http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/753.asp
ЦитироватьMaintaining the pace: a second Ariane 5 arrives in French Guiana for launch in 2011[/size]
January 7, 2011 – Ariane Flight 201
Key elements of the Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace's second flight of 2011 arrived at the Spaceport this week, where they will be readied for a dual payload mission with the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites.
The Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage and payload fairing were delivered to French Guiana by the MN Colibri, which is one of two sea-going ships utilized by Arianespace for the transportation of launch vehicle components from Europe to South America. Also carried aboard this roll-on/roll-off vessel were four upper segments to be used in solid rocket motors for other Ariane 5 launchers.
After the MN Colibri's docking at Pariacabo Port, the Ariane 5 hardware was unloaded and moved by road to the Spaceport.
This second mission of 2011 – which will be the 201st flight of an Ariane family vehicle – is to utilize an Ariane 5 ECA version of the heavy-lift launcher. Its Yahsat 1A passenger is designed to provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. It was built by a joint team of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space for the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) – a private joint stock company owned by Mubadala, an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government.
To be positioned at 52.5 deg. East, Yahsat 1A will deliver innovative solutions for Internet links via satellite, business data networks and television transmission services – particularly for high-definition TV.
The Ariane 5 mission's other payload, Intelsat New Dawn, will provide voice, wireless backhaul, Internet and media applications services. Operating from an orbital position of 32.9 deg. East, its footprint is designed for coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and sub-Saharan regions. This Orbital Sciences Corporation-built hybrid C-band/Ku-band satellite was produced for the joint venture of Intelsat and a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners, and it will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet.
Arianespace's mission with Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn will follow the February 15 flight of an Ariane 5 ES launcher version with the second Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station. This year-opening mission of 2011 will be the historic 200th flight for Europe's Ariane launcher since the maiden flight of an Ariane 1 in December 1979.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/63642.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/63643.jpg)
The Ariane 5 core cryogenic stage for Arianespace's mission with Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn is unloaded from the MN Colibri at Pariacabo Port (photo at left), and arrives by road at the Spaceport (at right).
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/757.asp
ЦитироватьAssembly begins for the Ariane 5 to orbit Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn[/size]
February 4, 2011 – Ariane Flight 201
The Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace's second flight of 2011 is taking shape in French Guiana, where it will be used to loft a dual payload of the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites.
This Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage has been erected inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, and is now positioned over one of two operational mobile launch tables used for the heavy-lift vehicle. The two large solid propellant boosters will then be mated with the core stage, followed by installation of the launcher's cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
After its deployment by Ariane 5, the Yahsat 1A satellite is to provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia – delivering innovative solutions for Internet links via satellite, along with business data network and television transmission services.
Yahsat 1A was built by a joint team of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, and will be positioned at an orbital slot of 52.5 deg. East.
The Ariane 5's Intelsat New Dawn payload has been designed for voice, wireless backhaul, Internet and media applications services. When operational at an orbital position of 32.9 deg. East, its footprint is configured for coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and sub-Saharan regions.
Orbital Sciences Corporation built the hybrid C-band/Ku-band satellite for the joint venture of Intelsat and a Convergence Partners-led South African investor group. It will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet.
The flight with Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn is to follow Arianespace's February 15 launch of an Ariane 5 to loft Europe's second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for servicing of the International Space Station. This ATV mission will be the historic 200th flight for Europe's Ariane launcher since the maiden flight of an Ariane 1 version in December 1979.
Preparations for Arianespace's second mission of 2011 include the rollout of one of Ariane 5's two solid propellant boosters (at left), and positioning of the launcher's core cryogenic stage over its mobile launch table inside the integration building at Europe's Spaceport (three photos at right).
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/757-1.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/757-2.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/757-3.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/757-4.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/758.asp
ЦитироватьInitial assembly is complete for the Ariane 5 to launch Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn[/size]
February 9, 2011 – Ariane Flight 201
The 57th Ariane 5 to be launched from French Guiana has completed the initial build-up process, preparing it to receive a dual-payload of commercial telecommunications satellites.
This heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA currently is in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, where its core cryogenic stage was mated with the two solid propellant boosters during recent weeks, followed by yesterday's installation of the upper composite – which is composed of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
After additional systems verification, the Ariane 5 will be ready for transfer to the Final Assembly Building, where the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites are to be positioned atop the launcher in a dual payload "stack."
The Spaceport's Final Assembly Building currently is occupied by an Ariane 5 ES launcher, which will loft Europe's no. 2 Automated Transfer Vehicle on a mission set for February 15.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/63801.jpg)
This "action" photo shows the Ariane 5's upper composite, consisting of the Ariane 5's ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay, as it is hoisted for installation on the assembled launcher – visible at left in the Spaceport's integration building.
http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=119082050
February 21, 2011
Astrium... From Shipping To Prepping (Satellite)
Image of the Y1A is courtesy of Astrium[SatNews] The Yahsat first satellite Y1A, built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, has left the Astrium facilities in Toulouse, France, and was transported by air to Kourou, French Guiana, in preparation for its launch by an Ariane 5 vehicle in March 2011.
Y1A is the first satellite built for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) by an industrial team of Astrium and Thales Alenia Space acting as co-prime contractors as part of a turnkey two-satellite system contract led by Astrium. Astrium supplied the Eurostar E3000 platform and assembled and tested the spacecraft. Thales Alenia Space supplied the communications payload operating in C-, Ku- and Ka-bands. Thales Alenia Space is also in charge of the launcher procurement. The Launch and Early Orbit Phase will be conducted from the Astrium spacecraft control centre in Toulouse. Y1A will have a launch mass of 6,000 kg and a spacecraft power of 14kW at the end of its 15-year designed lifetime.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/16938.jpg)
Image of the Y1A is courtesy of Astrium
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/766.asp
ЦитироватьIntelsat New Dawn arrives at the Spaceport for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 flight[/size]
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/63878.jpg)
The Intelsat New Dawn satellite is unloaded from an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport.
March 4, 2011 – Ariane Flight 201
The second payload for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission arrived this week at the Spaceport in French Guiana as preparations continue for the heavy-lift flight planned on March 29.
Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, the Intelsat New Dawn communications relay platform is to provide voice, wireless backhaul, Internet and media applications services for the joint venture of Intelsat and a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners.
Intelsat New Dawn will have a liftoff mass of approximately 3,000 kg., and will be operated and marketed as part of the global Intelsat fleet. It carries 16 Ku-band and 14 C-band transponders, and will operate from an orbital position of 32.9 deg. East Longitude to cover the Middle East, part of Europe, Africa and sub-Saharan regions.
The satellite will be orbited along with its co-passenger, Yahsat Y1A, on another of Ariane 5's dual-payload missions.
http://www.dxb.ru/news/uae-news.php?ELEMENT_ID=48386
ЦитироватьПервый из созданных в эмирате Абу-Даби спутник будет запущен в космос 30 марта[/size]
13.03.2011
Абу-Даби, ОАЭ. Первый искусственный спутник, созданный в Абу-Даби, будет запущен с территории Франции 30 марта 2011 года. Ожидается, что спутник будет использоваться в военных, гражданских и коммерческих целях. Кроме того, по информации Мухаммеда Аль Зааби, главного исполнительного директора компании Al Yahsat Satellite Communications Company (YahSat), второй из двух «гибридных» спутников, который также будет запущен на околоземную орбиту, будет готов к концу текущего года. Напомним, что компания YahSat, являющаяся частью Mubadala Development Company, инвестиционного подразделения правительства Абу-Даби, объявляла о своих планах по созданию и запуску в космос искусственных спутников в конце прошлого года. Спутниковая телекоммуникационная программа, стоимость которой составляет US$ 1,6 млрд, призвана открыть новые возможности развития бизнеса в Объединённых Арабских Эмиратах. Спутник, который будет запущен с территории Франции, будет «обслуживать» военные системы связи, сети связи отдаленных районов эмирата, службы пограничного контроля, агентства и организации по чрезвычайным ситуациям, оказывающие помощь при массовых и стихийных бедствиях. Напомним, что запуск искусственных спутников, созданных в ОАЭ, проводится не впервые. 29 июля 2009 года с космодрома Байконур (Казахстан) уже был произведен успешный запуск первого государственного спутника дистанционного зондирования DubaiSat-1 («ДубайСат-1»). Эмиратский спутник стартовал на борту российско-украинской ракеты-носителя «Днепр». Он был размещен в носовой части ракеты вместе с пятью другими космическими аппаратами: «Деймос-1» и «НаноСат-1В» из Испании, «ЮК ДМС-2» из Великобритании, «АпрайзСат-3» и «АпрайзСат-4» из США.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/769.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 moves to the Final Assembly Building for Arianespace's second flight of 2011[/size]
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/769-pano.jpg)
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn approaches the Spaceport's Final Assembly
Building, where it will be fitted with its dual-satellite payload.
March 14, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
The heavy-lift Ariane 5 for Arianespace's second launch of 2011 is now in the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport, where it will be fitted with the dual payload of Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn.
This flight will keep up the mission pace for Arianespace during the year, in which the company is targeting a total of 12 launches – composed of six Ariane 5 flights, the first two Soyuz launches and Vega's inaugural liftoff, all from the Spaceport; along with three Soyuz launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The upcoming Ariane 5 mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn is set for March 29, with its two passengers weighing in at a total combined mass of approximately 9,000 kg.
Once integrated on the launcher, Yahsat Y1A will be in the upper position of Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," with Intelsat New Dawn located as the lower passenger.
Yahsat Y1A is the initial telecommunications relay spacecraft for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), and it was built by an industrial team of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space – which have the responsibility of co-prime contractors. Astrium is the lead for a turnkey delivery of the two-satellite Yahsat system, while Thales Alenia Space is in charge of the launcher procurement.
With a payload of Ku-, Ka- and C-band transponders, the spacecraft will provide coverage over the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
Intelsat New Dawn is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite, with the mission of supplying critical communications infrastructure for African customers. To be marketed and operated as part of the Intelsat satellite fleet, Intelsat New Dawn will deliver wireless backhaul, broadband and media content – which are the fastest growing satellite-based applications in Africa.
This satellite was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation and is equipped with C-band and Ku-band transponders.
Arianespace's upcoming mission with Intelsat New Dawn and Yahsat Y1A follows the February 16 flight of an Ariane 5 with the Automated Transfer Vehicle, which was deployed for a servicing mission with the International Space Station.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/768.asp
ЦитироватьAfrica's first private sector telecom satellite is readied for launch on Ariane 5[/size]
March 14, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Pre-launch checkout is continuing at the Spaceport in French Guiana for Intelsat New Dawn – the first-ever African private sector communications satellite – which is one of two spacecraft passengers to be orbited on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission, scheduled for March 29.
Equipped with C-band and Ku-band transponders designed specifically to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers, Intelsat New Dawn will deliver wireless backhaul, broadband and media content – which are the fastest growing satellite-based applications in Africa.
The satellite was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia, and will have a mass at liftoff of 3,000 kg. After its deployment by Ariane 5, the spacecraft will be positioned at a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8° East for its Africa area coverage.
Intelsat New Dawn is the result of a joint venture with a consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat, the world's leading provider of fixed satellite services and a long-time Arianespace customer. Once in service, the satellite will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet, bringing to 22 the number of Intelsat satellites serving Africa.
The Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft is to be orbited along with co-passenger Yahsat Y1A on another of Ariane 5's dual-payload flights, marking Arianespace's second mission of 2011 with the heavy-lift workhorse launcher. This flight, designated VA201, will mark the 201st launch of an Ariane family vehicle since the maiden liftoff of an Ariane 1 version in 1979.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/768-lg.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/770.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission moves into its payload integration phase[/size]
March 18, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Payload integration for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission is now underway at the Spaceport with the installation of Yahsat Y1A on the launcher's dual-passenger dispenser system.
During activity inside Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building, the Yahsat Y1A satellite was mounted atop the SYLDA dispenser structure – where it will ride as the upper passenger in the launcher's payload "stack."
With a liftoff mass of 6,000 kg., Yahsat Y1A will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for the government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
This satellite was built by an industrial team of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space – which have co-prime contractor responsibilities.
Yahsat Y1A will be launched along with the Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellite during the Ariane 5 mission on March 30. Intelsat New Dawn is to be integrated on Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage next week, followed by the installation of Yahsat Y1A and its SYLDA dispenser over it, completing the two-satellite payload "stack."
Arianespace's upcoming flight with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn will be the second launch of the workhorse Ariane 5 from French Guiana in 2011.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/770-1.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/770-2.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/770-3.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/770-4.jpg)
This photo series highlights the integration of Yahsat Y1A, beginning with its preparation in the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building and the hoisting by an overhead crane (photos at left), followed by the positioning atop the launcher's SYLDA dispenser (photos at right).
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/773.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 receives its Intelsat New Dawn satellite passenger
[/size]
March 22, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
The final payload integration phase has begun for next week's Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission, with the Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellite now integrated on the workhorse launch vehicle.
This spacecraft was positioned yesterday atop Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage, placing it as the lower passenger in the dual-passenger payload "stack."
Intelsat New Dawn is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite and was conceived to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers – delivering wireless backhaul, broadband and media content, which are among the fastest growing satellite-based applications in Africa.
Produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia, the relay platform carries C-band and Ku-band transponders, and will have a liftoff mass of 3,000 kg. After its deployment by Ariane 5, it will be positioned at a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8° East for its Africa area coverage.
Intelsat New Dawn was developed for a joint venture consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat, and is to be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet.
To be orbited along with Intelsat New Dawn on Arianespace's March 30 mission is the 6,000-kg. Yahsat Y1A, which will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for the government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/773-lg.jpg)
Intelsat New Dawn is been installed as the lower passenger in Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack."
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/775.asp
ЦитироватьPayload integration is complete for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 to be launched in 2011[/size]
March 23, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
The Yahsat Y1A satellite has joined its Intelsat New Dawn co-passenger on the Ariane 5 that is being readied for Arianespace's heavy-lift mission next week from the Spaceport in French Guiana.
Encapsulated in its ogive-shaped payload fairing, Yahsat Y1A was lowered into place yesterday over the Intelsat New Dawn satellite, which was installed atop Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage earlier in the week.
With this latest milestone, the Ariane 5's dual payload "stack" has now been completed, clearing the way for final steps that will include functional tests, launch rehearsal and launch vehicle arming – followed by a readiness review and rollout to the Spaceport's launch zone for an evening liftoff on March 30.
Yahsat Y1A will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for the government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. With a liftoff mass of 6,000 kg., this spacecraft is based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, and its communications payload was supplied by Thales Alenia Space.
Intelsat New Dawn will be the first-ever African private sector communications satellite, and was developed for a joint venture consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat. Conceived to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers – delivering wireless backhaul, broadband and media content – the 3,000-kg. relay platform will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet. The satellite was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Universal time (GMT) 9:45 p.m. to 10:52 p.m. on March 30, 2011
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/775-lg.jpg)
During integration activity inside the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, the payload fairing containing Yahsat Y1A is lowered over Intelsat New Dawn to create Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack."
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/777.asp
ЦитироватьThe Ariane 5 mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn is "go" for its March 30 liftoff[/size]
March 28, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of 2011 has been given the green light for its March 30 liftoff with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites, clearing the way for this heavy-lift vehicle's rollout tomorrow to the Spaceport's launch zone in French Guiana.
The authorization was granted following the completion of today's launch readiness review – a milestone before every flight that validates the "go" status of the Ariane 5, its dual satellite payload, the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of tracking stations.
For this dual-payload mission, Ariane 5 will deploy the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites during a flight lasting 35 minutes. It will be the 57th launch of an Ariane 5, with a total lift performance of nearly 10,065 kg. – which includes the combined 8,965 kg. liftoff mass of the two spacecraft passengers, along with the SYLDA dual payload dispenser and integration hardware.
To be released first during this mission will be 6,000-kg. Yahsat Y1A, which was developed for the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. Located in the upper position of Ariane 5's dual-passenger payload "stack," this spacecraft is based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, while its communications payload was supplied by Thales Alenia Space.
Deployed from Ariane 5's lower payload slot will be Intelsat New Dawn, which is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite. Produced for a joint venture consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat, the Orbital Sciences Corporation-built satellite was conceived to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers – delivering wireless backhaul, broadband and media content. Once at its operational geostationary orbital position, the relay platform will be operated and marketed as part of the global Intelsat fleet.
The March 30 mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn is one of Arianespace's six Ariane 5 flights planned for 2011, along with the first two launches of its medium-lift Soyuz, and the lightweight Vega's maiden flight – all from the Spaceport; as well as three Soyuz missions from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Arianespace is maintaining the company's launch pace to meet this goal, as two other mission campaigns currently are underway. At the Spaceport, another Ariane 5 is taking shape for a May mission with the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellites, while preparations are underway for an Arianespace Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with six second-generation Globalstar spacecraft.
Launch kit:
http://www.arianespace.com/images/launch-kits/launch-kit-pdf-eng/VA201-launchkit-english.pdf
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/778.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 rolls out for its March 30 launch with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites[/size]
March 29, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
The Ariane 5 with a dual-satellite payload for telecommunications operators serving Africa and the Middle East has moved to the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport, readying it for tomorrow's liftoff on Arianespace's second flight of 2011.
This heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA was transferred from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, riding atop one of two operational mobile launch tables for the workhorse commercial vehicle.
Preparations now are underway for tomorrow's final countdown leading to liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:45 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:52 p.m.
The Ariane 5's payload lift performance will be nearly 10,065 kg., which includes a mass of 8,965 kg. for its Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite passengers, along with the associated integration hardware and the launcher's SYLDA multi-payload dispenser system.
Riding as the upper passenger in Ariane 5's payload "stack" is Yahsat Y1A, which will be released at approximately 27 minutes into the flight. The spacecraft will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for the government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
With a liftoff mass of about 6,000 kg., Yahsat Y1A is based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, and its communications payload was supplied by Thales Alenia Space.
Intelsat New Dawn – which is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite, and was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation – will be deployed from Ariane 5's lower passenger at just over 35 minutes after liftoff.
This spacecraft is the result of a joint venture with a consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat, the world's leading provider of fixed satellite services and a long-time Arianespace customer. Once in service, Intelsat New Dawn will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet, bringing to 22 the number of Intelsat satellites serving Africa.
Tomorrow's mission is designated VA201, signifying the 201st launch of an Ariane family vehicle since 1979. It follows the February 16 flight of an Ariane 5 with the Automated Transfer Vehicle, which was deployed for a servicing mission with the International Space Station.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/778_lg.jpg)
Видеотрансляция:
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en
Пошла картинка.
Облом. :(
Вулкан не запустился?
однако... такое не часто бывает...
Вулкан вполне запустился, судя по звуку, а потом сразу абортнулся. Или тягу нужную не набрал в момент проверки, или какой-то датчик безопасности забросило в "красный".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_xWoyHBoh4
Да, почти запустился. Дым пошел красиво. И немножко огня было.
Смотрели на большом экране в Синнамари.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/3-30-2011.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA201: Interruption of the countdown[/size]
Kourou, March 30, 2011
In the last seconds of Ariane Flight VA201's launch countdown as the Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine was being ignited, the checkout process detected an anomaly on the launcher, interrupting the final countdown.
The Ariane 5 launcher and payload immediately switched to a safe mode.
Data analysis is underway to determine the cause of the anomaly, and in parallel, the launcher will be transferred to the Final Assembly Building – where it will be returned to a flight-ready condition.
Arianespace will set a new launch date as soon as possible.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/780.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 launch with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn: Launch countdown interrupted[/size]
March 30, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
The launch countdown for tonight's Ariane 5 mission with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites was interrupted prior to liftoff when an anomaly detected during the automated checkout procedure stopped the sequence before ignition of the solid boosters.
The synchronized countdown was conducted as planned, including the startup of Ariane 5's cryogenic main engine. Following the normal procedures for an Ariane 5 launch, this cryogenic engine's operation is fully validated during a period of seven seconds before an ignition command is given to the two solid boosters – which commits the vehicle to liftoff.
Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said the cryogenic main engine's checkout process was not completed successfully because of an anomaly detected on the launcher, preventing the boosters' ignition and thereby averting the launch. The Ariane 5 and its two payloads were then switched to a safe mode on the launch pad.
Le Gall stated that while data analysis is underway to determine the anomaly's source, the Ariane 5 will be rolled back to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, where it is to be returned to a flight-ready condition. "We do not take any risks, and therefore it is very important we determine the causes," he added.
Arianespace will set a new launch date as soon as possible.
пресс-релиз похоже писал капитан Эвидо.
Запуск Ariane-5 с космодрома Куру отложен из-за технических проблемЦитироватьМОСКВА, 31 мар - РИА Новости. Запуск ракеты-носителя Ariane-5, которая должна была вывести на орбиту два спутника связи Yahsat Y1A и Intelsat New Dawn, отложен на несколько дней из-за проблем с криогенным двигателем, сообщает в четверг агентство Франс Пресс со ссылкой на заявление европейского космического концерна Arianespace.
Пуск было запланировано произвести в среду поздно вечером с экваториального космодрома Куру во Французской Гвиане, однако произошло возгорание двигателя.
"Запуск был неудачным", - цитирует агентство заявление представителя Arianespace, который отметил, что концерн "проанализирует причины" возникшей проблемы с двигателем.
По его словам, в связи со сложившейся ситуацией запуск будет отложен "на несколько дней".
Предполагается, что принадлежащий властям ОАЭ спутник Yahsat Y1A будет транслировать сигнал на Ближний Восток, Африку, Европу и Юго-восточную Азию, а спутник Intelsat New Dawn - на Африку.
http://www.rian.ru/science/20110331/359553286.html
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/4-11-2011-va201-new-launch-date.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA201; Ariane 5 ECA with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn: Liftoff is scheduled for Friday, April 22, 2011[/size]
Evry, April 11, 2011
With the additional checkout and verification now in progress on the Ariane 5 ECA launcher, Arianespace has decided to resume the operations for Ariane Flight VA201 with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite payloads.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now scheduled for:
Friday, April 22 at 6:37 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana
Friday, April 22, at 5:37 p.m. in Washington D.C.,
Friday, April 22, at 21:37 UTC,
Friday, April 22, at 11:37 p.m. in Paris, and
Saturday, April 23 at 1:37 a.m. in Abu Dhabi.
Результат работы аварийной комиссии (насколько известно):
После команды зажигание ДУ Вулкан центрального блока EPC (Т0), во время автоматической проверки его работы в течении первых ~6,5 сек до подачи команды на зажигание боковых ускорителей EAP, циклограмма была остановлена системой управления на ~4,5 сек. Была обнаружена ненорма выставки в начальное положение одного из двух гидроэлектроприводов камеры ДУ Вулкан.
Возможно, неисправность связана с подтеканием привода либо неисправностью командно-распределительного устройства. Ждём информации...
http://www.spacenews.com/launch/110415-ariane-abort-engine-nozzle.html
ЦитироватьFri, 15 April, 2011
Imobilized Engine Nozzle Caused Ariane 5 Abort[/size]
By Peter B. de Selding
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The March 30 launch abort of Europe's Ariane 5 rocket after the main engine had been ignited was caused by one or more components attached to the engine nozzle that prevented the nozzle from moving freely during ignition, the head of the Arianespace launch consortium said April 15.
The suspect components have since been removed, and replacements tested and installed on the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, Jean-Yves Le Gall said in an interview. The launch, to carry Intelsat's New Dawn and startup operator Yahsat's Yahsat 1A telecommunications satellites, has been rescheduled for April 22.
The launch abort occurred after the end of the vehicle's usual automated sequence preceding ignition, a time when the on-board computer verifies that all systems are functioning correctly.
The March 30 countdown proceeded without a hitch, letting go the ignition of the main-stage cryogenic Vulcain engine. Typically that motor then burns for seven seconds, time for a final series of checks by the computer. If all is OK, the order is given to ignite the Ariane 5's two large strap-on solid-rocket boosters, which provide most of the initial thrust as the vehicle moves through the atmosphere.
Sensing a problem, the computer shut down the engine about midway through this seven-second firing.
"We have not isolated a single probable cause, but several components attached to the [Vulcain] engine and nozzle did not give the nozzle sufficient freedom of movement. The actuators then center the nozzle," Le Gall said in an interview. "In this case, the computer found that the nozzle was not moving as it should, and it correctly stopped the ignition."
It was the first time in Ariane 5's history that this has happened.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va201/110418update/
ЦитироватьArianespace blames launch abort on engine actuator[/size]
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: April 18, 2011
Engineers traced the cause of March's dramatic last-second abort of an Ariane 5 launch to an actuator in the vehicle's Vulcain main engine, a small part since replaced to allow the rocket to blast off as soon as Friday with communications satellites for the Middle East and Africa, according to Arianespace officials.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/17869.jpg)
The Ariane 5 rocket inside the final assembly building. Credit: Arianespace
The 16-story rocket and its two commercial payloads appeared ready to soar into space March 30, but the flight was automatically aborted when computers noticed something was amiss with the Ariane's hydrogen-fueled main engine.
The Ariane 5 rocket's on-board computer detected an "incorrect displacement" of one of the Vulcain 2 engine actuators less than a half-second before the launcher was supposed to lift off from the launch pad, according to an anomaly summary provided to Spaceflight Now.
In a typical Ariane 5 countdown, the Vulcain 2 engine ignites about seven seconds before computers give the command to fire the launcher's two solid rocket boosters, powerful strap-on motors that produce the energy for the vehicle to rise away from the pad at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.
During those seconds, the Ariane 5 is put through an automated health check before committing the rocket to flight.
The flight computer detected the anomaly March 30 about 6.6 seconds into the Vulcain engine's burn, just a fraction of a second before the solid rocket boosters would have ignited, according to Arianespace, the commercial operator of the Ariane 5.
It was the first time an Ariane 5 rocket experienced such a last-second fault after its engine was already firing.
Well-practiced procedures allowed the launch team to immediately put the rocket, payloads and ground facilities into a safe configuration. The rocket was drained of cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants before it was rolled back to the spaceport's final assembly building April 1 for inspections and repairs.
Engineers decided not to replace the Ariane 5's main engine, but workers removed multiple actuators from the Vulcain 2 and shipped them to their manufacturer in Europe for analysis, according to Mario de Lepine, an Arianespace spokesperson.
The actuators are small components that move the engine. Technicians inserted fresh units in their place.
"The launch vehicle is now back to its normal sequence of operations leading to the next launch attempt," de Lepine said.
Arianespace set up a task force with the European Space Agency, industry and CNES, the French space agency, to investigate the problem and oversee the rocket's return-to-flight operations.
The Ariane 5 is scheduled to return to the space center's ELA-3 launch zone Thursday morning. Liftoff is set for Friday at 2137 GMT (5:37 p.m. EDT).
The European rocket will haul the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn communications satellites into orbit.
Operated by Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. of Abu Dhabi, Yahsat 1A will provide direct-to-home television programming, secure Ka-band communications capacity for government and military applications in the United Arab Emirates and other nations.
The 6,600-pound Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft will link Africa, Western Europe, the Middle East and Pakistan through Ku-band and C-band transponders and antennas. Mostly financed by South African investors, Intelsat New Dawn is geared for wireless broadband, television and other media applications.
Это был первый в истории фальстарт Арианы?
ЦитироватьБыла обнаружена ненорма выставки в начальное положение одного из двух гидроэлектроприводов камеры ДУ Вулкан.
Возможно, неисправность связана с подтеканием привода либо неисправностью командно-распределительного устройства. Ждём информации...
поставщик SABCA и называется это похоже GAM - Group d'Activation Moteur,
http://www.sabca.be/pages/0139/Mechatronics.en.php
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/786.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 is configured for its April 22 liftoff with a dual-satellite heavyweight payload[/size]
April 19, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Arianespace is on track for the rescheduled April 22 liftoff of its Ariane 5 mission with the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite payloads after replacement of actuators on the heavy-lift launcher's Vulcain 2 cryogenic main engine.
The replacement was made following an interruption of the original final countdown on March 30, when an incorrect displacement of one of the Vulcain 2 engine's actuators was detected.
This anomaly was reported at 6.65 seconds into the Vulcain 2's ignition procedure, and it occurred during the pre-planned automatic checkout sequence of 7.05 seconds – when the cryogenic engine's operation is verified before the Ariane 5's two large solid propellant boosters are commanded to ignite.
Once the anomaly was detected, a shut-down of the Vulcain 2 engine was ordered – with Ariane 5, its two satellites, and the Spaceport's launch installation immediately put in safe conditions using identified and qualified procedures.
The launcher was transferred back to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building on April 1, where the actuator replacement was implemented and the Ariane 5 was returned to its flight configuration.
New mission planning calls for Ariane 5's rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone on Thursday, April 21, followed by the April 22 liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:37 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:41 p.m.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/786-lg.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/787.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 is cleared for its launch with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn[/size]
April 20, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Arianespace's second heavy-lift flight of 2011 has been authorized for its April 22 liftoff following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
Originally scheduled for liftoff on March 30, this dual-payload mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn was delayed following an interruption of the final countdown when an incorrect displacement of one of the Vulcain 2 engine's actuators was detected. The Ariane 5 was transferred back to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building on April 1, where the actuator replacement was implemented and the launch vehicle was returned to its flight configuration.
With today's successful review, Ariane 5 is now cleared for its rollout tomorrow from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, where it will be readied for liftoff on Friday during a launch window that opens at 6:37 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:41 p.m.
Ariane 5's payload lift performance for this latest mission is nearly 10,065 kg., which includes a combined mass of 8,965 kg. for the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft, plus the launcher's dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.
Yahsat Y1A will be deployed first in the flight sequence, with its release scheduled at 27 min. into the mission – followed by Intelsat New Dawn's separation from the Ariane 5 approximately 35 minutes after liftoff.
Based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, Yahsat Y1A will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
Intelsat New Dawn is the result of a joint venture with a consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat, and was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia. It will be operated and marketed as a part of the global Intelsat fleet, bringing to 22 the number of Intelsat satellites serving Africa.
Пуск между 01:37 и 02:41 ЛМВ 23.04.2011.
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/788.asp
ЦитироватьReady for liftoff: Ariane 5 is in the launch zone for its heavy-lift flight on April 22[/size]
April 21, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
Arianespace's mission with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites is on track for its liftoff tomorrow evening, following the workhorse Ariane 5's rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
Riding atop its mobile launch table, the heavy-lift vehicle emerged from the Final Assembly Building for its transfer to the launch pad, where it was secured in place. With the rollout now completed, the final countdown will begin for Ariane 5's April 22 liftoff at the start of a launch window that opens at 6:37 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues until 7:41 p.m.
This will be the second Ariane 5 flight of 2011, with a payload lift performance of nearly 10,065 kg. – which includes a combined mass of 8,965 kg. for the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft, plus the launcher's dual-payload dispenser system and associated integration hardware.
Riding as the upper passenger in Ariane 5's payload "stack" is Yahsat Y1A, which will be released at 27 min. into the mission. This satellite is based on EADS Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, and its communications payload – which is designed to operate in Ku- and C-bands – was supplied by Thales Alenia Space.
Once in service, Yahsat Y1A will be utilized by the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to provide customized relay services for government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
Intelsat New Dawn – which was developed for a joint venture consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat – also carries Ku- and C-band transponders, and will be deployed from Ariane 5's lower passenger position at approximately 35 minutes after liftoff.
Produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Intelsat New Dawn is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite, and was conceived to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers – delivering wireless backhaul, broadband and media content, which are among the fastest growing satellite-based applications in Africa.
Tomorrow's mission is designated VA201, signifying the 201st launch of an Ariane family vehicle since 1979. It follows the February 16 flight of an Ariane 5 with the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), which was deployed for a servicing mission with the International Space Station.
With the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites under its payload fairing, Arianespace's Ariane 5 approaches the launch pad to complete today's rollout.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/64024.jpg)
Видеотрансляция:
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en
Пошла трансляция.
Улетела!
Есть отделение СТУ.
Есть сброс ГО.
Первый пошёл!
Второй пошёл!
Аплодисменты! :wink:
Молодцы! 43-й успешный подряд.. ;)
Пофиксили и без полугодового разбирательства. Так держать! :)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/789.asp
ЦитироватьAriane 5 delivers a record performance with two payloads for new Arianespace customers[/size]
April 22, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA201
A heavy-lift Ariane 5 successfully orbited two satellite payloads today that will supply telecommunications services for two new customers who join the growing list of Arianespace commercial launch services users.
In a flight conducted from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 deployed Yahsat Y1A, the first satellite to be operated by the United Arab Emirates' Al Yah Satellite Communications Company; along with Intelsat New Dawn, which was built for the new joint venture of Intelsat and Convergence Partners.
Adding to this mission's milestones was the lift performance record for Ariane 5: delivering a total mass of 10,050 kg. to geostationary transfer orbit, of which 8,956 kg. was the combined weight of its two satellite payloads.
Lifting off on time at 6:37 p.m. in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 climbed through a partial cloud cover at sunset, and continued its downrange flight in clear skies. This allowed a direct view of the separation for Ariane 5's two solid propellant boosters at an altitude of 66.5 kilometers, followed by the payload fairing's jettison at a 105-kilometer altitude.
It marked another of Ariane 5's highly accurate flights, with the following estimated orbital parameters at the injection of its cryogenic upper stage:
- Perigee: 249.8 km. for a target of 249.7 km.
- Apogee: 35,975 km. for a target of 35,956 km.
- Inclination: 5.98 deg. for a target of 6.00 deg.
For tonight's mission, Yahsat Y1A was positioned in the upper passenger slot of Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," and was released at 27 minutes into the flight. This spacecraft was built by Astrium based on the Eurostar E3000 platform, while its Ku-band and C-band communications payload was supplied by Thales Alenia Space.
Yahsat Y1A will have a coverage footprint spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia, creating regionally-focused capacity to meet the region's expanding requirements for government, commercial and consumer satellite communication services. Operating from an orbital slot of 52.5 deg. East, it will support Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a hub for media broadcasting and telecommunications services – enabling customers from Europe and South Asia to connect with customers across the entire coverage area.
Intelsat New Dawn – which was deployed from Ariane 5's lower payload position at 35 minutes into tonight's flight – is owned by a joint venture of Intelsat and a consortium led by Convergence Partners. This satellite's C-band and Ku-band transponders are to support the communications infrastructure for African customers who have experienced exceptional growth, and contribute to the region's development. It is tailored for voice, wireless backhaul, Internet and media applications services.
Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation using its STAR-2 platform, Intelsat New Dawn will be integrated with Intelsat's global satellite fleet and stationed at the 32.8 deg. East orbital location. It was the 52nd satellite launched by Arianespace for Intelsat, the world's leading satellite operator.
Following today's successful mission, Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced the date for its next Ariane 5 launch: a May 19 liftoff from the Spaceport with the ST-2 payload for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., and the GSAT-8 spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Ariane 5 lifts off from the Spaceport carrying a record payload mass with its Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite passengers.
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2011/789_success_lg.jpg)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/4-22-2011-mission-success.asp
ЦитироватьArianespace launch a success: Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn in orbit[/size]
Kourou, April 22, 2011
On Friday, April 22, Arianespace orbited two communications satellites: Yahsat Y1A, built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat) of the United Arab Emirates, and Intelsat New Dawn, built by Orbital Sciences Corporation for New Dawn Satellite Company Ltd., a joint venture between Intelsat and Convergence Partners.
201st Ariane launch, 43rd success in a row
This latest successful Ariane 5 launch, the second in 2011 and the 201st Ariane launch in all, once again proves the launcher's operational capabilities. Ariane 5 handles a complete range of missions, from commercial launches into geostationary orbit to spacecraft launches into special orbits. It is the only heavy launcher now on the commercial market capable of simultaneously launching two payloads
This latest mission was the 57th launch of an Ariane 5, and the 43rd successful launch in a row, clearly showing that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions continue to set the global standard and guarantee independent access to space for all customers, including national and international space agencies, private operators and governments.
Record satellite launch weight
The launcher lofted a total payload weight of 10,064 kg, including 8,965 for the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites, which were released separately into their targeted orbits. This performance sets a new payload record on this orbit for the Ariane launch vehicle.
Supporting major operators worldwide
Arianespace offers the launch Service & Solutions that best match the needs of major operators worldwide.
Yahsat Y1A is the first satellite launched by Arianespace for the United Arab Emirates.
Arianespace and international operator Intelsat have established a long-standing relationship of mutual trust, reaching back more than 28 years. Intelsat New Dawn is the 52nd satellite launched by Arianespace for this leading operator.
Yahsat Y1A/Intelsat New Dawn 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, April 22 at 6:37 pm local time in Kourou (5:37 pm in Washington, D.C., 21:37 UT, 11:37 pm in Paris, and on Saturday, April 23 at 1:37 am in Abu Dhabi, UAE).
Yahsat Y1A was built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. Weighing 5,935 kg at launch, Yahsat Y1A will provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia. Yahsat Y1A will be positioned at 52.5 degrees East, and will offer its customers innovative broadband solutions for Internet, business data and high-definition television (HDTV) services. It has a design life of 15 years.
Intelsat New Dawn weighed 3,000 kg at liftoff, and offers a design life exceeding 15 years. Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, it is fitted with 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponders. Positioned at 32.8 degrees East, it will offer a wide range of services for Africa, including Internet, media and data networks.
C-band Reflector on Intelsat New Dawn Fails to Deploy (http://spacenews.com/satellite_telecom/110503c-band-reflector-intelsat-new-dawn-fails-deploy.html)
ЦитироватьSatellite fleet operator Intelsat said May 3 one of the two principal reflector antennas on its just-launched New Dawn telecommunications satellite has failed to deploy in orbit and that release of the other antenna will await attempts to force the first one to spring loose.
http://www.spacenews.com/satellite_telecom/110603-intelsat-new-dawn.html
ЦитироватьFri, 3 June, 2011
Impaired New Dawn Satellite Also Had Trouble Deploying Ku-band Antenna[/size]
By Peter B. de Selding
PARIS — The Intelsat New Dawn satellite, whose C-band reflector antenna has remained stuck in folded position since the satellite's April 22 launch, also had trouble deploying its Ku-band antenna, a glitch that may offer valuable clues to the board of inquiry looking into the problem, industry officials said.
While the Ku-band antenna eventually was deployed the week of May 23, it took hours longer than planned as ground teams overcame an initial resistance that resembled what happened several weeks earlier with the C-band reflector, officials said.
"They got it deployed — eventually," said one industry official, referring to the initial difficulties in the Ku-band antenna's release. "The problem appears to be more than an issue unique to that one C-band antenna."
In a June 2 response to Space News inquiries, Washington- and Luxembourg-based Intelsat confirmed that there were issues with the Ku-band antenna's deployment. The similarities could help in the investigation into what happened on the C-band antenna, which is now viewed as likely to remain useless, depriving the satellite of half its broadcasting payload and a yet-undetermined percentage of its planned 15-year service life.
"The two antenna deployment 'outcomes' appear to be related," Intelsat said in its statement. "The investigation team will issue a report when it has completed its work. The satellite is operating nominally in all other respects and customer traffic is already transitioning to the satellite."
New Dawn was built by Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va. Orbital spokesman Barron Beneski June 2 said the company would decline comment on the situation.
New Dawn's broadcast payload is delivered through two elliptical reflector antennas, each measuring 2.5 meters by 2.7 meters. One is linked to the C-band payload, the other to the Ku-band transponders.
Intelsat said the C-band antenna, whose deployment was planned soon after New Dawn arrived at its test location in orbit, successfully released a series of pins holding the antenna to the satellite's body. But for reasons still unknown, the spring mechanism that should have released the antenna did not function.
Intelsat held off on deploying the Ku-band antenna for several weeks as it tried gently shaking the satellite, and exposing the stuck reflector to heat and cold, in an effort to deploy it. Those efforts, which while ongoing prevented the satellite's entry into commercial service, were abandoned the week of May 23, at which time the Ku-band antenna was deployed.
Satellite antennas and solar arrays are stowed for launch to minimize the satellite's volume as it is placed under a rocket's fairing for launch. There are several types of antenna-release mechanisms on satellites, including spring-loaded and motor-driven deployment systems.
Intelsat New Dawn now has full utilization of its 16 Ku-band transponders — 24 Ku-band transponders when measured in 36-megahertz equivalence — through the reflector antenna. The satellite is operating from its intended post at 32.8 degrees east in geostationary orbit.
With the C-band antenna and its 28 36-megahertz transponders now viewed as definitively out of service, New Dawn — owned by a joint venture of Intelsat and Convergence Partners of South Africa — will be limited to no more than half its intended role. New Dawn was scheduled to replace Intelsat's Galaxy 11 satellite at that orbital slot. Intelsat has said Galaxy 11 has enough fuel to continue operating until April 2015.
Intelsat New Dawn was valued at $250 million including its construction, launch and insurance for its first year in orbit.
In addition to being deprived of half its broadcasting capability, New Dawn may see its planned 15-year lifespan curtailed. A satellite is designed to fly in orbit with its solar arrays and broadcast antennas fully deployed. The placement of its thruster engines and the size of its fuel reservoir are optimized for a satellite in full-deployment configuration. With one of the two broadcast antennas stuck against the satellite's body, New Dawn likely will require more fuel to maintain its stabilization in orbit, reducing its operating life.
The extent of the reduction to in-orbit service life is unknown and will likely be the subject of detailed discussions between New Dawn's owners and the insurance underwriters that will be asked to pay what is all but certain to be a claim exceeding $150 million.
С NewDawn идет (http://nanosaild.engr.scu.edu/dashboard.htm) коммерческий траффик Ku-диапазона. Антенна C-диапазона так и не раскрылась.
http://www.spacenews.com/satellite_telecom/110805-design-defect-new-dawn-failure.html
Fri, 5 August, 2011
Investigators Cite Design Defect in Intelsat New Dawn Antenna Failure
By Peter B. de Selding
PARIS — The Intelsat New Dawn satellite launched April 24 has been unable to deploy its C-band reflector antenna, depriving the satellite of half its intended functionality, because the antenna's spring-loaded deployment mechanism got caught in the billows of its sun shield, according to industry officials briefed on the issue.
A review board investigating the problem concluded that the same phenomenon occurred a month after the launch, when Intelsat and New Dawn's manufacturer, Orbital Sciences Corp., attempted to deploy the satellite's Ku-band antenna after abandoning attempts to shake loose the C-band reflector.
During this attempt, the Ku-band antenna's deployment mechanism also got caught in its sun shield, a thermal blanket that covers the back end of the antenna to protect the satellite from the extreme temperature spikes that occur in orbit.
But unlike the C-band antenna, the Ku-band reflector had a motor-driven deployment mechanism to permit it to be precisely pointed in orbit to maximize customer use. The thinking was — and this is common to many communications satellite designs — that to fine-point the C-band antenna, the satellite's entire body could be oriented, obviating the need for a second motor.
Using the motor to move the Ku-band deployment system up and down, ground teams were able to free it from the sun shield. Nearly two months after New Dawn was launched, the Ku-band reflector was placed into normal operations and has since been working fine, Intelsat has said.
Luxembourg- and Washington-based Intelsat and Dulles, Va.-based Orbital Sciences have succeeded in reproducing the failure on the ground, confirming the hypothesis.
While satellite structures are extensively tested for fitness in thermal vacuum chambers that simulate the space environment, their antennas are not part of the tests. With antennas deployed, most telecommunications satellites are too big to fit into thermal vacuum facilities.
Orbital has redesigned its sun shield venting, especially for satellites using the company's larger reflector antennas. New Dawn's elliptical antennas measure 2.5 meters by 2.7 meters. The redesign includes recalibrating the number and placement of vents in the sun shield to permit trapped air to escape.
It is impossible to rid a satellite of all the air trapped in it. Pockets of air trapped under the sun shield tend to billow in the vacuum of space, and the air is then shed through the vents.
The antennas have four hold-down points, or clamps, which are released on command. The clamps were placed not on the outside of the sun shield but inside it; the clamps released, but the mechanism designed to deploy the antenna got caught in the billowing sun shield.
In an Aug. 4 conference call with investors, Intelsat Chief Executive David McGlade said the Orbital-built Intelsat 18 satellite being prepared for launch in October has been subjected to "corrective actions" to assure the New Dawn issue does not recur. Similar measures are being taken for the Intelsat 23 satellite, also built by Orbital, he said.
The nondeployment of the C-band antenna means Intelsat will need to remove from its contracted backlog all or most of the $310.2 million it had secured for users of New Dawn's C-band capacity, depending on whether Intelsat is able to find replacement capacity on competing operators' satellites.
The defect also is expected to cost Intelsat about two years of service life for New Dawn. The company's attempts to shake loose the C-band antenna in April and May used about a year's worth of fuel, according to one industry official. The official said New Dawn's commercial life likely will be cut by another year given the fact that it must be flown in a way that was not planned, with the C-band antenna still tucked against its frame.
Like most modern commercial telecommunications satellites, New Dawn was expected to operate for 15 years in geostationary orbit.
In an Aug. 5 response to Space News inquiries, Orbital issued the following statement:
"We've investigated the New Dawn situation with our customer Intelsat and understand why the antenna did not deploy. With that knowledge, we have designed and implemented corrective measures to ensure that it does not happen again."
Responding to Space News inquiries, Intelsat on Aug. 4 issued the following statement:
"The Intelsat New Dawn failure review board completed its investigation and concluded that the deployment anomaly of the C-band reflector was most likely due to a billowing of the reflector sun shield.
"The billowing caused the sun shield to capture the ejection-release mechanism and prevent reflector deployment."
Intelsat officials have not abandoned all hope of freeing the stuck C-band antenna. In several weeks, New Dawn will enter a period of eclipse, causing a sharp change in thermal environment that might be able to accomplish what could not be done with the previous shaking attempts.