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ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | September 13, 2017

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's next Galileo mission arrives at the Spaceport

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223131.jpg)
The cryogenic main stage for Arianespace's Flight VA240 is transported across the Spaceport after arriving in French Guiana aboard the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off ship.

Elements for Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission in December have been delivered to the Spaceport in French Guiana for the heavy-lift launcher's second flight at the service of Europe's Galileo global satellite navigation system.

These components arrived this month in French Guiana aboard the MN Colibri, which is one of two sea-going roll-on/roll-off ships that transport launcher hardware from Europe to the South American launch site for Arianespace's family of launch vehicles.

Спойлер

The year-end launch will orbit four more Galileo spacecraft, to be deployed into medium Earth orbit from a dispenser system on the Ariane 5 ES launcher version equipped with a re-ignitable upper stage. Galileo is designed to provide a new European global satellite navigation system with precision positioning services under civilian control.

A December liftoff for Ariane 5 and its Galileo satellites

Designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, the mission is targeted for December 12. As the latest mission carrying Galileo satellites, Flight VA240 is to be performed on behalf of the European Commission under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Galileo is funded by the European Union, with overall responsibility for management and implementation held by the European Commission. ESA is assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222976.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/9-12-2017-VA240-lg.jpg)
The two half-shells for Ariane 5's payload fairing enter the Spaceport aboard separate flatbed trucks. When assembled on Ariane 5, the fairing will protect Flight VA240's Galileo satellites during the launcher's ascent through the atmosphere's denser layers.

Arianespace already has launched 18 Galileo spacecraft, with four being orbited on a previous Ariane 5 mission (Flight VA233 in November 2016), and the others lofted by seven medium-lift Soyuz vehicles carrying two satellites each.

[/li]
• Larger versions of the photos above are available for downloading in the Gallery (http://www.arianespace.com/gallery/).
  

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Цитировать12 septembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Arrivée des éléments du lanceur

La campagne de la mission du vol Ariane 240, prévue en décembre a démarré. L'EPC est déchargé du navire MN Colibri, après un long voyage depuis l'Europe. L'«étage principal cryotechnique» est composé principalement de deux réservoirs hydrogène liquide et oxygène liquide et du moteur Vulcain pour 12,3t à vide. Les éléments qui constituent le corps d'Ariane 5 sont convoyés au bâtiment d'intégration lanceur.

Цитировать12 September 2017
Flight Ariane 240 - Arrival of the launcher elements

The campaign for the Ariane 240 mission, scheduled for December, has started. The EPC is unloaded from the ship MN Colibri after a long journey from Europe. The "main cryogenic stage" consists mainly of two liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks and the Vulcain engine for 12,3t empty. The elements that constitute the body of Ariane 5 are conveyed to the launcher integration building.

Цитировать12 сентября 2017 года
Полёт Ariane 240 - Прибытие составных частей РН

Началась кампания миссии Ariane 240, запланированной на декабрь. EPC выгружается с корабля MN Colibri после долгого путешествия из Европы. «Основная криогенная ступень» состоит в основном из двух резервуаров с жидким водородом и жидким кислородом и  двигателя Vulcain - на 12,3 т. Составные элементы РН Ariane 5 доставлены в здание сборки РН.

Цитировать(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_079-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_079.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_2_047-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_2_047.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_2_103-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-MN-Colibri_2_103.jpg)

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Dechargement-Colibri_058-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Dechargement-Colibri_058.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Dechargement-Colibri_044-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Dechargement-Colibri_044.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_029-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_029.jpg)

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_001-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_001.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_004-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPC_004.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPS-et-CASE_041-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Convoi-EPS-et-CASE_041.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/908272957876789248)

Our launcher arriving on the MN Colibri last week #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167500.jpg)


6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/908273946407182336)

Also the rarely used medium fairing arrived at #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) last week #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167501.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 4 ч назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/910123675042631682)

Something has arrived.... #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167809.jpg)

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/910505875751792640)

Special delivery! 2 of the 4 #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites for launch on #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) have arrived in French Guiana @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) @esa (https://twitter.com/esa) #OHB (https://twitter.com/hashtag/OHB?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167931.jpg)

Цитировать26 septembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Arrivée de deux satellites Galileo

Pour le dernier lancement de l'année, le lanceur devra mettre sur orbite 4 nouveaux satellites de la constellation Galileo.

Цитировать26 сентября 2017 года
Полёт Ariane 240 - Прибытие двух спутников Galileo

Для последнего запуска года РН должна будет вывести на орбиту 4 новых спутника созвездия Galileo.

Цитировать

Спойлер

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_008-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_008.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_020-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_020.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_024-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_024.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_029-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_029.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_034-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_034.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_054-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_054.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_086-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_086.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_097-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Arrivee-CU1_097.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьGalileo pair arrives in French Guiana

2 October 2017
Europe's next two Galileo navigation satellites have touched down in Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana ahead of the launch of a quartet by Ariane 5 at the end of this year.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225460.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Galileo_arrival)
Galileo arrival

Galileos 19 and 20 left Luxembourg Airport on a Boeing 747 cargo jet on the morning of 18 September, arriving at Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport in French Guiana that evening.

Safely cocooned within protective air-conditioned containers, the pair were offloaded and driven to the cleanroom environment of the preparation building within the space centre.

This building will remain their home as preparations for their launch proceeds, with the next two Galileos due to join them later this month.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225466.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Satellite_in_container)
Satellite in container

The satellites join the first elements of their customised Ariane 5 at the centre – including its cryogenic main stage and half-shell payload fairing – which were delivered by ship the week before.

Galileo is Europe's own satellite navigation system, providing an array of positioning, navigation and timing services to Europe and the world.

A further eight Galileo 'Batch 3' satellites were ordered last June, to supplement the 26 built so far.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225462.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Loaded_onto_lorry)
Loaded onto lorry

With 18 satellites now in orbit, Galileo began initial services on 15 December, the first step towards full operations.

Further launches will continue to build the constellation, which will gradually improve performance and availability worldwide.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225375.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2016/12/Galileo_satellites2)
Galileo satellites

About Galileo

Galileo is the EU's own global satellite navigation system, consisting of both the satellites in space and their associated ground infrastructure.

The definition, development and in-orbit validation phases were carried out by ESA, and co-funded by ESA and the European Commission. This phase created a mini constellation of four satellites and a reduced ground segment set up to validate the overall concept, ahead of further deployment.

Success led to the current Full Operational Capability phase, fully funded by the EU and managed by the Commission. The Commission and ESA have a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 ч назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/920495857329459201)

Something arrived.... part 2, in a Boeing 747-800 no less, #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #Kourou (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kourou?src=hash) #Cayenne (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cayenne?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169389.jpg)

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 57 мин назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/920662618771197952)

All 4 #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) spacecraft for #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) are in French Guiana following today's 2-satellite delivery @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) @esa (https://twitter.com/esa) #OHB (https://twitter.com/hashtag/OHB?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169083.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169084.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 39 мин назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/921399759918764032)

Peekaboo #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169189.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225473.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Unloading_satellites)
Unloading satellites

Galileo in place for launch: then there were four

23 October 2017
Two more Galileo satellites have reached Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, joining the first pair of navigation satellites and the Ariane 5 rocket due to haul the quartet to orbit this December.

Спойлер

Galileos 21 and 22 left Luxembourg Airport on a Boeing 747 cargo jet on the morning of 17 October, arriving at Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport in French Guiana on the same day.

Resting within distinctive white air-conditioned containers, the satellites were driven to the cleanroom environment of the preparation building within the space centre.

Waiting for them there were Galileos 19 and 20, which arrived in September.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225461.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Inside_aircraft)
Inside aircraft

The four satellites will be launched together in mid-December by a customised Ariane 5, the elements of which reached French Guiana last month by sea.

Galileo is Europe's own satellite navigation system, providing an array of positioning, navigation and timing services to Europe and the world.

A further eight Galileo 'Batch 3' satellites were ordered last June, to supplement the 26 built so far.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225374.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2016/12/Galileo_satellites2)
Galileo satellites

With 18 satellites now in orbit, Galileo began initial services on 15 December 2016, the first step towards full operations.

Further launches will continue to build the constellation, which will gradually improve performance and availability worldwide.

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225464.jpg)  (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/On_way_to_Spaceport)
On way to Spaceport

About Galileo

Galileo is the EU's own global satellite navigation system, consisting of both the satellites in space and their associated ground infrastructure.

The definition, development and in-orbit validation phases were carried out by ESA, and co-funded by ESA and the European Commission. This phase created a mini constellation of four satellites and a reduced ground segment set up to validate the overall concept, ahead of further deployment.

Success led to the current Full Operational Capability phase, fully funded by the EU and managed by the Commission. The Commission and ESA have a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | October 24, 2017

Four Galileo spacecraft are prepared for their December Ariane 5 launch

Payload processing for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission in support of Europe's Galileo global navigation system has reached full speed, with all four satellites now at the Spaceport.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222981.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10-24-2017-VA240-lg.jpg)
One of the latest-delivered Galileo satellites is removed from its protective shipping container inside the Spaceport's S1A payload preparation facility.

Liftoff of Arianespace's Ariane 5 with these satellites is targeted for December 12, coming after the heavy-lift workhorse's previous flight at the service of Galileo, which successfully delivered four other spacecraft to medium-Earth circular orbit in November 2016.

The upcoming mission is designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, denoting the 240th performed with an Ariane-series vehicle from the Spaceport. It also will be the company's 11th and final launch in 2017, closing out a busy year of space lift activity.

Спойлер

A global navigation system for Europe

As the latest mission carrying Galileo satellites, Flight VA240 is to be conducted on behalf of the European Commission under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). Galileo is funded by the European Union, with overall responsibility for management and implementation held by the European Commission. ESA is assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.

Arianespace already has launched a total of 18 Galileo spacecraft, including the four orbited by Ariane 5 in November 2016, plus the others lofted by seven preceding medium-lift Soyuz vehicles that carried two satellites each.

[/li]
• A larger version of the photo above is available for downloading in the Gallery (http://www.arianespace.com/gallery/).
  

[свернуть]

Цитировать25 octobre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Intégration des EAP et EPC au BIL
Les deux étages d'accélération à poudre (EAP) communément appelés les boosters et le corps central (EPC) d'Ariane 5, ont été transférés au BIL, le bâtiment d'intégration lanceur. Ils fourniront la majorité de la poussée au décollage du lanceur, prévu au mois de décembre.

Цитировать25 октября 2017 года
Полёт Ariane 240 - Сборка EAP и EPC в здании вертикальной сборки
Два ТТУ EAP и EPC Ariane 5 были перевезены в здание вертикальной сборки. Они представляют РН для запуска, запланированного на декабрь.

Цитировать

Спойлер

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_005-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_005.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_016-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_016.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_018-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_018.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_025-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_025.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_039-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_039.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_041-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Erection-EPC_041.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_034-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_034.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_051-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_051.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_065-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_065.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_074-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Transfert-EAP1_074.jpg)

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Цитировать25 octobre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Fitcheck des satellites

Les 4 satellites de la constellation Galileo, sont soumis à des tests de contrôle, et des vérifications d'ajustement entre les systèmes. Ils seront lancés mi décembre, grâce à un système de lancement multiple.

Цитировать

Спойлер

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-_013-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-_013.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-_020-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-_020.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_011-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_011.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_043-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_043.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_083-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_083.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_090-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_090.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_104-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fitcheck-CU1-FM17_104.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 14 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/923982529358639105)

.@EmmanuelMacron (https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron) et @JunckerEU (https://twitter.com/JunckerEU) à Kourou devant #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) qui lancera le 12 décembre prochain 4 satellites #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) @esa (https://twitter.com/esa) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170118.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/925373789248081920)

#Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #EAP (https://twitter.com/hashtag/EAP?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169578.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 36 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/927898424300711937)

Nice look at our EPS being hoisted and integrated on top of our #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) launcher #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170602.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170603.jpg)

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ЦитироватьSave the date

Prochain lancement : Vol Ariane 240
12 décembre à 15h36 (locale), lancement de 4 nouveaux satellites de la constellation Galileo.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | November 13, 2017

Ariane 5 and its Galileo satellites are prepared for Arianespace's December 12 mission

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223137.jpg)
Inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, Ariane 5's vehicle equipment bay is lowered atop the core cryogenic stage on Flight VA240's Ariane 5 ES launcher version (left and center photos). This cleared the way for installation of the launch vehicle's EPS storable propellant upper stage (at right).

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's December 12 year-ending flight for 2017 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana – where preparations also are moving ahead with four satellite passengers that will further expand Europe's Galileo global navigation system once in their final orbit.

During activity in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, this heavy-lift vehicle for Arianespace Flight VA240 underwent the assembly process that began by mating its two solid propellant strap-on boosters with the main cryogenic stage.

Спойлер

The next step was integration of Ariane 5's vehicle equipment bay, which serves as the launch vehicle's "brain," providing autonomous control during the various mission phases.

The Ariane 5 ES difference

It was followed by installation of the EPS storable propellant stage, powered by a re-ignitable engine that operates with MMH and N2O4 propellants. This differentiates the Ariane 5 ES configuration from Arianespace's Ariane 5 ECA version – which has a cryogenic upper stage and typically is used on Arianespace missions with telecommunications satellites to geostationary transfer orbits.

After completion of verifications and systems checkout by production prime contractor ArianeGroup, the Ariane 5 ES launch vehicle will be moved to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building for payload integration and readiness for rollout to the launch zone.

The mission's ongoing payload preparations – which so far included the checkout and fit-check procedure for each of the four Galileo satellites – took place inside the Spaceport's S1A processing facility. This involved a one-by-one verification of the spacecraft's interface with the payload dispenser that will release them into circular orbit during the mission.

Galileo satellites checked...and fit

After the fit-check procedure in the S1A facility, the four satellites were readied for transfer to the S5 payload preparation center for fueling.

For Ariane 5's December 12 mission, the heavy-lift vehicle will carry its quartet of Galileo satellites (weighing approximately 700 kg. each) and their dispenser system for a medium-Earth orbit deployment.

Galileo is the European initiative to develop a global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service. As a European Union-funded program, the Galileo constellation will comprise 24 operational satellites, along with spares.

Overall responsibility for Galileo's management and implementation is held by the European Commission, with the European Space Agency assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.

Ariane 5's mission with the four Galileo spacecraft will close out a busy year of launch activity for Arianespace, which has performed 10 missions from French Guiana so far in 2017 – all of which were successful. The flights to date involved five launches of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, two with the medium Soyuz and three with the lightweight Vega.
 
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222982.jpg)
In the Spaceport's S1A clean room facility, three of the four Galileo satellites for Flight VA240 are prepared for their fit-check with the mission's payload dispenser (left). At right, one of the spacecraft undergoes the fit-check process.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/930461738297888768)

Looking good! #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) is adorned with logos for Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash), #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash)'s year-ending Dec. 12 mission that will orbit (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125637.png) satellites for Europe's #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) navigation system @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) @esa (https://twitter.com/esa) @ArianeGroup (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170756.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170757.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170758.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170759.jpg)

[свернуть]

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30754.jpg) Arianespace‏ @Arianespace (https://twitter.com/Arianespace) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/930462223109185536)

We're ready to take our corporate branding to new heights! Logos for #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash) and parent company @ArianeGroup (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup) are affixed to #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)'s payload fairing, ready for liftoff Dec. 12 on Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170762.jpg)

Цитировать9 novembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Assemblage du composite supérieur

Le composite supérieur est placé sur le lanceur dans le bâtiment d'assemblage final (BAF). Il contient la case à équipements ; le cerveau d'Ariane 5 ES où se trouve l'ordinateur de bord avec le système de contrôle et de guidage. Les passagers du dernier lancement de l'année 2017 sont les satellites de la constellation Galileo, qui devront être mis sur orbite le 12 décembre.

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(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_043-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_043.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_050-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_050.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_078-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_078.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_084-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_084.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_094-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_094.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_097-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-Case_097.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_024-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_024.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_081-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_081.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_102-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_102.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_128-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Erection-EPS_128.jpg)

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Цитировать13 novembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Pose des logos sur la coiffe du lanceur

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(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_011-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_011.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_016-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_016.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_020-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_020.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_025-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_025.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_026-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_026%20.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_028-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_028%20.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_033-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_033.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_041-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_041.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_045-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pose-logos-sur-coiffe_045.jpg)

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Цитировать16 novembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Remplissage des satellites GALILEO

Les 4 satellites GALILEO 19, 20, 21, 22, sont remplis en ergols en salle blanche par les ergoliers du CSG. Leur mise sur orbite est programmée le 12 décembre par le 240ème vol du lanceur Ariane. Décollage prévu 15h36 (heure locale).

Цитировать16 ноября 2017 г.
Полет Ariane 240 - Заправка спутников GALILEO

Четыре спутника GALILEO 19, 20, 21, 22 заправлены компонентами топлива в чистой комнате ГКЦ. Их запуск на орбиту запланирован 12 декабря (240-я миссия Ariane). Старт назначен на 15:36 по местному времени.

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(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_004-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_004.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_005-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_005.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_008-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_008.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_016-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_016.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_027-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_027.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_032-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_032.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_034-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM15_034.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM17_004-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM17_004.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM17_011-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Remplissage-CU1-FM17_011.jpg)

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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace)
#VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) Launch preparation progressing well, satellite fueling has been done
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171158.jpg)
 5:15 - 20 нояб. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 ч назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/933437432988659712)

our #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) has been transferred from #BIL (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIL?src=hash) to #BAF (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAF?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171322.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171321.jpg)

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Цитировать23 novembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Transfert du BIL au BAF

Le lanceur Ariane 5 ES est transféré sur sa table mobile du BIL (bâtiment d'intégration lanceur), où est assemblée sa partie basse, jusqu'au BAF (bâtiment d'assemblage final), il y recevra ses co-passagers. Le lancement des 4 satellites GALILEO est prévu le 12 décembre à 15h36 (heure locale).

Цитировать23 ноября 2017 г.
Полет Ариан 240 - Перевозка из BIL в BAF

РН Ariane 5 ES перевозится на мобильной платформе из BIL (здание сборки РН), где собиралась её нижняя часть, в BAF (здание окончательной сборки), где она примет своих пассажиров. Запуск 4 спутников GALILEO запланирован на 12 декабря в 15:36 (по местному времени).

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(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_002-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_002.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_012-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_012.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_017-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_017.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_048-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_048.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_067-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_067.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_097-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_097.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_106-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_106.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_155-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_155.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_156-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transfert_BIL_BAF_156.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225259.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/)

GALILEO QUARTET FUELLED AND READY TO FLY

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225488.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/11/Satellites_and_dispenser)
Satellites and dispenser

21 November 2017
Europe's next four Galileo navigation satellites and the Ariane 5 rocket due to lift them into orbit are being readied for their 12 December launch from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Спойлер

Tuesday saw Galileo satellites 19–22 declared ready for flight, along with their Ariane. Combined activities are now under way, culminating in the satellites meeting their rocket in the Final Assembly Building.

The satellites were flown in pairs to French Guiana last month. Once safely unboxed in the Spaceport's cleanroom environment, they were tested to ensure they had suffered no damage during their transatlantic flights.

Next came their 'fit check', when they were mechanically and electrically linked one by one to the dispenser that will carry them during their ascent to the target 23 500 km-altitude orbit, before releasing them into space.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225483.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/11/Four_Galileos_on_Ariane_5)
Four Galileos on Ariane 5

Last Friday saw the satellites filled with enough fuel to fine-tune their orbits and orientation during their projected 12 year working lives. Next, they will be attached to their dispenser together for the final time.

In parallel, their customised Ariane 5 is being assembled. Two solid-propellant boosters were mated with its main cryogenic stage before the addition of the interstage that carries the electronics to control the vehicle.

Next came the addition of the storable propellant stage, powered by a reignitable engine, which will deliver the quartet to their target orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225476.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/11/Ariane_5_taking_shape)
Ariane 5 taking shape

Once fully checked, the Ariane will be moved to the final building for the addition of the satellites atop their dispenser, sealed within their protective fairing.

This launch will bring the total Galileo constellation to 22, boosting the global availability of navigation signals. Galileo began Initial Services just under a year ago, the first step before full operations, on 15 December.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225487.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/11/Satellite_fit_check)
Satellite fit check

About Galileo

Galileo is Europe's own satellite navigation system, consisting of both the satellites in space and their associated ground infrastructure, to provide an array of positioning, navigation and timing services to Europe and the world.

The definition, development and in-orbit validation phases were carried out by ESA, and co-funded by ESA and the European Commission. This phase created a mini-constellation of four satellites and a reduced ground segment set up to validate the overall concept, ahead of further deployment.

The current Full Operational Capability phase is fully funded by the EU and managed by the Commission. The Commission and ESA have a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 51 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/934173865181417472)

We are getting there....transfer to #BAF (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAF?src=hash) soon, #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171126.jpg)

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(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171127.jpg)

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Цитировать24 novembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Préparation des satellites Galileo

Les satellites sont en cours de préparation en salle blanche pour leur lancement programmé le 12 décembre.

Цитировать24 ноября 2017 г.
Полет Ариан 240 - подготовка спутников Галилео

Спутники готовятся в чистой комнате для их запланированного запуска 12 декабря.

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(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_001-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_001.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_010-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_010.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_024-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_024.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_032-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_032.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_037-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_037.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_047-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Integration-CU1-FM15_047.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/935600470210613256)

Getting closer to launch..... our babies together on the dispenser #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171430.jpg)

Спойлер

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ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 1, 2017

Galileo satellites for Arianespace's December 12 mission are ready for launcher integration

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223140.jpg)
Final preparations for Flight VA240's Galileo satellites are captured in these photos. At left, two of the four spacecraft are shown during the integration process with the dispenser system. In the center photo, all four satellites have been installed on the dispenser, enabling their transfer to the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building (photo at right).

As preparations advance for Arianespace's year-ending flight from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the mission's payload of four Galileo navigation satellites is now ready to join up with its Ariane 5 launcher.

The spacecraft have been fueled and installed on their multi-payload dispenser system, clearing the way for transfer from the Spaceport's S3B clean room to Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building.

Спойлер

Designated Flight VA240, the upcoming mission will mark Arianespace's second use of an Ariane 5 ES version to loft spacecraft for Europe's Galileo global navigation system – following the first four-passenger launch in November 2016 on the heavy-lift launcher. This came after seven previous missions using the medium-lift Soyuz, which carried a pair of satellites each.

Flight VA240 at the service of a European initiative

Galileo is the European initiative to develop a global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service and features innovative technologies developed in Europe for the benefit of all citizens.

The European Commission holds overall responsibility for Galileo's management and implementation, with the European Space Agency assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure.

Each of the Galileo passengers for Flight VA240 weighs approximately 715 kg. and was built by OHB System in Germany, with U.K.-based Surrey Satellite Technology supplying the navigation payload. All four will be deployed into medium-Earth orbit by Arianespace.

Scheduled for a December 12 liftoff, Ariane 5's mission with the four Galileo spacecraft will close out a busy year of launch activity for Arianespace.

The company has conducted 10 missions from French Guiana so far in 2017 – involving five launches of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, two with the medium Soyuz and three with the lightweight Vega.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/936664202181267462)

dryrun, testing....#CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171471.jpg)

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/press-releases/?taxonomy%5Bpress-release-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 5, 2017

Flight VA240: Arianespace's second Ariane 5 launch for the Galileo constellation and Europe

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223144.jpg)

For its 11th launch of the year, and the sixth Ariane 5 liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana during 2017, Arianespace will orbit four more satellites for the Galileo constellation.

For its 11th launch of the year, and the sixth Ariane 5 liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana during 2017, Arianespace will orbit four more satellites for the Galileo constellation.

Спойлер

This mission is being performed on behalf of the European Commission under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

For the second time, an Ariane 5 ES version will be used to orbit satellites in Europe's own satellite navigation system. At the completion of this flight, designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, 22 Galileo spacecraft will have been launched by Arianespace with Soyuz and Ariane 5 launchers.

A final Ariane 5 ES mission will deploy four additional Galileo constellation satellites in 2018, after which Ariane 6 takes over from 2020-2021 – with its initial two Galileo launches contracted by ESA on behalf of the European Commission in September 2017

The Flight VA240 will be from Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) in Kourou, French Guiana.

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on Friday, December 8, 2017 in Kourou, to authorize the start of operations for the final countdown.

Galileo is Europe's own global navigation satellite system. Under civilian control, Galileo offers guaranteed high-precision positioning around the world. Its initial services began in December 2016, allowing users equipped with Galileo-enabled devices to combine Galileo and GPS data for better positioning accuracy.

The complete Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites (along with spares); 18 of these satellites already have been orbited by Arianespace.

ESA transferred formal responsibility for oversight of Galileo in-orbit operations to the GSA (European GNSS Agency) in July 2017.

Therefore, as of this launch, the GSA will be in charge of the operation of the Galileo satellite navigation systems on behalf of the European Union. GSA will be responsible for operating these satellites as soon as they separate from the launcher. Satellite positioning operations and system operation will be carried out in conjunction with ESA.

The Galileo satellites are built by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads supplied by UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is 99% owned by Airbus Defence and Space.

For further information, download the Flight VA240 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/

To watch a live, high-speed online transmission of the launch (including commentary in French and English from the launch site), go to arianespace.com (http://www.arianespace.com) on December 12 beginning 15 minutes before liftoff.

You also can follow the launch live on your iPhone or iPad (the Arianespace HD app is free).

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 30 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/938097118035750913)

Bye bye... #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171740.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171739.jpg)

ЦитироватьGalileo 19-22 near completion

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220694.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/ESA) European Space Agency, ESA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIBaDdAbGlFDeS33shmlD0A)

Опубликовано: 5 дек. 2017 г.

The Galileo global navigation satellite system has been offering initial services since almost a year and the performances are great. Independent measurements and evaluation of the system show that the European system is currently the best satellite positioning system in the world. On 12 December, an Ariane 5 will launch from Kourou with 4 new Galileo satellites, adding to the constellation which is set to be completed next year.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30754.jpg) Arianespace‏ @Arianespace (https://twitter.com/Arianespace) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/938066021541404674)

Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash): #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash)'s second #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) launch for the #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) constellation and Europe http://bit.ly/2iSv5Jv (https://t.co/uErvH3L6Re)
https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DQSuDH2XkAAU5V7.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DQSuDH2XkAAU5V7.mp4)
(https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DQSuDH2XkAAU5V7.mp4)

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Galileo FOC-M7 / SAT 19-20-21-22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 6 дек. 2017 г.

Liftoff is planned on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at exactly:
 - 3:36:07 p.m., Kourou time
 - 1:36:07 p.m., Washington, D.C. time
 - 18:36:07, Universal Time (UTC)
 - 7:36:07 p.m., Paris time

Цитировать6 décembre 2017
Vol Ariane 240 – Pose de la coiffe sur le lanceur

Les 4 satellites Galileo, a été posés sur le dispenseur (la structure d'emport des charges utiles). Ensuite c'est au tour de la coiffe d'Ariane 5 de venir se poser sur cet ensemble. Les 4 satellites seront lancés sur une orbite circulaire MEO (Orbite terrestre moyenne).

Цитировать6 декабря 2017 г.
Полёт Ariane 240 - Установка головного обтекателя

4 спутника Galileo были установлены на переходнике-диспенсоре. После чего настала очередь установки головного обтекателя Ariane 5. Четыре спутника будут запущены на круговую орбиту MEO (Medium Earth Orbit).

Цитировать

Спойлер

(http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_140-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_140.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_171-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_171.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_189-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_189.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_212-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hissage-et-integration-CU1-sur-lanceur_212.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_078-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_078.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_095-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_095.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_040-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_040.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_016-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_016.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_105-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_105.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_140-150x150.jpg) (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Pose-coiffe-sur-lanceur_140.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 7, 2017

The integration of Galileo satellites with Ariane 5 is complete for Arianespace's year-ending heavy-lift mission

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223145.jpg)
Ariane 5's final build-up activity at the Spaceport involved the launcher protective fairing's lowering over the Flight VA240 payload of four Galileo navigation satellites installed atop the launcher vehicle's central core.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 is now complete and ready for its mission next week from the Spaceport in French Guiana, which will orbit four more spacecraft to join the European Galileo constellation of navigation satellites.

During activity in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, the Ariane 5's build-up process was completed with the lowering of its ogive-shaped payload fairing over the four satellite passengers – which previously were positioned atop the launcher's core section.

Спойлер

Following final check-out, Ariane 5 will be ready for its rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone on Monday, December 11, positioning this vehicle for a liftoff the next day at exactly 3:36:07 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

The four Galileo satellites, which are clustered around a multi-passenger dispenser system, will be deployed in two phases during the mission to medium Earth orbit (MEO) lasting 3 hours, 55 minutes.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 at the service of Galileo

Ariane 5's afternoon liftoff on December 12 will be the year-ending mission in 2017 for Arianespace – completing a busy 12 months that already have involved 10 flights from the Spaceport: five performed with the heavy-lift workhorse, three utilizing the lightweight Vega and two with the medium-lift Soyuz.

Designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's numbering system, next Tuesday's mission will mark the second time an Ariane 5 ES version will be employed to orbit satellites for Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system. The Ariane 5 ES configuration has a storable propellant upper stage that replaces the cryogenic upper stage on Ariane 5 ECA launchers typically operated by Arianespace on missions to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) with telecommunication satellite passengers.

For Flight VA240, the storable propellant upper stage is to be ignited twice, bringing it to an altitude of 22,925 kilometers for deployment of the Galileo spacecraft – with 20 minutes between the release of these Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellites in two pairs.

At the completion of next week's mission, Arianespace's will have launched 22 Galileo spacecraft utilizing Ariane 5 and its Soyuz launchers (which orbited two of the navigation payloads per mission). Of this total, 18 are operational satellites, along with four initial In-Orbit Validation (IOV) spacecraft lofted in 2011 and 2012.

Europe's global navigation satellite system

As Europe's own global navigation satellite system operated under civilian control, Galileo is designed to provide guaranteed high-precision positioning around the world. Initial services began in December 2016. The complete Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites (along with spares).

The Galileo program is funded and owned by the European Union. The European Commission has overall responsibility for the program – with Flight VA240 to be performed by Arianespace on behalf of the European Commission under contract with ESA.

ESA transferred formal responsibility for the oversight of Galileo in-orbit operations to the GSA (European GNSS Agency) in July 2017. Therefore, GSA will be in charge of operating the Galileo satellite navigation systems on behalf of the European Union as of Flight VA240 – and taking responsibility for operating the latest four satellites once they are separated from Ariane 5. Satellite positioning operations and system operation will be carried out in conjunction with ESA.

The Galileo satellites are produced by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads supplied by U.K.-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is 99% owned by Airbus Defence and Space.

[свернуть]

Liftoff time for Flight VA240:

[TH]French Guiana[/TH][TH]Washington, D.C.[/TH][TH]Universal Time (UTC)[/TH][TH]Paris[/TH][/TR][TR][TD]

At 3:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 1:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 18:36:07
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 7:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Galileo FOC-M7 / SAT 19-20-21-22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 7 дек. 2017 г.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225259.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/)

Galileo satellites atop rocket for next Tuesday's flight

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225496.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/12/Lowering_the_fairing)
Lowering the fairing

8 December 2017
Europe's next four Galileo navigation satellites are in place atop their Ariane 5, ready to be launched next Tuesday.

Liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana is scheduled for 18:36 GMT (19:36 CET, 15:36 local time), carrying Galileo satellites 19–22.

Спойлер

Completion of Galileo's Ariane 5 rocket took place in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, following the arrival there of the quartet of satellites, already attached to the dispenser that will hold them in position during launch, then release them into their target 22 922 km-altitude orbit
 
Next, the satellites plus dispenser were placed atop the Ariane 5's upper stage, after which the 14 m-long protective fairing was lowered over the Galileos – the last time they will be seen by human eyes. This fairing will protect them from the onrushing atmosphere during ascent.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/225494.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/12/Encapsulated)
Encapsulated

The next step will be Monday's rollout to the launch zone.
 
This mission will bring the Galileo system to 22 satellites. Initial Services began almost a year ago, on 15 December 2016.

Next year's launch of another quartet will bring the constellation of 24 satellites to completion, plus two orbital spares.

Galileo is Europe's civil global satellite navigation system. It will allow users worldwide to know their exact position in time and space with great precision and reliability.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 8, 2017

Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with four Galileo satellites is a "go" for launch

The latest cluster of four Galileo spacecraft has been cleared for liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana on Arianespace Flight VA240, using an Ariane 5 to loft these latest additions to Europe's civilian-run satellite navigation constellation.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222988.jpg)
The payload arrangement for Flight VA240 is depicted in this cutaway drawing.

Approval for the December 12 mission was provided today following the launch readiness review, which is performed prior to each Arianespace flight. The review validated the heavy-lift vehicle's "go" status, along with its Galileo spacecraft, the Spaceport's infrastructure and ground-based tracking resources.

During an afternoon mission that is to depart from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch facility, the Ariane 5 ES version will deploy its four passengers in two pairs – with their releases separated by 20 minutes.

Ariane 5 and the Galileo dispenser from ArianeGroup

The satellites have a liftoff mass of approximately 715 kg. each, and will be injected into a medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 22,925 kilometers. To achieve this, the Ariane 5's storable propellant upper stage will perform two burns during a mission lasting 3 hours and 55 minutes.

As with the workhorse Ariane 5 launcher itself, the multi-passenger dispenser for the four Galileo satellites was developed and built by ArianeGroup. Flight VA240 marks the second time that Arianespace is using the Ariane 5 ES and dispenser system to orbit payloads for Europe's satellite navigation system, following other flights that employed medium-lift Soyuz vehicles carrying two Galileo spacecraft per mission.

Flight VA240 will close out Arianespace's 2017 launch activity, which previously involved 10 flights from the Spaceport: five performed with Ariane 5, three utilizing the lightweight Vega and two with the medium-lift Soyuz.

Liftoff time for Flight VA240:

[TH]

French Guiana

[/TH][TH]

Washington, D.C.

[/TH][TH]

Universal Time (UTC)

[/TH][TH]

Paris

[/TH][/TR][TR][TD]

At 3:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 1:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 18:36:07
 on December 12

[/TD][TD]

At 7:36:07 p.m.
 on December 12

[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьGalileo navigation satellites buttoned up for launch on Ariane 5 rocket
December 8, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/) Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143897.jpg)
The Ariane 5 rocket's Swiss-made payload fairing was lowered Nov. 30 over four Galileo satellites mounted on top of the launcher inside the final assembly building at the Guiana Space Center in South America. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – JM Guillon

Technicians working in the jungle of French Guiana have installed four new European Galileo navigation satellites on top of their Ariane 5 launcher, and filled the rocket's upper stage with storable liquid propellants for liftoff Tuesday.

The satellite quartet will join 18 others already in space to build out Europe's Galileo fleet, an independent civilian-run analog to the U.S. Air Force's Global Positioning System and the Russian military's Glonass network.

Спойлер

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 rocket is set for an instantaneous launch opportunity at 1836:07 GMT (1:36:07 p.m. EST; 3:36:07 p.m. French Guiana time) Tuesday.

Built by OHB in Bremen, Germany, with navigation instruments provided by Britain's Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., the four satellites arrived at the Guiana Space Center on the northeastern coast of South American in pairs on two trans-Atlantic cargo flights in September and October.

The satellites were tested and fueled with in-orbit maneuvering fuel in a clean room at the European-run spaceport in mid-November, then stacked on a specially-designed dispenser provided by Ariane Group, the industrial consortium owned by Airbus and Safran that oversees the Ariane rocket's supply chain and the French launch services provider Arianespace.

The fully-integrated payload stack moved to the Ariane 5's final assembly building Nov. 28, and cranes hoisted the satellites and their carrier module atop the launcher Nov. 29. The Ariane 5's composite 17.7-foot (5.4-meter) diameter nose shroud was lowered over the satellites Nov. 30 to complete the rocket's assembly.

Each Galileo spacecraft weighs around 1,576 pounds (715 kilograms) at launch.

In parallel with the satellite preparations, ground crews put together the Ariane 5 rocket inside the Guiana Space Center's launcher integration building beginning Oct. 23 with the lifting of the vehicle's cryogenic core stage over its mobile launch platform. Twin solid rocket boosters were rolled into the integration hangar Oct. 24, then moved into position on each side of the first stage for final attachment Oct. 26.

The Ariane 5's upper stage was raised on top of the rocket Nov. 2, along with its vehicle equipment bay, a ring of control avionics and computers that will guide the rocket in flight. Workers transferred the rocket to the nearby final assembly building Nov. 22 to receive its payloads.

Since last week's addition of the Galileo satellites to the launcher, technicians have fueled the Ariane 5's upper stage with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants.

Next week's mission will fly on the rarely-used Ariane 5 ES version of Europe's workhorse rocket, which uses an upper stage fed by storable hypergolic propellants, not the cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen mixture used on most Ariane 5 launches.

The hydrazine-fueled upper stage's Aestus engine is capable of reigniting multiple times in space, while the Ariane 5's hydrogen-fueled engine can only fire once per launch. Two upper stage burns are needed to place the Galileo satellites into a circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 14,200 miles (22,900 kilometers).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143831.jpg)
The Ariane 5 rocket's storable propellant upper stage, powered by a restartable Aestus engine, is seen here being lowered atop the first stage last month. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – P. Baudon

Managers from Arianespace and the European Space Agency, which manages procurement and launches for the European Commission's Galileo program, approved final preparations for the flight during a customary launch readiness review Friday.

The Ariane 5 will be towed along dual rail tracks from its final assembly building to the ELA-3 launch zone Monday, and ground crews will prepare the launcher for Tuesday's countdown.

The final countdown is set to begin at 0628 GMT (1:28 a.m. EST), followed by a check of the Ariane 5's electrical systems at 0713 GMT (2:13 a.m. EST).

Workers will put finishing touches on the launch pad, including the closure of doors, removal of safety barriers and configuring fluid lines for fueling. The flight program for the launch will also be loaded into the rocket's computer.

The launch team will begin the process to fuel the rocket with super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants around 1343 GMT (8:43 a.m. EST). First, ground reservoirs will be pressurized, then the fuel lines will be chilled down to condition the plumbing for the flow of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which are stored at approximately minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit and minus 298 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

It will take approximately two hours to fill the Ariane 5 core stage tanks.

The storable liquid propellants on the Ariane 5's second stage and the pre-packed powder fuel inside the Ariane 5's twin boosters are already loaded.

Chilldown conditioning of the Vulcain 2 first stage engine will occur at 1433 GMT (9:33 a.m. EST), and a communications check between the rocket and ground telemetry, tracking and command systems is scheduled for 1726 GMT (12:26 p.m. EST).

The computer-controlled synchronized countdown sequence will begin seven minutes before launch 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 1.5 million-pound launcher skyward.

Five seconds after blastoff, the rocket will begin pitching northeast from the ELA-3 launch pad, surpassing the speed of sound less than a minute into the mission. The Ariane 5's twin solid rocket boosters will jettison 2 minutes, 20 seconds after liftoff.

Once above the dense atmosphere, the launcher's payload fairing will fall away at an altitude of more than 70 miles — about 112 kilometers. The Ariane 5's first stage will shut down 8 minutes, 55 seconds after liftoff, followed moments later by stage separation and ignition of the hydrazine-fueled Aestus engine.

The rocket's upper stage will fire for nearly 11 minutes during the first of two burns on Tuesday's flight, putting the Galileo satellites into an initial egg-shaped transfer orbit.

The Aestus engine is scheduled to cutoff 19 minutes, 58 seconds, after liftoff, beginning a coast of more than three hours.

The upper stage will restart at 3 hours, 27 minutes, 50 seconds, for a second burn lasting more than six minutes. The rocket is aiming for a near-circular orbit more than 14,200 miles above Earth at an inclination of 57 degrees, according to an Arianespace press kit.

The first pair of Galileo satellites will deploy at T+plus 3 hours, 35 minutes, followed by the second pair at T+plus 3 hours, 55 minutes.

The new Galileo satellites will enter service next year, moving the multibillion-dollar European navigation constellation closer to global service, a capability that will require at least 24 healthy spacecraft in orbit.

Four more Galileo satellites are scheduled for launch in July 2018 on another Ariane 5 rocket, while subsequent European navigation craft are contracted to launch on next-generation Ariane 6 rockets starting at the end of 2020.

Tuesday's launch will be the 11th and final flight by Arianespace this year, and the sixth Ariane 5 mission of 2017.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Galileo FOC-M7 / SAT 19-20-21-22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 11 дек. 2017 г.

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Galileo FOC-M7 / SAT 19-20-21-22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 11 дек. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 34 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940265598445113345)

Roll-out to the #ZL3 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZL3?src=hash) pad completed for our #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) ES launcher #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171801.jpg)

28 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940267749783363584)

And here she is on the #ZL3 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZL3?src=hash) pad after the roll-out #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171811.jpg)

13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940271634253881344)

Our launcher playing hide and seek ;-) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171814.jpg)

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 11, 2017

Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone for Arianespace's mission with four Galileo satellites

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223139.jpg)
Arianespace's Ariane 5 for Flight VA240 nears the completion of its rollout to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone for tomorrow's afternoon liftoff with four Galileo satellites.

The next four spacecraft to join Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system are one step closer to launch following the rollout of their Ariane 5 at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

With today's transfer from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, Arianespace's year-ending mission of 2017 can now enter its final countdown for liftoff tomorrow afternoon.

Спойлер

Designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, the December 12 launch will deploy its Galileo spacecraft cluster into medium Earth orbit (MEO) at the completion of a mission lasting 3 hours, 55 minutes.

During the trajectory, Ariane 5's storable propellant upper stage will perform two burns, which are to be separated by a 3-hour, 8-minute ballistic phase.

The satellites have a liftoff mass of approximately 715 kg. each, with Ariane 5's overall payload lift performance on Flight VA240 set at 3,282 kg.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 ч назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940534805464313856)

Countdown has started for our launch, first meteo check is green so far, showers in the area #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171483.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 22 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940577923739848706)

Weather is green for EPC filling #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940589088482131973)

So far so good, board is green, EPC being filled #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171486.jpg)

Цитировать12/12/2017 17:20

The Arianespace launch team has given the "go" to begin fueling the Ariane 5's first stage with super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The process to load cryogenic propellants into the core stage takes about two hours.

The weather forecast for today's instantaneous launch opportunity at 1836:07 GMT (1:36:07 p.m. EST: 3:36:07 p.m. French Guiana time) remains favorable, but there is a moderate risk of lightning that will be monitored throughout the countdown. Lightning and high winds are the Ariane 5's two primary weather constraints.

ЦитироватьPhotos: Ariane 5 rocket arrives at launch pad in French Guiana
December 11, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/) Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143839.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

Mounted on a mobile platform, a European Ariane 5 rocket followed dual rail tracks across the Guiana Space Center in South America on the way to its jungle launch complex Monday, a day before its scheduled blastoff with four satellites to expand Europe's independent navigation network.

Спойлер

The 155-foot-tall (47.4-meter) Ariane 5 launcher is counting down to liftoff at precisely 1836:07 GMT (1:36:07 p.m. EST; 3:36:07 p.m. French Guiana time) Tuesday, a date and time set more than three months ago to place the quartet of Galileo navigation satellites into the growing fleet of European positioning and timing spacecraft approximately 14,200 miles (22,900 kilometers) above Earth.

The Ariane 5 and its four satellite payloads have kept the appointment since managers rescheduled the mission from earlier in the year to resolve concerns with ultra-precise atomic clocks on-board the spacecraft.

The rocket emerged from its final assembly building at the French-run spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on Monday morning for the 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) trip to the ELA-3 launch zone. A specially-designed 540-horsepower Titan tug pulled the Ariane 5 and its mobile launch table along rail tracks laid between the facilities at the sprawling base carved from the edge of the Amazon jungle.

Final countdown operations are schedule to commence early Tuesday with filling of the Ariane 5's first stage with super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants.

It will be the 11th and final Arianespace launch of the year.

The rocket flying Tuesday is known as the Ariane 5 ES version of Europe's workhorse launcher, with an upper stage powered by an Aestus engine designed to ignite multiple times in space. The reignitable powerplant burns a mixture of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants designed for long-term storage, while the Ariane 5's more commonly-used cryogenic upper stage is capable of only one start in flight.

Two burns are needed on Tuesday's mission to place the four Galileo satellites, built by OHB in Germany with British-supplied navigation payloads from SSTL, into a circular orbit more than 14,000 miles up.

The Ariane 5 rocket will pivot northeast from French Guiana and shed its twin solid rocket boosters around two-and-a-half minutes later. The Aestus second stage engine will fire around nine minutes into the mission to send the Galileo satellites into an egg-shaped transfer orbit.

Once the engine shuts down, the rocket will coast more than three hours until 2204 GMT (5:04 p.m. EST), when the Aestus will restart for a six-minute burn to circularize the Ariane 5's orbit for deployment of the four Galileo spacecraft in pairs at around 2212 GMT (5:12 p.m. EST) and 2232 GMT (5:32 p.m. EST).

The 1,576-pound (715-kilogram) spacecraft are Galileo satellites Nos. 19, 20, 21 and 22 since operational members of the European Commission-managed network began launching in October 2011.

At least 24 satellites spread among three orbital planes, or pathways, are needed for uninterrupted global service. Four more Galileo craft are scheduled for launch on another Ariane 5 rocket in July 2018, followed by additional replacements and spares beginning in 2020.

Photos of the Ariane 5's rollout to its launch pad are posted below.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143840.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143835.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143841.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143833.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143834.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143836.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143837.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143842.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143838.jpg)
Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 27 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/940607033228890113)

#Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash) is ready for another #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) mission at the service of @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) and @ESA (https://twitter.com/esa)! We're extremely proud of the important role #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) has played in many of Europe's space initiatives, including Galileo #OHBSystem (https://twitter.com/hashtag/OHBSystem?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171484.jpg)

ЦитироватьSecond Galileo Quartet Ready for Launch atop Ariane 5 Rocket
December 11, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/second-galileo-quartet-ready-for-launch-atop-ariane-5-rocket/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151882.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151882.jpg)
Galileo 19-22 in Launch Position – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

Four more satellites are set to join the European Galileo Navigation Satellite System on Tuesday, targeting liftoff at 18:36 UTC atop an Ariane 5 ES rocket blasting off fr om French Guiana. Lifting Galileo Satellites 19 through 22, Ariane 5 will be tasked with an ascent mission of nearly four hours to send the 715-Kilogram satellites directly into their checkout orbit in Plane A of the growing constellation.

Спойлер

Increasing the total number of operational Galileo satellites to 20, Tuesday's launch will put the constellation a considerable step closer to fully operational capabilities that will be reached when 24 active satellites have taken their positions in three orbital planes.

The first 14 Galileo satellites, including test and prototype spacecraft, were launched two at a time on Soyuz rockets from the Guiana Space Center and Baikonur, starting with a pair of pathfinder satellites in 2005 and 2008. To end reliance on the Soyuz in a changing political atmosphere, it was decided to launch the last dozen satellites atop specially modified Ariane 5 ES rockets.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151903.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Inside_Galileo_s_navigation_payload.jpg)
Galileo's Navigation Payload – Rubidium Clocks are in the image center-right, Masers on the left – Credit: SSTL

This is the first launch in support of Galileo this year and comes over a full year after the first Ariane 5 launch with Galileo Satellites in November 2016 on mission VA233. However, despite not adding any satellites to the constellation up to this point in 2017, the Galileo program can look back at a very busy year spent sorting out a potentially serious problem affecting the atomic clocks installed on all production satellites that had already been launched into orbit and those in testing en-route to the launch pad.

News of the clock problem (http://spaceflight101.com/galileo-atomic-clock-failures/) emerged in January by which point ten atomic clocks had failed across the 18 satellites in orbit with one being re-started and nine considered failed for good. The number of clock failures and the timing of their occurrence after each satellite entered operations pointed to a potential systemic design issue and required detailed investigation. Even more worrying, both types of clocks installed on the Galileo satellites were affected – the traditional Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) Clocks considered a well-proven and robust design and the more-precise Passive Hydrogen Maser (PHM) Clocks.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151878.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/1732666_orig.jpg)
Image: ESA

Detailed analysis of the failures showed two separated weak points in the two clock types. The problem with the RAFS clocks was traced back to a susceptibility to short circuits in a particular component introduced as the result of a certain testing procedure on the ground while the issue on the PHM clocks was traced back to the operational environment of the clocks with respect to the way the clocks are powered on an off. Procedural changes to the operation of the PHM clocks and replacement of an inexpensive electronics component on the RAFS clocks were expected to solve the issues.

The Ariane 5 VA240 launch with Galileo FM-15 through 18 had been pushed to November at the beginning of the year to provide sufficient time for the investigation, corrective action and re-qualification of the satellites. Launch eventually settled for a target date of December 12 and the Galileo satellites were delivered to French Guiana in September and October to enter their final processing campaigns that included fit checks, stand-alone testing and propellant loading before the four satellites began taking their places around the purpose-built launch dispenser.

>> Galileo Satellite & Constellation Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacecraft/galileo/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151879.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/22730132_1604200229618319_8909132453706891984_n.jpg)
EPC Core Stage – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

The Ariane 5 rocket for this mission arrived at the space base in mid-September and completed integration operations over the course of October. For Galileo, Ariane 5 employs its ES configuration that is different from the ECA version in charge of the rocket's bread and butter business of launching Geostationary Communications Satellites. Instead of an ESC-A Cryogenic Upper Stage that dispatches heavy payloads to elliptical orbits, the ES version features an EPS upper stage capable of starting its engine multiple times to boost the satellites directly into Medium Earth Orbit.

Prior to Galileo, Ariane 5 only employed the ES version five times to lift the five Automated Transfer Vehicle Missions between 2008 and 2014, lofting the 21-metric ton cargo ships into an orbit 260 Kilometers in altitude to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. The Galileo missions are taking the EPS stage to new heights, requiring a direct insertion close to their operational orbit which creates a record-setting mission duration for the Ariane 5 rocket.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151880.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/23316720_1618940014811007_788489377157425654_n.jpg)
EPS Second Stage – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

Adapting the Ariane 5 rocket for the launch of Galileo was a lengthy process that started in 2012 to establish a second source for launching the satellite fleet aside from Soyuz to ensure the program can remain on schedule even in case one of the two launchers is not available (for political or technical reasons).

Modifications needed on the Ariane 5 went beyond the fabrication of a multi-satellite dispenser and included structural improvements on the Vehicle Equipment Bay, power system re-design for prolonged missions and changes to the electrical and thermal systems of the existing EPS design. For ATV, EPS only had to operate for an hour before releasing its passenger – Galileo needs a coast of over three hours after the initial propulsion phase of the mission.

Lofting quadruplets of Galileo satellites required the performance of the existing Ariane 5 ES/ATV to be increased. This was achieved by cutting mass from the structural system of the Vehicle Equipment Bay, possible because the four Galileo satellites with a total mass of 3.3 metric tons (including dispenser) are much lighter than the massive ATV craft.

>> Ariane 5 ES Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/ariane-5-es/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151881.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/23844947_1635327189838956_2686061280826927045_n.jpg)
EPS Second Stage – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

Thermal system modifications were also important given the four-hour mission duration that exceeds all previous Ariane 5 flights that normally last no more than an hour. Feeding into thermal considerations was the 2014 failure of the Fregat upper stage that carried two Galileo satellites into a non-compliant orbit due to a design flaw that placed a propellant line in close proximity to a Helium pressurant line which led to the reaction control system fuel line becoming obstructed due to freezing.

The payload dispenser for Galileo quadruplet launches was designed by Airbus and Arianespace based on the two-satellite adapter used on the Soyuz. Extensive modeling was performed to ensure the adapter design is compatible with loads and vibration encountered during launch, also taking into account oscillation modes between the launcher and spacecraft stack.

Clustered around their 430-Kilogram payload adapter, the four OHB-built satellites are hidden under a 14-meter long payload fairing, targeting liftoff at the instant of 18:36:07 UTC on Tuesday – the precise launch time needed for the injection of the satellites into their target orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151886.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/A5ES-Galileo.jpg)
Launch Profile – Image: Arianespace

The initial ascent of Ariane 5 will look very similar to those of the ECA variant; however, targeting an orbital inclination of 57 degrees will require the launcher to fly on a launch azimuth to the north-east instead of the equator-hugging trajectories used by GTO missions. Blasting off from the ELA-3 site, the 50.5-meter tall rocket will have a thrust of over 1,400 metric-ton-force, provided by its Vulcain 2 main engine and twin Solid Rocket Boosters.

The boosters, each burning 237 metric tons of propellant, will fire until T+2 minutes and 20 seconds to provide the initial kick needed to send the Galileo quartet on its way. After separation of the 31.5-meter long boosters, Ariane 5 will continue pushing toward orbit with its main engine alone, generating 136,000 Kilogram-force of vacuum thrust.

>> Flight Profile (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/flight-profile/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151885.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/8800905_orig.jpg)
Image: ESA

The payload fairing will separate three minutes and 44 seconds into the flight when the rocket will have reached an altitude of 115 Kilometers wh ere aerodynamic forces are no longer a factor. The first stage will consume 170 metric tons of cryogenic propellants over the course of eight minutes and 55 seconds of powered flight, dropping away from the EPS second stage five seconds after main engine cutoff. Assuming control of powered flight, the EPS will fire up its 2,800-Kilogram-force Aestus engine on an initial burn of ten minutes and 50 seconds that will put the stack into an elliptical transfer orbit peaking at around 22,925 Kilometers in altitude.

To reach the high point of its orbit, EPS will spend three hours and eight minutes in coast mode so that the second burn can serve as a circularization maneuver. Re-start is expected three hours, 27 minutes and 50 seconds after launch on a burn of six minutes and 18 seconds to inject the stack into a perfectly circular orbit at 22,922 Kilometers in altitude. Separation of the Galileo satellites will be completed in pairs at T+3 hours and 35 minutes and T+3 hours and 55 minutes to ensure all four enter a safe path without re-contact risk.

The Galileo satellites are initially placed into their graveyard orbit that is below the 23,222-Kilometer operational orbit of the constellation. This is done in case a satellite can not be activated after launch – ensuring the operational planes of the constellation are kept free of dead satellites.

[свернуть]

Цитировать

Ariane 5 VA240 Flight Profile (Galileo 19-22)

Спойлер

[TH]Time[/TH] [TH]Event[/TH]

T-0:00:38	Ignition Sequence Start
T-0:00:04	Handoff to Ariane 5
T-0	Vulcain 2 Main Engine Ignition
T+0:00:07.05	Command Booster Ignition
T+0:00:07.3	LIFTOFF
T+0:00:12.3	Pitch Maneuver
T+0:00:17.05	Roll Maneuver
T+0:00:32:05	Pitch & Roll Complete
T+0:00:4x	Mach 1
T+0:01:0x	Maximum Dynamic Pressure
T+0:02:20	EAP Solid Rocket Booster Separation
T+0:03:44	Payload Fairing Jettison
T+0:08:55	Main Engine Cutoff
T+0:09:01	EPC First Stage Separation
T+0:09:08	EPS - First Ignition
T+0:19:58	EPS - Aestus Shutdown
T+0:19:58	Coast Phase
T+3:27:50	EPS - Second Ignition
T+3:34:08	EPS - Aestus Shutdown
T+3:35:45	Galileo 19 & 21 Satellite Separation
T+3:55:45	Galileo 20 & 22 Satellite Separation
T+4:09:18	EPS - Upper Stage Passivation
T+4:40:52	End of Mission

Launch Data

Launch Date: December 12, 2017
T-0 Time: 18:36:07 UTC
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES/Galileo
Launch Site: ELA-3, French Guiana

Payloads: Four Galileo Satellites (FM-15-18 )
Payload Mass: 3,282kg
Mission Duration: 3hrs, 55min, 45sec

Galileo Insertion Orbit:

Altitude: 22,922 Kilometers (Circular)
Inclination: 57.00°
Galileo Plane: MEO-A

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151843.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151842.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940634926071894017)

EPC filling done, some rain still in the area, so far all ok #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940636492350750720)

One hour to the instantaneous launch opportunity for #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) and #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) FM 15-18. Tanking is complete and a final round of RF link checks is underway before teams will begin preparations for the Synchronized Countdown Sequence.

Цитировать12/12/2017 21:06

Minus-30 minutes. Some statistics on today's flight:

[/li]
• 240th launch of an Ariane rocket since 1979
• 294th Arianespace mission
• 96th launch of an Ariane 5 rocket since 1996
• 7th launch of an Ariane 5 ES rocket since 2008
• 71st flight of a Vulcan 2 engine
• 32nd flight of an Aestus engine
• 2nd Ariane 5 launch targeting MEO
• 56th ESA mission launched by Arianespace
• 9th launch for Europe's Galileo program
• 11th launch from the Guiana Space Center in 2017
• 6th Ariane 5 launch in 2017
  

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 12, 2017

Ariane 5 lifts off from French Guiana with four Galileo spacecraft

Arianespace's Ariane 5 launcher has begun its latest mission from the Spaceport, carrying four satellites for Europe's Galileo navigation system.

Lifting off at exactly 3:36:07 p.m. local time in French Guiana, the heavy-lift vehicle is to deploy its passengers on a flight lasting approximately 3 hrs., 55 min.

Payload lift performance for today's mission – which is designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system – is estimated at 3,282 kg.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 ES launches Galileo FOC-M7 satellites

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220782.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/SciNewsRo) SciNews (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjU6ZwoTQtKWfz1urL7XcbA)

Опубликовано: 12 дек. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 22 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/940665760623550465)

The European Space Agency's photographer captured this photo of the Ariane 5 rocket climbing into an overcast sky over French Guiana today. https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/12/va-240-mission-status-center/ ... (https://t.co/e0mASSxe8Z)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171498.jpg)

Цитировать12/12/2017 22:39

The Ariane 5's second stage is now in communications range of a ground station at New Norcia, Western Australia. The upper stage is in a "barbecue roll" to keep its temperature steady as it climbs higher above Earth, heading for an altitude of more than 14,000 miles.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/940671136916017157)

Meanwhile, the Ariane 5 ES Upper Stage is enjoying a BBQ roll with its four passengers. (To new people, that's real. They rotate the spacecraft to aid thermal conditioning - i.e. how long each side faces the sun).
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171499.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67718.jpg) ESA‏Подлинная учетная запись @esa (https://twitter.com/esa) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/esa/status/940658886951960576)

#Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) launch images just in from our photographer in Kourou. Launch coverage is set to resume at 22:01 GMT (23:01 CET) after a 3-hour ballistic phase. http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Watch_the_launch_of_Galileos_19_22 ... (https://t.co/l9I0cKf31I)
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 32 мин назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/940676122857164804)

Lift-off as seen from the viewing site #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68356.jpg) ESA Operations‏Подлинная учетная запись @esaoperations (https://twitter.com/esaoperations) 18 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/940679832266051584)

Just in from the engineers in #WesternAustralia (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WesternAustralia?src=hash) at ESA's #NewNorcia (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewNorcia?src=hash) station: Signal also acquired, as planned! Tonight's launcher tracking for @Arianespace (https://twitter.com/Arianespace) #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) has gone perfectly

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 16 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/940686455558598656)

Another hour until the Arianespace coverage resumes, but Irina, Alexandre, Zofia, and Nicole are already a good distance from the planet.
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 2 мин назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/940703126251810816)

After coasting to an altitude of more than 14,000 miles (nearly 23,000 kilometers), the Ariane 5's upper stage engine is about to begin a crucial maneuver to reshape its orbit for deployment of four Galileo navigation satellites. Live coverage: https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/12/va-240-mission-status-center/ ... (https://t.co/e0mASSxe8Z)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 44 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940703975267078145)

IGNITION! The EPS upper stage fired up its 2,800kgf Aestus engine on a burn of six minutes and 18 seconds to boost #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) FM 15-18 into an orbit of 22,922 Kilometers, 57.0°.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/940704268285349888)

Second burn of the Upper Stage. Circularizing the orbit.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171506.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 44 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940704513073340416)

The #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites are dropped off in an orbit 300 Kilometers below their operational altitude where they will undergo activation and checkouts before phasing into the constellation. This keeps the operational orbit clean in case a satellite can not be activated.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940706006421659649)

SEPARATION! #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) 19 and 21 have been sent into opposite directions by loaded springs, now completing stabilization, solar array deployment and initial health checks.

Цитировать12/13/2017 01:18

The European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency has confirmed the first pair of Galileo satellites has radioed mission control after deployment in orbit, confirming they are functioning following today's launch.

ЦитироватьSeparation of the 1st pair of satellites is on. Signal captured. One more pair to go  :)  
— European GNSS Agency (@EU_GNSS) December 12, 2017 (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940706670203764736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940711073761710080)

SEPARATION! #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) 20 and 22 are on their way. Awaiting their signals & health checks before calling launch success, but by all real time indications, #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) performed flawlessly today.
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940711590437052416)

Good acquisition of the signal of the 2 other #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites  :)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940712152431816704)

Solar panels of the 1st pair deployed  :)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940713322416082949)

Deployment of the 1st solar panels for the 2nd pair (2C6 and 2C8 ) complete

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/940713073853239296)

The EPS upper stage will enter passivation at T+4 hours and 9 minutes to vent down its tanks and power down systems to close out its flight. #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 12 мин назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940716219883192320)

2C5 and 2C7, our first pair of #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites are looking at the sun  :)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940717206467416065)

deployment of the solar panels of the 2nd pair of #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites (2C6 - 2C8 ) confirmed

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 41 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/940720405907738626)
 
I am delighted to confirm that the four #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) satellites have been safely separated on their targeted medium Earth orbits. 11 #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash) launches in 2017 = 11 successes!

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg) Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 52 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/940722142869622784)

From Kourou to Evry, #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash) teams were hard at work tonight! A warm thanks to our worldwide staff for another #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) launch success! And for the 11 on-target missions throughout 2017! (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125385.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png) European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/940723688164462593)

1st step of the Launch and Early Operations Phase successful, the new #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) #satellites (https://twitter.com/hashtag/satellites?src=hash) 19-22 sent us their signals, sun pointing ok and are now on their way to new orbit... #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) Flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) launch

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 12, 2017

Arianespace's winning formula for Galileo: 5 + 4 = 22

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Lifting off at the exact moment set for the launch of Flight VA240, Arianespace's Ariane 5 begins its ascent from the Spaceport with four Galileo navigation satellites.

The Galileo constellation increased by four spacecraft today following an Ariane 5 launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana – bringing the total number of European navigation satellites orbited by Arianespace to 22.

This afternoon mission, designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, was performed from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone, with Ariane 5 deploying its four passengers during a mission lasting 3 hours, 55 minutes.

Спойлер

Flight VA240 was the second to utilize the workhorse Ariane 5 – supplied by production prime contractor ArianeGroup – in lofting operational Galileo satellites. It followed another four orbited by Arianespace on an Ariane 5 in 2016, and 14 others launched in pairs aboard the company's Russian-built Soyuz vehicles during seven missions performed between 2011 and 2016.

11 Arianespace launches in 2017 with Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega

Today's launch wrapped up another successful year of activity for Arianespace, as noted by Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Israël during comments from the Spaceport. "Thanks to the year's flawless operation of our launch vehicle family – six Ariane 5 flights, two with Soyuz and three by Vega – our track record for 2017 is once again outstanding," he said.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222983.jpg)

The four satellites carried on Flight VA240 were named after European children who created artwork in a Galileo drawing competition on the themes of space and aeronautics. As a result, the latest navigation spacecraft in Galileo's constellation are called Nicole, Zofia, Alexandre and Irina – named after youngsters from the European countries of Austria, Poland, Portugal and Romania, respectively.

For Flight VA240, the four Galileo satellites weighed approximately 714 kg. each, and were deployed from a dispenser system that released the passengers in two sets during an interval of 20 minutes. The Ariane 5's overall payload lift performance to medium Earth orbit (MEO) was set at 3,283 kg.

The spacecraft were built by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads for each satellite supplied by U.K.-based SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd), which is 99% owned by Airbus Defence and Space.

Galileo: Europe's civilian-controlled navigation system

As Europe's own global navigation satellite system, Galileo is operated under civilian control, offering guaranteed high-precision positioning around the world. The Galileo program is funded and owned by the European Union. The European Commission has overall responsibility for the program – with Flight VA240 performed by Arianespace on behalf of the European Commission under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Following today's launch, the GSA (European GNSS Agency, in charge of managing and operating the EGNOS and Galileo satellite navigation systems for the European Union), became responsible for operating these satellites after their separation from the launcher. Satellite positioning operations and system operation will be carried out in conjunction with ESA.

Looking ahead to next year, Arianespace's 2018 launch activity will begin on January 25 with an Ariane 5 mission to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). This mission will carry two relay satellites: SES-14 for the Luxemburg-based operator SES; and Al Yah 3 for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, located in the United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/press-releases/?taxonomy%5Bpress-release-category%5D=ariane-5) | December 12, 2017

Arianespace orbits four more Galileo satellites as Ariane 5 logs 82nd successful launch in a row

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Arianespace has successfully launched satellites 19, 20, 21 and 22 in the Galileo constellation, using an Ariane 5 heavy launcher on behalf of the European Commission (DG GROW) and under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The launch took place on December 12, 2017 at 3:36 p.m. (local time) from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Спойлер

Today's launch was the ninth from CSG for the Galileo satellite navigation system, and the second using the Ariane 5 ES version of this launch vehicle. Arianespace has now orbited a total of 22 Galileo satellites, using Soyuz and Ariane 5 launchers.

A last Ariane 5 ES will orbit four more Galileo satellites in 2018, then Ariane 6 will take over in 2020-2021.

Today's launch was the 11th and final of 2017 for Arianespace, and the sixth during the year for Ariane 5, which also marked the 82nd successful mission in a row for the heavy-lift launcher.

Ninth mission for Europe's Galileo program, and the second with Ariane 5

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Galileo is Europe's own global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Under civilian control, Galileo offers guaranteed high-precision positioning around the world.

Its initial services began in December 2016, allowing users equipped with Galileo-enabled devices to combine Galileo and GPS data for better positioning accuracy.

The complete Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites (along with spares); 22 of these satellites have already been orbited by Arianespace.

Following today's launch, the GSA (European GNSS Agency, in charge of managing and operating the EGNOS and Galileo satellite navigation systems for the European Union) will be responsible for operating these satellites as soon as they separate from the launcher. Satellite positioning operations and system operation will be carried out in conjunction with ESA.

Arianespace guarantees Europe's independent access to space

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Today's launch was the second this year for the European Commission and ESA, coming after the successful Vega launch in March (VV09) on a Copernicus mission. It also is the 11th performed by Arianespace for the European Commission, and the 56th for ESA, using its complete family of launch vehicles: Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega.

In September, the European Commission and ESA chose to continue deployment of Galileo satellites with two Ariane 62 launches, making them the first customers for Ariane 6 and clearly confirming their commitment to this next-generation heavy launcher – while also reaffirming, more strongly than ever, Arianespace's mission of providing Europe with independent access to space.

A very busy year of operations: 11 launches, all successful and 20 satellites orbited in 2017

With this final launch of the year, Arianespace maintains a sustained pace of operations. It performed 11 launches in 2017, all successful: six by Ariane 5, two by Soyuz and three by Vega.

Arianespace launched 20 satellites for 18 different customers, with total weight injected into orbit of nearly 60 metric tons, including 53.8 metric tons just for satellites sent into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

In 2017, Arianespace launched all sizes of satellites (from 264 kg. to 6.4 metric tons), into all types of orbits and for a wide range of applications:

 12 geostationary communications satellites
 4 Earth observation satellites
 4 navigation satellites.

Shortly after the announcement of the orbital injection of the four satellites, Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, said: "With this sixth successful Ariane 5 launch and the second mission for the European Commission and ESA this year, Arianespace is proud to guarantee Europe's reliable and independent access to space.

"I would like to thank the European Union and, in particular, DG GROW, along with the European Space Agency – our direct customer on this launch – for continuing to trust us with their missions. This successful launch of four additional Galileo satellites marks our ninth mission for the constellation, which supports applications that will benefit the population at large, bringing the total to 22 satellites in orbit. A final Ariane 5 ES will embark four additional satellites in the summer of 2018, before Ariane 6 takes over from the end of 2020.

My thanks also go to OHB, which built the satellites launched today.

"I would like to congratulate all of our partners as well on this 240th Ariane launch, which also was the 82nd successful launch in a row of Ariane 5: the teams at our parent company ArianeGroup, and all companies involved in Ariane production; along with ESA and the agency's member-states involved in the Ariane program; CNES/CSG, our ground segment companies and all staff at the space center. And of course, congratulations to everyone at Arianespace for this 11th successful launch of the year, the last in 2017. Mission accomplished!"

The Galileo FOC-M7 satellites 19, 20, 21 and 22 were built by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads for each satellite being supplied by UK-based SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd), 99% owned by Airbus Defence and Space.

Each satellite had a liftoff mass of approximately 714 kg., for a total mass of 2,860 kg. They were placed into a circular medium Earth orbit (MEO) in Plane A, at an altitude of 22,922 km. and an inclination of 57 degrees. They will subsequently be moved to their operational orbit at 23,222 km.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьArianespace's winning formula for Galileo: 5 + 4 = 22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 12 дек. 2017 г.

The Galileo constellation increased by four spacecraft today following an Ariane 5 launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana – bringing the total number of European navigation satellites orbited by Arianespace to 22.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 2 ч назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/940711061107462144)

And there go the final two! S/C Sep for all four Galileo spacecraft! ARTICLE: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/12/ariane-5-es-another-galileo-quadruplets/ ... (https://t.co/VnUvXSCbTV) COVERAGE: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=38834.0 ... (https://t.co/A8WeN0rrKN)
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Спойлер

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Цитировать

Ariane 5 ES lofts another set of Galileo quadruplets (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/12/ariane-5-es-another-galileo-quadruplets/)

December 12, 2017 by Chris Bergin

ЦитироватьAriane 5 Closes 2017 with Four-Satellite Delivery for European Galileo Navigation System
December 12, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/ariane-5-va240-launches-galileo-m7/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151898.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off7-15.jpg)
Photo: ESA

Europe's Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center on Tuesday on its second mission in support of the Galileo Navigation Satellite System, aiming to add the next four members to the growing constellation that is set to reach operational strength in 2018 to begin offering global navigation services.

Спойлер

Flying in a specially modified version of its Ariane 5 ES configuration, the vehicle leapt off the launch pad at precisely 18:36:07 UTC for a twenty-minute propulsive flight phase to reach a preliminary orbit ahead of a lengthy coast of over three hours to climb to the peak of the transfer orbit. The critical circularization maneuver by the rocket's second stage dispatched the Galileo FM-15, 16, 17 and 18 satellites into a Medium Earth Orbit nearly 23,000 Kilometers in altitude and all four passengers successfully separated from the launch vehicle over three and a half hours after launch.

Operated by the European Commission, the €7-billion Galileo project has the primary goal of providing Europe with independent access to precise timing and navigation services on a global scale as an integral part of many applications beyond vehicular navigation – explaining the desire to have an independent system that ends reliance on foreign systems like the U.S. Global Positioning System which may not be available in times of crisis.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151885.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/8800905_orig.jpg)
Image: ESA

Galileo, in its architecture, is similar to GPS and the Russian Glonass navigation systems – operating a large number of satellites in multiple orbital planes in Medium Earth Orbit to have at least four satellites in view from any position on Earth to permit position triangulation via three satellites while the fourth acts as timing reference to increase accuracy. For full operational services, Galileo requires 24 active satellites in three orbital planes with an additional two satellites per plane acting as in-orbit spares to ensure services can continue even if operational satellites fail.

Since its inception in 2003, Galileo launched a total of two dozen satellites – starting with a pair of GIOVE proof-of-concept satellites launching on Soyuz rockets out of Baikonur in 2005 and 2008 and four In-Orbit-Validation satellites launching in pairs on Soyuz rockets from French Guiana in 2011/12 to validate the design of the operational Galileo satellites. The first ten FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites launched in pairs atop Soyuz rockets starting in 2014 and the next 12 are being launched four at a time by Ariane 5 to establish the fully operational constellation with Ariane 6 expected to commence two-satellite launches in 2020 to lift in-orbit spares.

>> Galileo Satellite & Constellation Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacecraft/galileo/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151884.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/8291115_orig.jpg)
Photo: ESA

The decision to modify the Ariane 5 ES launch vehicle for Galileo launches was made in 2012 to have at least two launchers available for the project to meet the planned 2020 in-service date even if one vehicle becomes unavailable for technical or political reasons. Ariane 5 supported its first Galileo quartet launch in November 2016 when it lifted the FM-7, 12, 13 and 14 satellites.

Although Tuesday's launch was the first Galileo mission of the year, the project can look back at a very busy 2017, overcoming a potentially serious problem related to the atomic clocks installed on the Galileo fleet and tasked with keeping time at the ultra-high precision needed for sub-meter navigation accuracy. News emerged in January that of the 72 atomic clocks deployed on 18 operational Galileo satellites, ten had encountered failures of which nine were considered failed for good.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151883.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/24796376_1648466335191708_3298131443900276356_nb.jpg)
Galileo FM-15-18 Encapsulation for Launch – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

Even more worrying, the issues affected both types of clocks deployed on the satellites – the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) clocks considered a well-proven and robust spaceborne clock system, and the Passive Hydrogen Maser (PHM) clocks installed on Galileo for their higher accuracy and time stability.

The clock problems prompted a delay to the FM 15-18 launch from mid-year to provide sufficient time for a detailed investigation before committing additional satellites with potential flaws in their clocks to flight.

Two separate failure mechanisms for the two clock types were uncovered by the investigation. On the RAFS clocks, an inexpensive electronics component was implicated that had become susceptible to short circuits due to a particular testing procedure performed on the ground. These findings were corroborated by an investigation into the failure of RAFS clocks on the Indian IRNSS navigation satellites that were procured from the same Swiss manufacturer and suffered the same defects. The failures of the PHM clocks were traced back to the operational parameters at power-on and power-off, requiring procedural changes on how the PHMs are operated.

With corrective action taken by switching out the faulty part on the RAFS clocks and changing the power cycle procedure for the PHMs, Galileo was ready to resume launches and the next four satellites, nicknamed Nicole, Zofia, Alexandre and Irina, arrived in French Guiana in September and October to undergo final testing and propellant loading before taking their places around a purpose-built adapter.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151904.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/va240-onpad.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/CSG

Gearing up for its sixth and final launch of 2017, Ariane 5 entered countdown operations at 6:28 UTC on Tuesday with power-up of the launch vehicle for detailed testing to clear the way for the start of tanking on the first stage at 13:43 UTC to load the vehicle with some 170 metric tons of Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen.

The Ariane 5 ES variant, called upon for its seventh mission on Tuesday, was originally developed for the Automated Transfer Vehicle by taking the improved Solid Rocket Boosters and EPC core stage of the Ariane 5 ECA variant and placing the EPS storable propellant second stage of the Ariane 5 GS predecessor on top to allow for re-start capability.

Additional modifications had to be made to the Ariane 5 ES vehicle to make it suitable for Galileo missions that are taking the vehicle to new heights since the five ATV flights only took the vehicle to 260 Kilometers with a launch duration of one hour whereas Galileo requires a flight duration of four hours to reach its orbital destination over 22,900 Kilometers in altitude. This required modifications to the thermal control system and the addition of batteries to support the extended flight duration.

Additionally, to meet the performance requirements for lifting four 715-Kilogram satellites and their 420kg dispenser directly to MEO, weight saving measures were implemented on the EPS second stage and Vehicle Equipment Bay that had originally been designed to support the much heavier ATV that weighed in at up to 21 metric tons.

>> Ariane 5 ES Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/ariane-5-es/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151895.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off.jpg)
Photo: ESA

With the first stage fully loaded with cryogenics and Stage 2 receiving ten metric tons of self-igniting propellants well ahead of launch day, the stage was set for liftoff. Ariane 5 was awarded a clean bill of health after final checkouts, the Galileo quartet switched to battery power and weather was reported GREEN after slight concerns associated with thunderstorms subsided over the course of the countdown.

Soaring to life when clocks hit zero, Ariane 5 fired up its Vulcain 2 main engine for seven seconds of performance monitoring before the point of no return – ignition of the twin EAP boosters that catapulted Ariane 5 off its ELA-3 launch pad at precisely 18:36:07 UTC, the optimized liftoff time to dispatch the satellites into Plane A of the Galileo constellation. Ariane 5 rose with a total thrust of 1,420 metric-ton-force and swung onto an unusual launch azimuth of 35 degrees – a north-easterly departure to reach a 57° orbit instead of the typical equator-hugging Geotransfer missions that have become Ariane's bread-and-butter business.

Within a minute of launch, the 48-meter tall rocket had passed the speed of sound and was approaching Maximum Dynamic Pressure on its way out of the dense atmosphere. The twin EAPs, each burning 237 metric tons of propellants, dropped away from the rocket at T+2 minutes and 20 seconds and Ariane 5 continued pushing toward orbit with a thrust of 136,000 Kilogram-force, relying on its Vulcain engine alone.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151902.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileos_atop_Ariane_5.jpg)
Image: ESA/ATG medialab

When reaching an altitude of 115 Kilometers three minutes and 44 seconds into the flight, Ariane 5 split open and separated its 14-meter long fairing halves, revealing the Galileo satellites for the test of their ride into orbit. The EPC cryo core fired until T+8 minutes and 55 seconds to accelerate the vehicle to a speed of 8.2 Kilometers per second with separation of the 30.5-meter long stage occurring five seconds later to hand off to the EPS upper stage.

The second stage's Aestus engine soared to a thrust of 2,800-Kilogram-force for a planned burn of ten minutes and 50 seconds to lift the stack into an elliptical transfer orbit peaking at 22,925 Kilometers in altitude. The initial propulsive flight phase ended 19 minutes and 58 seconds into the mission when Ariane 5 reached its preliminary orbit and entered a lengthy coast phase of three hours and eight minutes to climb all the way to apogee.

EPS ignited on its critical second burn three hours and 28 minutes into the flight, firing for a little over six minutes to deliver the Galileo satellites into a circular orbit 22,922 Kilometers in altitude, at an inclination of 57 degrees – positioned 300 Kilometers below Plane A of the Galileo constellation.

>> Flight Profile (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/flight-profile/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151878.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/1732666_orig.jpg)
Image: ESA

Launching the satellites into an orbit below their operational altitude allows for safe disposal of the EPS upper stage and also keeps the constellation orbit clean in case a satellite can not be activated after deployment. Arriving in its planned orbit, EPS was tasked with two deployment events – sending pairs of Galileo satellites into opposite directions at T+3 hours and 35 minutes and T+3 hours and 55 minutes to ensure all four go their separate ways without risk of re-contact.

Tuesday's launch marked Ariane 5's 82nd consecutive success and closed another busy year for Arianespace, checking off eleven mission of the company's launcher fleet – two Geotransfer missions performed by Soyuz, three launches of the light-lift Vega and six Ariane 5 missions, five of which lifted pairs of communications satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit.

The next Galileo mission is currently planned for July 2018 when the next four members of the constellation will ride into orbit atop an Ariane 5, raising the total number of IOV and FOC satellites to 26 in order to bring the constellation to operational strength.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьPhotos: Ariane 5 Blasts Off with Four Galileo Navigation Satellites
December 12, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/photos-ariane-5-blasts-off-with-four-galileo-navigation-satellites/)

Europe's Ariane 5 launch vehicle blasted off from the ELA-3 launch pad at the Guiana Space Center at 18:36:07 UTC on Tuesday, December 12 on its sixth and final launch of 2017. Hidden under the rocket's payload fairing were the next four satellites joining the European Galileo Navigation Satellite System to take the constellation on large step closer to reaching operational strength. Flying in a modified ES configuration, Ariane 5 was tasked with a lengthy ascent mission of nearly four hours, directly dispatching the four 715-Kilogram satellites into a Medium Earth Orbit nearly 23,000 Kilometers in altitude.

Спойлер

>> Read our Launch Recap (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/ariane-5-va240-launches-galileo-m7/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151889.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off11.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151888.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off10.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151901.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off9.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151900.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off8.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151899.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off7.jpg)

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(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151896.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off5.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151894.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off4.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151893.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off3.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151891.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off2.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151890.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off1.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151892.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_lifts_off.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151887.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va240/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2017/12/Galileo_liftoff.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьVA240 - 12/12/2017

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 12 дек. 2017 г.

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Galileo FOC-M7 / SAT 19-20-21-22

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 12 дек. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68356.jpg) ESA Operations‏Подлинная учетная запись @esaoperations (https://twitter.com/esaoperations) 4 ч назад (https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/940939901301903361)

#ICYMI (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICYMI?src=hash) ESA ground stations tracked @Arianespace (https://twitter.com/Arianespace) flight #VA240 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA240?src=hash) as it delivered 4 new #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) sats into orbit yesterday. Here's what the engineers saw at #NewNorcia (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewNorcia?src=hash) station in #Australia (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash) (L-R) 4 signal peaks from 4 sats (+ 2 from Arianespace itself)#estrack (https://twitter.com/hashtag/estrack?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171536.jpg)

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA240 / Behind the Scenes of the Dream

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ) arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 15 дек. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg) DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 19 ч назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/941693561506095106)

Update:
http://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/galileo.txt ... (https://t.co/NyPg3k5NCU)

GSAT0215 (SVID 21), GSAT0216 (SVID 25), GSAT0217 (SVID 27) AND GSAT0218 (SVID 31)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2h ago (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/961182473265864704)

Good to hear that 2 more of my babies have made it to their final orbital slots, commissioning is on-going #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash) FOC FM15 & FM16 #ESA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESA?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185585.png)European GNSS Agency‏ @EU_GNSS (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS) 2h ago (https://twitter.com/EU_GNSS/status/961180656448491520)

Great news for #Galileo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galileo?src=hash)! The 1st pair of Launch 9 #Satellites (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Satellites?src=hash), Nicole & Zofia, reached their final target orbits on the 6th of February, 2018! https://youtu.be/6oEcc58tEiA  (https://t.co/BP1kfFlQBY) @JY_LeGall (https://twitter.com/JY_LeGall) @CNES (https://twitter.com/CNES) @EU_Commission (https://twitter.com/EU_Commission) @esa (https://twitter.com/esa)

ЦитироватьEnd of EOP for Galileo satellite quartet

Published: 26 March 2018

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/206280.jpg)
Once the performance testing is concluded and deemed satisfactory, the satellites will enter into service as part of the Galileo constellation.

The four Galileo satellites launched on December 12 have successfully transitioned from Early Orbit Phase to In Orbit Testing.

On December 12, four Galileo satellites started their journey on an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou. Shortly after leaving the rocket, the satellites – named Nicole, Zofia, Alexandre and Irina – reached stable configuration and established first contact with Earth.

This launch marked the first time that the European GNSS Agency (GSA) was responsible for the Early Orbit Phase (EOP) of the mission. EOP is one of the most important phases of a space mission as it positions the satellites into the correct orbits and gradually switches on and tests the first elements. For example, just days after the launch, the four satellites were transitioned from sun acquisition mode to Earth tracking mode, also known as nominal operational mode (NOM). In this mode, the satellites point to the Earth with all antennas oriented towards the ground.

Next, the satellites began moving to their destination Galileo orbit with a set of very precise manoeuvres, with Nicole and Zofia reaching their final target orbits on February 6, and Alexandre and Irina following suit on February 14. With all four satellites in their final slots, EOP came to an end on February 26.

Time for In Orbit Testing

The quartet of Galileo satellites are now starting the In Orbit Testing phase, a comprehensive characterization and evaluation of the satellites' behaviour in space. Although extensive tests were performed before launch, the space environment cannot be fully represented on ground, and thus extra testing in space is necessary. This includes transmitting test navigation signals, whose performance will be carefully monitored and tested. The performance tests ensure that the satellites' in-orbit performance is in line with the predictions made during on-ground testing.

Once the performance testing is concluded and deemed satisfactory, the satellites will enter into service as part of the Galileo constellation – bringing the total number of satellites to 22.