Sentinel-5p – Рокот/Бриз-КМ – Плесецк 133/3 – 13.10.2017 09:27 UTC

[tnt22]

http://tass.ru/kosmos/4592239

Запуск спутника дистанционного зондирования Земли Sentinel-5p планируется на 13 октября

Космос  26 сентября, 11:28 UTC+3

Ранее сообщалось, что спутник должен быть запущен с космодрома Плесецк на ракете-носителе "Рокот"


Старт ракеты-носителя "Рокот" с космодрома Плесецк
© Андрей Моргунов/ТАСС
 
АДЕЛАИДА /Австралия/, 26 сентября. /ТАСС/. Европейское космическое агентство (ЕКА) и Роскосмос договорились о дате запуска европейского спутника дистанционного зондирования Земли Sentinel-5p, старт планируется на 13 октября. Об этом сообщил во вторник генеральный директор ЕКА Йоханн-Дитрих Вернер.

Спойлер

"Мы обсуждали запуск спутника дистанционного зондирования Земли Sentinel-5p. Договорились, что он будет запущен в пятницу, 13 октября", - сказал Вернер журналистам на Международном астронавтическом конгрессе.

Ранее сообщалось, что спутник должен быть запущен с космодрома Плесецк на ракете-носителе "Рокот".

По словам Вернера, он и глава Роскосмоса Игорь Комаров также обсуждали вопросы сотрудничества по проекту "ЭкзоМарс". Речь шла о том, что каждая из стран должна поставить друг другу, чтобы обеспечить успешную реализацию миссии в 2020 году.

"Это нечто большее, чем сотрудничество по космическим программам - это дружба. Если у нас возникают вопросы друг к другу, у каждого из нас есть номер мобильного", - отметил Вернер.

 О спутнике

Sentinel-5 Precursor станет шестым спутником из семейства Sentinel, запущенным в рамках программы Copernicus. Аппарат будет следить за химическим составом атмосферы и изменением климата на Земле.

Основным производителем Sentinel-5 Precursor является компания Airbus. В разработку и изготовление спутников и их компонентов вовлечены три производства компании в Стивенидже (Великобритания), Тулузе (Франция) и Фридрихсхафене (Германия).

Установленная на спутнике аппаратура тропосферного мониторинга TROPOMI будет брать пробы озона, диоксида азота, метана и других атмосферных загрязнителей с более высокой степенью детализации, чем предыдущие аппараты.

На смену этому аппарату в 2021 году придет спутник второго поколения MetOp.

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[tnt22]

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2017/09/26/post-fuelling-curry/

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Honora

Post-fuelling curry

After the delicate task of fuelling Sentinel-5P had been done, the satellite was lifted to be weighed to confirm how much fuel had been added. After that the fuelling team 'decontaminated' and packed up.

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Thumbs up on the fuelling front. (ESA)

With the satellite fuelled, everyone must carry gas masks when in the MIK cleanroom.
On Saturday evening we celebrated the fuelling milestone by making a great curry – although as always after a good meal, there was a lot of washing up to do.


Making a curry to celebrate. (ESA)


Followed by piles of washing up. (ESA)

This week started with the Rockot upper stage setting off on its 30 km train ride to the fuelling station.
With the upper stage out of the way, the team were able to pack the fuelling equipment into its containers and bring the 'clamp band' into the cleanroom in preparation for mating the satellite to the upper stage of the launcher. We also connected the 'umbilical lines' from the electrical ground support equipment to Sentinel-5P – also in preparation for mating.


Clearing up for the next big job. (ESA)

So next big step is to join our satellite to the launcher ... watch this space!

From the ESA Sentinel-5P launch campaign team in Plesetsk

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[tnt22]

Earth from Space: Special edition

European Space Agency, ESA

Опубликовано: 26 сент. 2017 г.

Discover more about our planet with the Earth from Space video programme. In this special edition, Nico van Putten from the Netherlands Space Office and Jonathan Banting from Airbus Defence and Space discuss Sentinel-5P's unique Tropomi instrument and the challenges in building the satellite to accommodate it.

(4:40)

[tnt22]

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2017/09/26/esoc-readies-for-sentinel-5p/

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Daniel

ESOC readies for Sentinel-5P

Interview with ESA's Daniel Mesples, Spacecraft Operations Manager for Sentinel-5P, set for launch on 13 October 2017.

Editor's note: Daniel Mesples took some time from an incredibly busy schedule to talk with us about the training and preparations for 5P launch at ESA's ESOC mission control centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

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Q. What is involved in the 'Sim' campaign?

DM: On 18 July, the Sentinel-5P team at ESOC began intensive simulation training. This training will test the abilities of the team to work efficiently during all phases of the mission and to react correctly to any unexpected – or expected! – contingencies. We're especially focussing on LEOP, the launch and early orbit phase, which last three days, and in particular on the critical five-hour period following acquisition of signal – AOS.

During the simulations, the mission control team – about 40 people – is practicing working together and building their ability, which is crucial, to communicate effectively in case of any contingency.

During simulation training, the operations team try to forecast anything that could go wrong and have an emergency plan ready – with everyone knowing what he or she should do – for each option. Further, every step in the launch are tested, in a specific timeframe and sequence.

Q. Why is LEOP so important?

DM: Launch means intense vibrations and acceleration, and entering the challenging physical conditions in space, and these mean that if something is going to go wrong, it's most likely during launch, just after separation and in the critical first hours until we get power and communications stable.


Sentinel-5P simulation training at ESOC 7 Sep 2017. Credit: ESA

LEOP is the most critical phase, since our spacecraft will be surviving on batteries until we get the solar arrays deployed – and these will only last so long. If the satellite does not initialize correctly or does not deploy the solar panels, there is a high risk of losing the entire mission.

To avoid this, the teams train together, forecasting possible problems and learning how to solve them together as one team.

Q. Why do you mention 'teams', in plural?

DM: The mission control team is actually a 'team of teams'. At the core is the flight control team – the engineers and myself who are dedicated to this mission.

For LEOP, we are supported by numerous additional functional teams from across ESOC; these include teams from flight dynamics, software, mission data systems, ground stations, the Sentinel project office at ESTEC and representatives from industry, who manufactured the satellite.

Q. How does a 'Sim' training session go?

DM: The teams use a spacecraft simulator, which is software designed to behave like the satellite. It, however, also simulates the ground stations and models how the Earth and Sun influence the satellite.

Essentially, the engineers sitting on console in the control room 'see' and interact with the simulated satellite just like they would the real one. And the simulator reacts like the real satellite; if they issue an incorrect command, or carry out the working procedure at the wrong time, the simulated satellite will let them know.


Simulation managers seen working in the Sim Control Room beneath the Main Control Room at ESOC for Gaia in 2013 Credit: Telespazio VEGA/J. Mai

It's precisely the same idea as airline pilots who spend hours in simulators practicing take offs, landings and emergency procedures.

We also make use of simulated ground stations, to learn how to work with the only interface we have to the real satellite, which is sending commands from a ground station to the satellite and receiving data – telemetry – back from space via a ground station.

Q. Who's on the mission control team?

DM: The total team is 40 people and they are divided into two shifts, A and B, of approximately 20 people each. This allows us to have 24 hr/day operations during LEOP, which is expected to run three days.

Sentinel-5P separation: just before mission control catches a signal from space

Each of the A and B team are trained for the same scenarios. Simulations involve different teams, which includes:

[/li]
• Flight control team – 3 engineers, 1 spacecraft controller and 1 operations manager
• The ground operations manager and the mission control system engineers, who check that the network connections to the ground stations and the equipment in the Main Control Room are working properly; they also liaise with the extended 'ground segment'
• The Flight Operations Director (OD) – who oversees the whole effort
• The project team, coming from the Sentinel project office at ESTEC.
  

There is also a separate control room with workstations for the representatives of the satellite manufacturer, a dedicated room for industry partners. Every team communicate with each other via voice loop and all communications are recorded.

Q. What is the Sim campaign schedule?

DM: We started on 18 July and we are continuing until just before launch on 13 October, with 1 or 2 simulations run every week, lasting a full day. The simulations campaign consists mostly of contingency simulations but begins and ends with a nominal simulation.

The schedule has been intense and the team have mastered every contingencies, never letting a problem turn into a crisis. I am very proud to be part of such a motivated and dedicated team and am confident that we are ready for the challenges which lie ahead.

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[tnt22]

Анимация

http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2017/08/Sentinel-5P_release_into_orbit

Sentinel-5P release into orbit

Released: 18/09/2017

(0:20)

[tnt22]

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Preparing_to_fly_Sentinel-5P

Preparing to fly Sentinel-5P

26 September 2017
The teams that will fly Sentinel-5P are training intensively for launch, ensuring that everyone knows their job and can react to any emergency.

A 'team of teams' at ESA's mission control centre has spent months preparing to assume control of Europe's next Earth observation mission, and the final weeks before launch have been the most intense.

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Team training

Sentinel-5P – the P refers to 'precursor' – is the first mission for Copernicus dedicated to monitoring our atmosphere.

The satellite carries the state-of-the-art Tropomi instrument that will map a multitude of trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide and aerosols – all of which affect the air we breathe, and therefore our health, and our climate.

Expansion of the Sentinel fleet in orbit highlights the expertise of teams at ESA and their capability to fly 'constellation' missions, as Sentinel-5P will fly in tight coordination with the US Suomi-NPP mission.

The challenging task of flying Sentinel-5P throughout its planned seven-year mission starts just 93 minutes after liftoff on 13 October, set for 09:27 GMT (11:27 CEST), on a Rockot from Russia's Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

Phoning home


Sentinel-5P

That's when the satellite, already in space after separating from the rocket some 14.5 minutes earlier, will make its first call home, signalling via a ground station in Sweden to ESA's main control room in Darmstadt, Germany.

"It's called 'acquisition of signal', and it's the moment when the years of careful development and preparation for our mission control systems, and the months of training for our mission control teams, will prove their worth," says flight operations director Pier Paolo Emanuelli.

That moment is one of the riskiest for the satellite: its rocket must have provided the right boost to put it into the planned orbit, and until its solar panels deploy to start generating power, it must survive on batteries, which will last only for a limited time.

"Once we get the signal, and establish a commanding link with the satellite, we'll begin a critical series of activities and procedures to verify the satellite's health, ensure we have solar power and full communications, activate systems like the startracker cameras for navigation and ensure that 5P is fully functional after the incredibly vigorous ride into space."

These initial activities continue around the clock for the first three days, after which the team will switch to daytime work, if all goes well, and move on to the next phase of the mission: commissioning the Tropomi sensor.

Training for all possibilities
If anything does go wrong, ESA will be well prepared. Since mid-July, the mission control teams – including the operations engineers, flight dynamics specialists, teams from ground stations, the science and project teams and representatives from European industry – have conducted 20 simulations out of the planned 26.


After this, mission control gets busy

Each runs for a full day, and employs sophisticated software to replicate the satellite and ground systems. Trainers can inject faults, errors and breakdowns into the simulation, testing the skill and knowledge of even the most experienced engineers and the teamwork and problem-solving abilities of everyone.

"The human factor is the one that determines the success of the mission. There is no single responsibility, and it is great to see our teams working together," says spacecraft operations manager Daniel Mesples.

Getting ready to go to space
Between now and launch day, the final round of 'sims' will take place twice per week, culminating with a final dress rehearsal on 11 October, which, by tradition, simulates a completely normal launch sequence.


Intense work

This will involve the teams in Darmstadt, ground stations in Sweden, the Antarctic, Canada and Norway, and the ESA and Russian teams at Plesetsk.

During the rehearsal, the mission control systems will be connected to Sentinel-5P sitting on top of the rocket via a ground link, which will be removed only a few minutes before liftoff.

"We will already have practised an extensive range of contingency situations, and experience shows it's good for team morale to run though a fully normal launch sequence one final time just prior to liftoff," says Daniel.

On 12 October, the flight operations director will certify to the launch authorities that the mission control teams are fully trained, that the ground systems and facilities are tested and ready, and that launch can proceed.

"In September, the ESA centre celebrated its 50th anniversary in Darmstadt, and its rich history of 77 missions," says Daniel.

"It's terrific that this month has seen many of us practising and training to do what it has excelled in for five decades – preparing to go to space."

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[tnt22]

http://www.eurockot.com/2017/09/mating-of-sentinel-5p-with-rockot-launch-vehicle-started/

09/28/2017
Mating of Sentinel-5p with Rockot Launch Vehicle Started

Following successful stand-alone testing of both, the Sentinel-5p spacecraft and the Rockot launcher, which led into fueling of both vehicles, the launch campaign reached today its key phase: Joint Operations.

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Joint Operations describe the activities following the mating of the satellite with the launcher adapter system. From this point onwards, the launcher teams (Khrunichev Space Center, Space Forces) and the spacecraft teams (ESA, Airbus Defence and Space) need to closely coordinate their actions as their hardware is gradually mated into the Ascent Unit, the upper part of the rocket which will reach orbit.

After formally signing off the readiness certificate to commence with Joint Operations, the Sentinel-5p satellite was hoisted from its test stand and lifted above the adapter system. Careful adjustments to the alignment of the pendulous 1-ton-spacecraft were made by the joint team before precisely lowering Sentinel-5p onto the Rockot adapter interface ring.

Adapter and spacecraft interface rings are being strapped together by means of a clamp band. The correct installation of the band is key to guarantee the connection between Sentinel-5p and the upper stage under flight loads. Therefore, experts from the clamp band manufacturer, Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid (formerly CASA Espacio), supervised the installation.

The next level of launcher integration will be reached on Monday when satellite and adapter will be mated onto the Breeze-KM upper stage. The Breeze-KM returned to the integration facility MIK today - fully fueled.

The success of Joint Operations is due to commitment of the involved teams. On the occasion of starting Joint Operations, we show you today in our picture gallery a few faces behind the functions. (credits: Eurockot Launch Services)

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[PIN]

tnt22 пишет:
Европейское космическое агентство (ЕКА) и Роскосмос договорились о дате запуска

При этом это КА не ЕКА, а Европейской Комиссии, оператор, получивший контракт на запуск находится в Германии, а дата была согласована месяц назад....

[PIN]

Позавчерашнее, оперативно. Снял в 4K, но в итоге урезал до HD.

[tnt22]

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2017/09/29/satellite-now-on-launch-adapter/

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Honora

Satellite now on launch adapter

Following successful independent testing of both the Sentinel-5p satellite and the Rockot launcher, we have now reached another phase, that of 'joint operations'.

This is the point where all teams work together to mount the satellite on Rockot's upper stage and fit it in the fairing.

Спойлер

Carefully lifting the fuelled satellite onto the launch adapter. (ESA)

Yesterday, we achieved the first step in the process by mating the satellite to the launch adapter.
This was a very delicate operation as the now-fuelled satellite was lifted from the stand on the fuelling platform onto the adapter.


Perfect fit. (ESA)

The lengthy process of installing the clamp band and umbilicals then started. We didn't finish until about 23:00 local time so it was a long day, but a successful one.

In parallel, Eric inspected the rocket fairing to ensure it met the stringent cleanliness requirements of the instrument prior to encapsulation next week.


Making sure the inside of the rocket fairing is spotless. (ESA)

At ESA's European Space Operations Centre, ESOC, simulations continued in preparation for the launch.


Launch simulations at ESOC. (ESA)

The other afternoon, we did something completely different as we received permission to spend some time at the local children's home that looks after children between 3 and 15 years old. Colleagues that have been in Plesetsk in the past, preparing other Earth observation satellites for launch, have visited the home before.


Visiting the local children's home. (ESA)

The children's stories are very moving, none of us can imagine......

They usually stay a maximum of six months before transferring to an orphanage if they cannot return home. We met the seven children who are currently staying there. Sadly only one may return to her parents. We found it very emotional to see how much the children loved our contact.


Bill and one of the children at the home. (ESA)

From the ESA Sentinel-5P launch campaign team in Plesetsk

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[Pavel Illarionov]

PIN пишет:

tnt22 пишет:
Европейское космическое агентство (ЕКА) и Роскосмос договорились о дате запуска

При этом это КА не ЕКА, а Европейской Комиссии, оператор, получивший контракт на запуск находится в Германии, а дата была согласована месяц назад....

И какие же пусковые операции выполняет этот оператор?

[ZOOR]

Pavel Illarionov пишет:
И какие же пусковые операции выполняет этот оператор?

Он несет ответственность не только за пусковые операции, но также и за хозмедсвязьжрачтранспортноеитакдалее обслуживание - что весьма хлопотно.
Ввиду увязки требований Заказчика и возможностей стороны, осуществляющей запуск.
А пусковые операции уже и так расписаны - Рокот не раз летал.

[Pavel Illarionov]

Угу, наверное расчеты ВКС в Плесецке кормит.

[PIN]

Pavel Illarionov пишет:
расчеты ВКС в Плесецке кормит

Бесплатно работают?

[tnt22]

http://www.eurockot.com/2017/10/sentinel-5p-on-rockot-in-effect-satellite-mounted-on-upper-stage/

10/02/2017
"Sentinel-5p on Rockot" in Effect: Satellite Mounted on Upper Stage

On the third working day into Joint Operations, the Sentinel-5p spacecraft together with the launch vehicle adapter was mounted onto Rockot's upper stage Breeze-KM. As of today, the mission designation "Sentinel-5p on Rockot" can be understood literally.

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The so-called stacking activity started with careful lifting of the satellite and its hoisting over the upper stage. Greatest caution had to be exercised at the time of operation's start since both space vehicles had already been fueled and pressurized. Hence, the activity was closely followed by the involved teams from ESA, Airbus, Khrunichev Space Center and the Russian Space Forces operating the integration facility at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

Following the settling of the Sentinel-5p on Breeze-KM, all interfaces were connected: mechanical, electrical and nitrogen purge connections were established. While non-flight items on the spacecraft were removed, the launcher team was busy attaching the multi-layer insulation on the Rockot stage.

The day concluded with a provisional closing of the payload fairing half-shells around the satellite in order to reduce the exposure of its instruments and solar arrays to environmental contamination.

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[tnt22]

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2017/10/03/last-look-at-sentinel-5p/

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Mariangela

Last look at Sentinel-5P

After a weekend of some well-deserved R&R, the team had a busy day yesterday moving Sentinel-5P to a different cleanroom and mating it with the rocket's upper stage.

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Preparing to move Sentinel-5P (Credits: ESA)

To do this, the satellite was hoisted into the air and then lowered onto the upper stage.


Hoisted into the air (Credits: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2017)

The lifting brackets were then removed.


Mating Sentinel-5P with the rocket's upper stage (Credits: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2017)

Today we're doing final electrical checks and taking our last looks at the satellite before encapsulating it in the rocket fairing.


Last look at Sentinel-5P (Credits: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2017)

Over the weekend, we visited the city of Kargopol to experience the local architecture and try our hand at some of the local arts and crafts. We also stopped at Kenozersky National Park and took a row boat out on the lake to see a restored water mill.


Sunday selfie (Credits: ESA)

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[tnt22]

Copernicus atmosphere

European Space Agency, ESA

Опубликовано: 3 окт. 2017 г.

Sentinel-5P will soon join the other Copernicus Sentinel satellites in orbit. Copernicus is the world's largest environmental monitoring programme, and is operated by ESA and the European Commission. With Sentinel-5P, Copernicus will have its first satellite dedicated to the monitoring of atmospheric chemistry. These measurements are important to observe air pollution and climate change.

(4:48 )

[tnt22]

http://www.eurockot.com/2017/10/last-glimpse-at-sentinel-5p-encapsulation-of-satellite-inside-the-rockot-ascent-unit/

10/03/2017
Last Glimpse at Sentinel-5p: Encapsulation of Satellite inside the Rockot Ascent Unit

After a successful mating of the Sentinel-5p spacecraft onto the Breeze-KM yesterday, the so-called Ascent Unit was assembled today. The Ascent Unit comprises the upper stage and the payload fairing enclosing the satellite; it is the part of the Rockot launch vehicle which will pass through the atmosphere and will eventually (after fairing jettison) reach orbit.

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The encapsulation of a satellite under the payload fairing always marks a special moment of the launch campaign: the spacecraft is seen for the last time before it disappears behind the nose cone of the rocket, only to be released again into space. This memorable event attracted numerous campaign members into the clean room to have a last photo taken in front of Sentinel-5p resting on its launch vehicle.

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[tnt22]

http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2017/10/04/sealed-from-view-2/

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Kelsea

Sealed from view

We got our last look at Sentinel-5P yesterday. Following electrical checks, the covers protecting the Tropomi instrument were removed and the two fairing halves were installed, sealing the satellite from view. It was an emotional moment for us.

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Encapsulation (Credits: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2017)

The fairing protects satellites from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space.


Fairing closed (Credits: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2017)

Yesterday was also the birthday of Bill Simpson, the launch campaign manager. What a birthday gift – encapsulating a satellite!


Happy birthday, Bill! (Credits: ESA)

In a few days' time the Ascent Unit will be transferred to the launcher on the launch pad.


Team effort! (Credits: ESA)

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[tnt22]

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-5P/Sentinel-5P_sealed_from_view

Sentinel-5P sealed from view

4 October 2017
As preparations for the launch of Sentinel-5P continue on track, the team at Russia's Plesetsk site has bid farewell to the satellite as it was sealed from view in the Rockot fairing. Liftoff is set for 13 October at 09:27 GMT (11:27 CEST).

Спойлер

Last look at the satellite

Since its arrival at the launch site at the beginning of September, Sentinel-5P has been through a series of stringent tests to confirm there was no damage during the flight from the UK.

These tests have made sure that everything is in good working order so that this new satellite will deliver measurement of air quality.

The delicate and risky task of fuelling the satellite took place nearly two weeks ago, after which it was joined to the rocket adapter.

It was then hoisted onto the upper stage and the last protective covers were removed before encapsulation in the rocket fairing, which protects the satellite during the first part of the launch. The next step will be to transfer the 'Ascent Unit' to the Rockot on the launch pad, scheduled for Saturday.



Sentinel-5P – the 'P' standing for 'Precursor' – is the first Copernicus mission dedicated to monitoring our atmosphere. The satellite carries the state-of-the-art Tropomi instrument to map a multitude of trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide and aerosols – all of which affect the air we breathe and therefore our health, and our climate.

With a swath width of 2600 km, it will map the entire planet every day. Information from this new mission will be used through the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service for air quality forecasts and for decision-making.


How the fairing will open

The mission will also contribute to services such as volcanic ash monitoring for aviation safety and for services that warn of high levels of UV radiation, which can cause skin damage.

In addition, scientists will also use the measurements to improve our knowledge of important processes in the atmosphere related to the climate and to the formation of holes in the ozone layer.

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