busy launch schedule in 2010, which includes a total of seven flights for its heavy-lift workhorse.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/679.asp
ЦитироватьLaunch delay for Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads
March 18, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
The flight of Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 in 2010 has been postponed to allow for certain additional verifications on the launch vehicle.
This delay is in line with Arianespace's policy of ensuring the total readiness of its launchers as part of the company's commitment to quality and reliability.
The Ariane 5, with its integrated payload of the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites, is in a safe mode inside the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
A new date for the mission will be announced as soon as possible.
http://www.arianespace.com/images/launch-kits/launch-kit-pdf-eng/2010_ASTRA-3B_COMSATBw-2_EN.pdf
http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/europe-f10/ariane-5-eca-v194-astra-3b-comsatbw-2-26-03-2010-t9674-45.htm#183969
ЦитироватьSujet: Re: Ariane 5 ECA V194 / Astra-3B & ComsatBW-2 (26/03/2010) Aujourd'hui
http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/news/50th-ariane-5-ready-to-launch-astra-3b-and-comsatbw-2.html
50th Ariane 5 ready to launch Astra 3B and COMSATBw-2
Today
Ariane 5, Communications & Military Communication
Ariane 5 Flight 194 – ready to launch Astra 3B and COMSATBw-2 on 26 March
The first Ariane 5 mission of 2010, due for lift-off from the European Spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana on 26 March, will orbit two communications satellites developed by Astrium: Astra 3B for European operator SES ASTRA and COMSATBw-2 the German Armed Forces.
The 49-minute launch window opens at 22.03 UT (19.03 local time in Kourou, 23.03 in continental Western Europe).
Astrium is single prime contractor for the Ariane 5 system, responsible for delivery to Arianespace of a fully integrated and tested launch vehicle. The first launch of 2010 is also the 50th for Ariane 5.[/img]
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/680.asp
ЦитироватьLiftoff of the first Ariane 5 in 2010 is set for March 26 with a dual payload of civilian and military telecommunications satellites
March 23, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62103.jpg)
The fairing for Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack" carries Arianespace's logo and its "Service & Solutions" message tagline.
Arianespace has set for March 26 its initial Ariane 5 mission of 2010, which will carry SES ASTRA's ASTRA 3B commercial telecommunications satellite and the COMSATBw-2 secure relay platform for the German armed forces.
The Friday evening liftoff is scheduled at the opening of a launch window that runs from 7:03 p.m. local time at the Spaceport in French Guiana to 7:52 p.m. (22h03-22h52 UTC).
This mission will be the 194th flight of an Ariane family launch vehicle, and the 50th for an Ariane 5. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA version will be carrying a total payload of approximately 9,115 kg., which includes 7,970 kg. for the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites, plus the associated integration hardware and the SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system.
ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East. Produced by EADS Astrium, it will be positioned at SES ASTRA's important 23.5 deg. East orbital position.
COMSATBw-2 will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces). Based on the Spacebus 3000B2 satellite bus, the platform was designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – the program's space segment prime contractor.
This year-opening flight had been postponed from March 24 to allow for certain additional verifications on the launch vehicle. The delay is in line with Arianespace's policy of ensuring the total readiness of its launchers as part of the company's commitment to quality and reliability.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/681.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5's initial heavy-lift mission of 2010 is cleared for its March 26 liftoff
March 24, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62106.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/681_lg.jpg)
A special logo for the 50th Ariane 5 is placed on this heavy-lift launch vehicle's payload fairing.
Arianespace is ready for the start of a record operational year with the go-ahead for Friday's heavy-lift Ariane 5 launch, which will orbit SES ASTRA's ASTRA 3B commercial telecommunications satellite and Germany's COMSATBw-2 secure military relay platform.
Authorization for the March 26 flight was given following today's launch readiness review, which is held before each Arianespace mission. It validated the "go" status for Ariane 5, along with its two spacecraft passengers, the launch infrastructure at the Spaceport in French Guiana, and the network of downrange tracking stations.
This approval clears Ariane 5 for its transfer tomorrow from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex. The final countdown will then begin, leading to the liftoff during a launch window on Friday that opens at 7:03 p.m. local time, and continues to 7:52 p.m. (22h03-22h52 UTC).
The flight is Arianespace's first in a busy year that is scheduled to include seven missions with Ariane 5, which will be joined in 2010 by the medium-lift Soyuz. Preparations also are moving ahead for the lightweight Vega's upcoming introduction – which will provide Arianespace with a complete launcher family that operates side-by-side at the Spaceport.
For this Friday's launch, Ariane 5 will have a total lift performance of approximately 9,115 kg., which includes 7,970 kg. for the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites, plus associated launcher integration hardware and the SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system.
From liftoff to the deployment of Ariane 5's two passengers, the flight is to have a duration of just over 33 minutes. It will be the 194th mission of an Ariane family vehicle, and the 50th for Ariane 5.
Перенос на десять дней:
http://www.aeroplans.fr/Europespace/tir-report-ariane.html
http://www.avia.ru/news/?id=1269614421
ЦитироватьArianespace вновь перенес запуск ракеты Ariane-5
26 марта 2010
/AVIA.RU/
26 марта, AVIA.RU – Европейский космический концерн Arianespace не сможет запустить ракету-носитель Ariane-5 в день своего 30-летия, передает РИА Новости.
Запуск во второй раз отложен на несколько дней из-за технических проблем. Ракета должна вывести на орбиту два спутника: Astra 3B выводится по заказу люксембургского телеканала SES Astra, а спутник-ретранслятор COMSATBw-2 для немецкого министерства обороны.
Первоначально Arianespace собирался запустить ракету 24 марта, однако отложил запуск, чтобы провести дополнительную техническую проверку пускового устройства. Пуск был перенесен на 26 марта, на эту дату выпадает 30-я годовщина создания Arianespace.
"Мы проверяем систему давления в пусковой установке. Нам нужно будет доставить ее с места запуска в цех окончательной сборки, эти операции по проверке займут несколько дней. Возможно, в начале следующей недели, мы объявим точную дату запуска. Мы можем сказать, что это будет через несколько дней", - сказал представитель Arianespace.
Всего за год запланировано семь запусков.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/03-26-2010-v194-launch-postponed.asp
ЦитироватьFlight 194 - ASTRA 3B & COMSATBw-2: launch delayed
Kourou, March 26, 2010
During final count-down operations for Flight 194 slated for today, an anomaly occurred in a launcher subsystem.
As a result, Arianespace has decided to replace this part, and thus to postpone the launch for a few days.
The launch vehicle and its ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads have been placed in stand-by mode and maintained in fully safe conditions.
Потек клапан системы наддува бака окислителя 1-й ступени. Предварительная информация, что повтор будет не ранее 5-6 апреля.
Спасибо!
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/v194/preview/
Цитировать50th Ariane 5 rocket ready for launch Friday evening
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: March 26, 2010
A commercial satellite to distribute television programs to Europe and a German military communications bird are shrouded inside an Ariane 5 rocket scheduled to lift off Friday evening on its 50th flight.
The 166-foot-tall rocket can launch during a 49-minute window opening at 2203 GMT (6:03 p.m. EDT) Friday. The Ariane 5 will blast off from the French-run spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The rocket rolled atop a mobile launch table to the ELA-3 pad Thursday morning. The trip on dual rail tracks took nearly two hours, according to Arianespace, the rocket's commercial operator.
Once on the launch pad, the Ariane 5 was hooked up to the complex's electrical, fluid and communications systems for its one-day stay.
The mission will be the 50th launch of the Ariane 5 rocket since its disastrous debut flight in 1996, which was ended by an infamous computer glitch causing the vehicle to spin out of control 30 seconds after liftoff.
The Ariane 5 rocket overcame its dark beginnings and has amassed 35 straight successful launches since 2003. The European rocket now leads the cutthroat commercial launch industry.
Friday's launch is typical of Ariane 5 missions today. Powered into space by the combined force of hydrogen and solid rocket propulsion, the Ariane 5 ECA launcher will drop off two communications satellites in a preliminary transfer orbit. From there, the spacecraft will push themselves to their permanent stations in the geosynchronous arc 22,300 miles above the planet.
It will take more than 33 minutes for the Ariane 5 to deploy its payloads in an elliptical orbit that will take the satellites as far as 22,236 miles from Earth. The orbit should have an inclination angle of 3 degrees to the equator, according to Arianespace, which has managed the Ariane 5 rocket's commercial operations since 1999.
After providing the bulk of the thrust needed to propel that Ariane 5 into the upper atmosphere, the launcher's two cylindrical solid rocket boosters will be released at T+2 minutes, 20 seconds.
The hydrogen-fueled Vulcain 2 main engine of the first stage will give way to a cryogenic upper stage just after the 9-minute point in the flight. The Ariane 5's second stage will fire for nearly 16 minutes before shutting down at T+24 minutes, 45 seconds.
ASTRA 3B will separate from the Ariane 5 first at T+Plus 27 minutes, 40 seconds, according to Arianespace data. A barrel-shaped satellite adapter will be jettisoned three-and-a-half minutes later, exposing the COMSATBw 2 spacecraft for deployment at T+33 minutes, 21 seconds.
After arriving in geosynchronous orbit, ASTRA 3B will be positioned at 23.5 degrees east longitude to replace two aging satellites covering communications users across Europe and the Middle East.
Operated by SES ASTRA, the 12,063-pound satellite will broadcast television services directly to homes in Europe and provide two-way broadband communications for Middle East customers. ASTRA 3B's service life is projected to be at least 15 years.
COMSATBw 2 will join a nearly identical satellite launched in October to serve Germany's military with secure communications. The sister satellites will ensure the German Armed Forces receives reliable voice and data relay, video and multimedia broadcasting services for the next 15 years.
Germany's new satellite constellation will reach from the Americas to the Far East. COMSATBw 2 will focus its coverage on Europe and Africa.
Controllers at the Guiana Space Center will begin the Ariane 5's final countdown at 1033 GMT (6:33 a.m. EDT) Friday. Four hours later, at 1433 GMT (10:33 a.m. EDT), engineers will check the rocket's electrical systems. The first stage liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant loading sequence should begin just after 1700 GMT (1 p.m. EDT). Fueling of the second stage is expected about an hour later.
A final test of telemetry, tracking and command connections between the launcher and ground systems is scheduled for around 2053 GMT (4:53 p.m. EDT).
Seven minutes before launch, computers will take control of the countdown in a synchronized sequence of events to pressurize propellant tanks, switch to on-board power and take the rocket's guidance system to flight mode.
The Vulcain 2 engine will ignite as the countdown clock reaches zero, followed by a health check and ignition of the Ariane 5's solid rocket boosters seven seconds later to send the 1.7 million-pound launcher skyward.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20359.msg565487#msg565487
ЦитироватьAccording to Forum Conquete Spatiale (http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/europe-f10/ariane-5-eca-v194-astra-3b-comsatbw-2-08-04-2010-t9674-105.htm) new launch date is 8 April.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html
ЦитироватьNET April 8 Ariane 5 • Astra 3B & COMSATBw 2
Launch window: Approx. 2158-2148 GMT (5:58-6:48 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 194 will use an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Astra 3B direct-to-home television and broadband satellite for Europe and COMSATBw 2 communications satellite for the German military. Delayed from March 24 for rocket issue. Delayed from March 26 due to launcher subsystem problem. [April 1]
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/04-06-2010-v194-launch-date.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace launch 194 – ASTRA 3B & COMSATBw-2: Liftoff is set for Friday, April 9, 2010
Evry, France, April 6, 2010
Following additional checks, Arianespace has decided to restart the final countdown for its mission with the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now set for the night of Friday, April 9, as early as possible in the following launch window:
From 6:59 p.m. to 7:48 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana
From 5:59 p.m. to 6:48 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
From 9:59 p.m. to 10:48 p.m. UTC, on April 9.
From 11:59 p.m. to 12:48 a.m. in Paris, on April 9/10.
http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/news/50th-ariane-5-ready-to-launch-astra-3b-and-comsatbw-2.html
Цитировать50th Ariane 5 set for launch
April 07 2010
Ariane 5 Flight 194 – ready to launch Astra 3B and COMSATBw-2 on 9 April
The first Ariane 5 mission of 2010, due for lift-off from the European Spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana on 9 April, will orbit two communications satellites developed by Astrium: Astra 3B for European operator SES ASTRA and COMSATBw-2 the German Armed Forces.
The 49-minute launch window opens at 21.59 UT (18.59 local time in Kourou, 23.59 in continental Western Europe).
Astrium is single prime contractor for the Ariane 5 system, responsible for delivery to Arianespace of a fully integrated and tested launch vehicle. This first launch of 2010 is also the fiftieth for Ariane 5.
(http://www.astrium.eads.net/media/image/ariane5-to-launchpad.jpg)
Трансляция будет тут?
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en
ЦитироватьТрансляция будет тут?
Да, уже началась.
У меня только тут:
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index_fr.php?langue=fr
Встали на -7..
Ожидаемое время пуска 02:24 лмв. Стартовое окно закрывается в 02:48 лмв.
Пошёл отсчёт.
Пять минут до старта!
Одна минута!
Отбой на 42 секунде! :(
Всё сначала.
Отменила автоматика, "из-за проблем в интерфейсе связи с РН". Ранее -7 мин это вроде был запланированный hold.
А где комментарий на английском есть?
Не знаю, я так понял слова комментатора. Хотя можно понять, как из-за проблем в интерфейсе РН-СК.
Кина не будет. :(
Перенос минимум на сутки.
Cегодня отменяется. No Go for tonight.
Сказали была проблема c надувом у РН. Будут разбираться.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/04-09-2010-v194-launch-delay.asp
ЦитироватьFlight 194 - ASTRA 3B & COMSATBw-2: Launch delayed
Kourou, April 9, 2010
Due to a launch vehicle pressurization anomaly during final countdown operations for Flight 194, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch.
The launch vehicle and its ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads have been placed in stand-by mode and maintained in fully safe conditions.
A new date for the mission will be announced as soon as possible.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20359.msg571951#msg571951
ЦитироватьThe problem is with the "sphere helium", located near Vulcain-2 engine. It provides pressurisation for the oxygen tank of the first stage (EPC).
Причина переноса запуска в отказе регулятора давления. Его назначение понижение давления с 300 бар в гелиевых шаро-баллонах до 70 бар используемых для открытия основного клапана подачи ЖК к двигателю. На 45 с сработал предохранительный клапан стоящий между этим регулятором и ЭПК, что позволило избежать повреждения как самого ЭПК так и основного пневмоклапана подачи ЖК, и стартовый отсчет был остановлен. Поставщик регулятора и ЭПК Microtecnica (Италия).
Перенос пуска в конце марта, а также, задержка пуска в декабре также была связана с не номинальной работой ЭПК того же производителя.
В связи с повторяющимися замечаниями по качеству изделий одного и того же производителя, была организована комиссия по качеству которая должна сделать свои выводы до 15/04 о причинах и влиянии на этот и последующие пуски.
ЦитироватьЦитироватьNonetheless, Le Gall said the launch is unlikely to occur before the first half of May. While it will be Arianespace's first Ariane 5 launch of the year, the company still plans seven launches in 2010 and likely will shorten or eliminate a planned mid-summer break to reach the target.
http://www.spacenews.com/launch/100416-arianespace-quality-control.html
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg581431#msg581431
ЦитироватьRe: Arianespace launch schedule
« Reply #326 on: 04/23/2010 03:41 PM »
V194 launch is expected on 21 or 22 May (also there are rumours about launching in early June) according to FCS.
Откладывавшийся трижды запуск ракеты Ariane-5 намечен на 21 мая (http://rian.ru/science/20100511/233092467.html)
ЦитироватьПАРИЖ, 11 мая - РИА Новости, Владимир Добровольский. Европейский космический концерн Arianespace надеется 21 мая с четвертого раза запустить ракету-носитель Ariane 5 со спутником для бундесвера, пуск которой откладывался из-за технических проблем, сообщил во вторник в интервью изданию Figaro глава Arianespace Жан-Ив Ле Галль.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg584254#msg584254
Цитировать21 May - Astra 3B & COMSATBw-2 - Ariane 5 ECA (V194) - 22:01 UTC
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1005/14sealaunch/
ЦитироватьArianespace sets date for next launch after inquiries
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: May 13, 2010
After a month-long review of nagging problems with the Ariane 5 rocket's helium pressurization system, the commercial workhorse is scheduled to return to flight May 21 with two communications satellites, Arianespace's top executive said Wednesday.
"We corrected what went wrong, which is a helium subsystem that regulates the pressurization of the launch vehicle," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace's chairman and CEO. "Now, we are ready and we will launch on the 21st of May."
The company's first launch of the year has been postponed three times since mid-March, including a last-minute scrub April 9 attributed to a faulty pressure regulator on the Ariane 5 rocket's first stage.
According to Le Gall, the component is used to keep the Ariane 5's hydrogen and oxygen propellant tanks pressurized during the flight. Helium is used to pressurize the tanks during the countdown.
The helium pressurization system was also blamed for a scrub of the last Ariane 5 launch in December. Engineers resolved that problem and the rocket successfully lifted off nine days later, after another unrelated delay.
Arianespace officials announced parallel inquiries into the technical cause of the helium subsystem glitches and an overall audit of the Ariane 5's quality control procedures.
"This is the first time we have done this without a launch failure because we had some trouble with parts, and this is why we needed to perform this quality control [review]."
Le Gall said managers replaced parts of the troublesome helium pressure regulator and the new hardware has passed ground testing. In a meeting Wednesday at the Guiana Space Center, officials signed off on the repairs and gave the green light for launch next week.
Liftoff is scheduled for a launch window that opens at 2201 GMT (6:01 p.m. EDT) May 21. The 50th Ariane 5 mission will haul into orbit the ASTRA 3B broadcasting satellite and the German military's COMSATBw 2 communications platform.
But the top-level inquiry into Ariane 5 quality issues is still continuing as workers in French Guiana prep the next rocket for liftoff.
"In parallel, we are proceeding with the quality audit to be sure that the rest of the launch vehicle is not affected by other problems," Le Gall said Wednesday. "Today we got the preliminary report of this quality review, which cleared the way for this launch, but we will have the full report by the end of June."
Arianespace will be playing catch-up the rest of the year to overcome the two-month delay of its first launch of 2010. Le Gall said he still expects the company to fly seven Ariane 5 rockets this year, ending with the launch of the second Automated Transfer Vehicle for the International Space Station.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/05-18-2010-v194-launch-scheduled.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace: next Ariane 5 launch scheduled for Friday, May 21
Evry, May 18, 2010
Arianespace has set the date for the next Ariane 5 launch for Friday, May 21, 2010.
An Ariane 5 ECA will loft into orbit the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites. This will be the 50th launch of an Ariane 5.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now set for the night of Friday, May 21, as early as possible in the following launch window:
From 7:01 p.m. to 7:44 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana
From 6:01 p.m. to 6:44 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
From 10:01 p.m. to 10:44 p.m. UTC, on May 21.
From 12:01 a.m. to 12:44 a.m. in Paris, on May 22.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/689.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5's liftoff with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 is set for May 21
May 18, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
Arianespace's next heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for this Friday, May 21, carrying a mixed payload of commercial and military telecommunications satellites.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA with its ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 spacecraft is set at the start of a launch window that opens at 7:01 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:44 p.m.
ASTRA 3B is riding in the upper position of Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," with COMSATBw-2 installed below it, housed inside a 6.4 meter-tall SYLDA 5 dispenser. The payloads are protected by a 17-meter-tall fairing, which will be jettisoned after the launcher's initial ascent through the atmosphere's dense layers.
To be launched for SES ASTRA, ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East. It was produced by EADS Astrium, and will be positioned at SES ASTRA's important 23.5 deg. East orbital position.
COMSATBw-2 is designed to deliver key communications services for the German Bundeswehr (German armed forces). Based on the Spacebus 3000B2 satellite bus, the platform was designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – the program's space segment prime contractor.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62608.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/690.asp
ЦитироватьMay 20, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62609.jpg)
Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads is on track for a liftoff tomorrow evening, following the heavy-lift vehicle's rollout to the launch zone at the Spaceport in French Guiana this morning.
Riding atop its mobile launch table, Ariane 5 emerged from the Final Assembly Building under a sunny French Guiana sky and was transferred to the launch pad to be secured in place.
This flight will mark another of Arianespace's missions with a mixed civilian/military payload, as ASTRA 3B is to provide direct-to-home (DTH) services, plus public and private satellite communications for SES ASTRA; while COMSATBw-2 will serve as a secure relay spacecraft for the delivery of key telecommunications capacity to Germany's armed forces.
Lift performance for the Ariane 5 ECA will be more than 9,110 kg., including approximately 7,970 kg. for the two spacecraft passengers, plus the mass of the vehicle's dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.
ASTRA 3B is riding in the upper position of the launcher's payload "stack" and will be deployed at just under 28 minutes into the flight, with COMSATBw-2 located below it in the SYLDA 5 dispenser for a separation at 33 minutes after liftoff.
Трансляция пуска:
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en
Улетела
Оба спутника на расчётной орбите :D
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2010/692.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 makes history with its successful mission to orbit ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2
May 21, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
Arianespace delivered another dual-satellite payload into orbit today with a milestone flight that utilized the 50th Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62618.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/v194-success3-lg.jpg)
Tonight's mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 was the 50th launch of an Ariane 5 vehicle.
Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, this Ariane 5 ECA version successfully orbited the ASTRA 3B commercial telecommunications satellite for Luxembourg-based SES ASTRA, along with the COMSATBw-2 secure military relay spacecraft for Astrium GmbH on behalf of the German Bundeswehr (armed forces).
With today's mission, Arianespace's workhorse heavy-lift launch vehicle has lofted payloads weighing a combined total of more than 300,000 kg. since its maiden liftoff in 1996.
During the past 50 flights, Ariane 5s have carried commercial telecommunications satellites; military relay, reconnaissance and early warning spacecraft; Earth observation platforms and meteorological satellites; scientific space probes, experimental and developmental payloads, and the first Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station.
"And this success will continue: after today's flight Arianespace's order book still has 34 geostationary orbit satellites to launch – which is a new record – along with six missions with the ATV [Automated Transfer Vehicle] and 17 launches for Soyuz," said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall in post-launch comments at the Spaceport's mission control center. "Since the start of 2010, Arianespace already has signed seven new contracts, with several others now in advanced negotiations."
This evening's mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 was the 194th flight of an Ariane family launcher since 1979. Payload lift performance for the launch was approximately 9,115 kg. – which included 7,970 kg. for the two satellites, plus the associated integration hardware and the launcher's SYLDA 5 dual-payload dispenser system.
The on-time liftoff occurred at the start of a launch window that opened at 7:01 p.m. local time in French Guiana. Ariane 5 provided another high-precision delivery, with the following provisional parameters at the injection of the vehicle's cryogenic upper stage:
- Perigee: 248.5 km. for a target of 248.4 km.
- Apogee: 35,970 km. for a target of 35,969 km.
- Inclination: 3.00 deg. for a target of 3.00 deg.
ASTRA 3B was released first into geostationary transfer orbit, being separated from the upper passenger position of Ariane 5's dual payload "stack" at approximately 27 minutes into the flight. The satellite was produced for SES ASTRA by EADS Astrium, and it had an estimated liftoff mass of 5,470 kg.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/62619.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2010/v194-success1-lg.jpg)
More than 300,000 kg. of payloads have been carried by Ariane 5 during this workhorse launcher's 50 missions.
Configured with 60 Ku-band transponders and four Ka-band transponders, ASTRA 3B was the 10th satellite orbited by Arianespace for SES ASTRA, and the 33rd for the SES group – one of the world's leading providers of satellite transmission capacity. ASTRA 3B will be located at 23.5 degrees East, which is ASTRA's orbital position for delivering Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcast services to Benelux and Eastern European countries, and this location also will serve public and private satellite communication networks across Europe and the Middle East.
The COMSATBw-2 lower passenger on Ariane 5 was deployed at approximately 33 min. into the flight. This 2,440-kg. satellite was designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – the program's space segment prime contractor – and it was the 34th military satellite orbited by Arianespace.
COMSATBw-2 will operate from an orbital position of 13.2 deg. East, providing secure broadband network for uninterrupted communications between the German government, military authorities and armed forces deployed around the world. It is equipped with four SHF-band transponders and five UHF-band transponders, and will join COMSATBw-1 – orbited last October by another Ariane 5.
Today's launch had previously been postponed, and Le Gall thanked all who contributed to resolving the technical issues that were encountered. "This flight is the 40th Ariane 5 launch since I joined Arianespace, and more than anyone, I fully appreciate what we owe all of you," Le Gall added. "I particularly want to thank you for the work performed during the past several weeks, which enabled us to succeed with this superb launch."
Le Gall announced that Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission is planned for June, with the ARABSAT-5A and COMS-1 satellites.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/05-21-2010-v194-launch-success.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace's double success: 50th Ariane 5 mission, 36th successful launch in a row - ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 in orbit
Kourou, May 21, 2010
On Friday, May 21, Arianespace placed two communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit: the ASTRA 3B commercial communications satellite for the Luxembourg-based operator SES ASTRA, and the COMSATBw-2 military communications satellite built by Astrium for the German Ministry of Defense.
50th Ariane 5 launch, 36th success in a row
The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the first in 2010, confirms that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions continue to set the global standard for all telecommunications operators, whether civil or military. It also reflects the strategic facet of Arianespace, which guarantees independent access to space for all European governments.
Ariane 5 is the only commercial satellite launcher now on the market capable of simultaneously launching two payloads, giving Arianespace customers outstanding performance, flexibility and competitiveness.
This was the 50th launch of an Ariane 5 and the 36th successful launch in a row.
Supporting civil and military satcom solutions
Over the last two decades, Arianespace and SES have developed an exceptional relationship. ASTRA 3B, built by Astrium, is the 33rd satellite from the SES group (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Bourse: SESG) to have chosen the European launcher. SES ASTRA operates the leading direct-to-home (DTH) TV broadcast system in Europe, serving more than 125 million households via DTH and cable networks.
COMSATBw-2 is the 34th military payload to use the European launcher. Astrium chose Arianespace for the launch of two military communications satellites, COMSATBw-1, orbited in October 2009, and COMSATBw-2, as part of a satellite communications system set up by the German Ministry of Defense.
ASTRA 3B/COMSATBw-2 mission at a glance
The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 7:01 pm local time in Kourou (6:01 pm in Washington, D.C., 22:01 UT, 12:01 am in Paris on Saturday, May 22, and at 2:01 am in Moscow).
ASTRA 3B was built by Astrium using a Eurostar 3000M platform, and weighed 5,500 kg at launch. Fitted with 60 active Ku-band transponders and four Ka-band transponders, ASTRA 3B will be positioned at 23.5 degrees East. It will deliver high-power broadcast services across all of Europe, and offers a design life of about 15 years.
COMSATBw-2 weighed 2,500 kg at launch and offers a design life of 15 years. Its coverage zone extends from the Americas to the Far East, and it will be operated from different sites by German aerospace agency DLR. German armed forces will take advantage of a secure network for voice, data, fax, video and multimedia transmissions. Astrium is in charge of the space segment, including in-orbit delivery of the satellite. Thales Alenia Space designed, manufactured, integrated and tested the satellite, which it delivered before launch to Astrium. Most of the payload for the satellite was produced by Tesat, Astrium's German subsidiary. Through the joint venture Milsat Services, Astrium is also responsible for the satellite communications contract.
http://www.arianespace.com/images/launch-kits/launch-kit-pdf-eng/ASTRA-3B-COMSATBw-new-en.pdf
Шустрый COMSATBw-2 уже на стационаре.