The Khrunichev State Research And Production Space Centre press release is reproduced below:
28.03.2007 At Baikonur Russia’s Proton M Rocket Prepares For Another Launch.
Preparations for the launch of Telesat’s telecommunications satellite Anik F3 on Proton M launch vehicle are well under way at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The planned operations on the Proton Ascent Unit (or Space Head Unit, made up of the AnikF3 spacecraft, adapter and separation system, Breeze M upper stage and payload fairing) started today, on 28 March, in integration area of the main Integration and Assembly Building (MIK) 92A-50, according to the schedule.
This includes mechanical and electrical mating of the EADS Astrium –built Anik F3 spacecraft with the spacecraft adapter and Breeze M, a Proton M upper stage made by Khrunichev.
After the integration of the “spacecraft/adapter and separation system/Breeze M upper stage” stack is completed, the stack will be rotated from vertical into horizontal position for encapsulation within payload fairing. This will be followed by subsequent electrical checks and final operations with the Ascent Unit.
All the works on the AU will be jointly performed by international team, comprising specialists from Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (manufacturer of Proton LV) and EADS Astrium
Prior to the space head assembly, the EADS Astrium engineers has successfully accomplished autonomous checks and fueling of their spacecraft, while Khrunichev –led Russian technicians carried out final checks on Breeze M and upper stage fueling operations.
The AU integration operations are expected to be completed within the next couple of days.
After these operations, the integrated AU will be readied for transfer into Hall 111 in the same Building 92A-50 for mating with the Proton M launch vehicle.
The launch is scheduled for April and will be performed under auspices of International Launch Services (ILS).
ILS is a joint venture between Space Transport Inc. and its Russian partners - Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and RSC Energia. Formed in 1995, ILS provides a full range of launch services on Russia’s premier launch vehicle Proton for customers worldwide.
Source: Khrunichev Press Release
Full Version: 1st ILS Proton Launch of 2007
The Khrunichev State Research And Production Space Centre press release is reproduced below:
02.04.2007 The Full Integration of the Proton M Launch Vehicle Begins.
In the very beginning of April, after the Proton Ascent Unit is successfully assembled by joint EADS Astrium / Khrunichev team, Khrunichev began operations on full integration of Proton M/Breeze M launch vehicle.
The Ascent Unit was transported into Area 111 of the same vehicle assembly and testing building, MIK, site 92-50, where Russian technical personnel will integrate the Ascent Unit to Proton rocket, and also prepare the fully integrated launch vehicle (a combination of the Ascent Unit and Proton rocket) for routine electrical checks (that precede the subsequent fueling of the Breeze M booster with propellant components).For its upper stage fueling, the Integrated Launch Vehicle will be moved to the technological fueling station at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The full integration of the Proton M/Breeze M rocket will be performed within the next couple of days. After this stage is completed, the Russian State Commission will verify the readiness of the Integrated Launch Vehicle (Proton M/Breeze M/ Anik F3) for rolling out to the Launch Pad.
The Telesat’s Anik F3 is scheduled to be launched aboard Proton M/Breeze M in April. All pre-launch activities are well under way, according to the previously approved schedule.
Source: Khrunichev Press Release
02.04.2007 The Full Integration of the Proton M Launch Vehicle Begins.
In the very beginning of April, after the Proton Ascent Unit is successfully assembled by joint EADS Astrium / Khrunichev team, Khrunichev began operations on full integration of Proton M/Breeze M launch vehicle.
The Ascent Unit was transported into Area 111 of the same vehicle assembly and testing building, MIK, site 92-50, where Russian technical personnel will integrate the Ascent Unit to Proton rocket, and also prepare the fully integrated launch vehicle (a combination of the Ascent Unit and Proton rocket) for routine electrical checks (that precede the subsequent fueling of the Breeze M booster with propellant components).For its upper stage fueling, the Integrated Launch Vehicle will be moved to the technological fueling station at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The full integration of the Proton M/Breeze M rocket will be performed within the next couple of days. After this stage is completed, the Russian State Commission will verify the readiness of the Integrated Launch Vehicle (Proton M/Breeze M/ Anik F3) for rolling out to the Launch Pad.
The Telesat’s Anik F3 is scheduled to be launched aboard Proton M/Breeze M in April. All pre-launch activities are well under way, according to the previously approved schedule.
Source: Khrunichev Press Release
Commercial Proton to
Launch Anik F3
Launch Anik F3
The International Launch Services press release is reproduced below:
Media Advisory: ILS Proton to Launch Anik F3
Payload: Anik F3, Eurostar E3000 platform
Separated Mass:Approx. 4,640 kg (10,229 lbs)
Launch Vehicle: Proton M/Breeze M
Weight at liftoff: 691,272 kg (1.5 million lbs), including payload
Height: 57.2 m (186.6 ft)
Launch Time: 04:54 April 10 Baikonur, 22:54 April 9 GMT, 18:54 April 9 EDT
Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan; Launch Pad 39
End User: Telesat Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
Satellite Manufacturer: EADS Astrium, Toulouse, France
Launch Vehicle
Manufacturer: Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, Moscow
Launch Services
Provider: International Launch Services (ILS), McLean, Va.
Satellite Use: Multipurpose communications satellite with payloads
in Ku-, C- and Ka-band. The Ku- and C-bands will carry a wide range of
broadcasting, telecommunications, business and Internet-based services
throughout North America. The small Ka-band payload will supplement
services now carried on Anik F2.
Satellite Statistics:
- 32 active Ku-band transponders
- 24 active C-band transponders
- 2 active channels at Ka-band
- Orbital location: 118.7 degrees West longitude
- Anticipated service life of 15 years
Mission Profile: The Proton launch vehicle will inject the satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit, using a five-burn Breeze M mission design. The first three stages of the Proton will use a standard ascent trajectory to place the Breeze M fourth stage, with the satellite, into a suborbital trajectory, from which the Breeze M will place itself and the spacecraft into a circular reference, or parking, orbit of 173 km (107.5 miles), inclined at 51.5 degrees. Then the satellite will be propelled to its transfer orbit by additional burns of the Breeze M. Following separation from the Breeze M, the spacecraft will perform a series of liquid apogee engine burns to raise perigee, lower inclination and circularize the orbit at the geostationary altitude of 35,786 km (22,236 miles).
Target Orbit
at Separation: Apogee: 35,786 km (22,236 miles); Perigee: 3,200 km (1,988 miles); Inclination: 11 degrees
Spacecraft Separation: Approximately 9 hours, 11 minutes after liftoff
ILS Mission Statistics:
- 4th ILS launch for Telesat Canada on Proton
- 1st ILS mission for 2007
- 1st Proton mission this year
- 40th ILS mission on Proton
- 6th Proton launch of E3000 bus
- 325th Proton launch
More Information: Live webcast and general mission information are available on the ILS web site at www.ilslaunch.com. Launch status updates are available on the ILS U.S. domestic Launch Hotline at 1-800-852-4980.
###
Source: ILS News Release
The Khrunichev State Research And Production Space Centre press release is reproduced below:
06.04.2007 Russian Proton M Booster Rocket With Canada’s Anik F3 Satellite Installed on Baikonur Launch Pad.
The Russian State Commission early this morning gave a go–ahead to roll–out the Integrated Space Rocket ( Proton M/Breeze M rocket with Anik F3 spacecraft) from Assembly and Test Building ( MIK) to Proton’s Launch site ( “Ploshchatka “ 200 in Baikonur Cosmodrome), says the Khrunichev Press Team.
According to the launch schedule, the roll–out operations began today at 06:30 (local Baikonur Time). The rocket has already been erected vertically on the launch pad.
This installation means the Canada’s Anik F3 on Proton M launch campaign has entered its final stage. After installation for lift –off is complete, another routine pre –launch operations on a launch pad are planned to be performed by Krunichev Space Center team.
Teams from European EADS Astrium, spacecraft supplier, Proton manufacturer Khrunichev Space Center, Russia’s Space Agency and Space Forces, as well as launch services provider International Launch Services joint venture, are now just few days from the Proton’s debut launch in 2007 year.
Anik F3 telecommunications satellite is to be launched by Proton M Breeze M booster from Baikonur Cosmodrome, launch pad 39, at 04:54 (local Baikonur Time) on 10 April, or 22:54 GMT on 09 April.
Source: Khrunichev Press Release
06.04.2007 Russian Proton M Booster Rocket With Canada’s Anik F3 Satellite Installed on Baikonur Launch Pad.
The Russian State Commission early this morning gave a go–ahead to roll–out the Integrated Space Rocket ( Proton M/Breeze M rocket with Anik F3 spacecraft) from Assembly and Test Building ( MIK) to Proton’s Launch site ( “Ploshchatka “ 200 in Baikonur Cosmodrome), says the Khrunichev Press Team.
According to the launch schedule, the roll–out operations began today at 06:30 (local Baikonur Time). The rocket has already been erected vertically on the launch pad.
This installation means the Canada’s Anik F3 on Proton M launch campaign has entered its final stage. After installation for lift –off is complete, another routine pre –launch operations on a launch pad are planned to be performed by Krunichev Space Center team.
Teams from European EADS Astrium, spacecraft supplier, Proton manufacturer Khrunichev Space Center, Russia’s Space Agency and Space Forces, as well as launch services provider International Launch Services joint venture, are now just few days from the Proton’s debut launch in 2007 year.
Anik F3 telecommunications satellite is to be launched by Proton M Breeze M booster from Baikonur Cosmodrome, launch pad 39, at 04:54 (local Baikonur Time) on 10 April, or 22:54 GMT on 09 April.
Source: Khrunichev Press Release
The International Launch Services press release is reproduced below:
ILS Proton Successfully Launches Anik F3 Satellite
40th Mission for U.S.-Russian Joint Venture
BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, April 10, 2007 - International Launch Services (ILS) successfully placed the Anik F3 satellite into orbit today with a Russian Khrunichev-built Proton Breeze M rocket.
The vehicle lifted off from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 4:54 a.m. local time (6:54 p.m. Monday EDT, 22:54 Monday GMT). The three-stage Proton vehicle climbed through the atmosphere for nearly 10 minutes before sending the Breeze M upper stage and its satellite payload on to continue the 9-hour-11-minute mission. The Anik F3 satellite, built for Telesat Canada by EADS Astrium, separated from the Breeze M at 2:05 p.m. local time (4:05 a.m. today EDT, 08:05 today GMT).
This was the fourth ILS Proton launch for Telesat, which launched its Anik F1R satellite in 2005, as well as Nimiq 1 in 1999 and Nimiq 2 in 2002 on Proton.
"We thank Telesat for its continued confidence in ILS and in the Proton Breeze M," said ILS President Frank McKenna. "We know we have to deliver outstanding performance to earn repeat business. We look forward to launching with Telesat and Astrium in the future, including next year's scheduled mission for Nimiq 4."
The Anik F3 satellite uses an Astrium Eurostar 3000 bus, and is the sixth of this model to be launched by Proton. The Nimiq 4 spacecraft also is a Eurostar 3000. ILS also has launched two Eurostar 2000 models.
"We are grateful to both ILS and Astrium for their flawless execution of this important mission for Telesat," said Dan Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO. "We deeply value our association with these two premier organizations and look forward to joining with them in Baikonur next year for the launch of our Nimiq 4 satellite."
"This is a major event for Astrium. We mobilized our expert teams right across Europe to ensure the success of this mission," said Antoine Bouvier, CEO of Astrium Satellites. "The excellent teamwork developed with ILS and Telesat personnel has been crucial to this success."
Today's mission was the 40th ILS Proton launch. ILS is a U.S.-Russian joint venture that has exclusive worldwide rights to market commercial satellite launches on the Proton launcher, workhorse of the Russian space program. ILS also provides mission management. The major joint venture partners are Space Transport Inc., a privately held company, and Proton builder Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center of Moscow.
With today's launch, the Proton vehicle has carried out 325 missions for the Russian government and commercial customers over more than 40 years.
ILS is incorporated in Delaware in the United States, and is headquartered in McLean, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.
###
Source: ILS News Release
ILS Proton Successfully Launches Anik F3 Satellite
40th Mission for U.S.-Russian Joint Venture
BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, April 10, 2007 - International Launch Services (ILS) successfully placed the Anik F3 satellite into orbit today with a Russian Khrunichev-built Proton Breeze M rocket.
The vehicle lifted off from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 4:54 a.m. local time (6:54 p.m. Monday EDT, 22:54 Monday GMT). The three-stage Proton vehicle climbed through the atmosphere for nearly 10 minutes before sending the Breeze M upper stage and its satellite payload on to continue the 9-hour-11-minute mission. The Anik F3 satellite, built for Telesat Canada by EADS Astrium, separated from the Breeze M at 2:05 p.m. local time (4:05 a.m. today EDT, 08:05 today GMT).
This was the fourth ILS Proton launch for Telesat, which launched its Anik F1R satellite in 2005, as well as Nimiq 1 in 1999 and Nimiq 2 in 2002 on Proton.
"We thank Telesat for its continued confidence in ILS and in the Proton Breeze M," said ILS President Frank McKenna. "We know we have to deliver outstanding performance to earn repeat business. We look forward to launching with Telesat and Astrium in the future, including next year's scheduled mission for Nimiq 4."
The Anik F3 satellite uses an Astrium Eurostar 3000 bus, and is the sixth of this model to be launched by Proton. The Nimiq 4 spacecraft also is a Eurostar 3000. ILS also has launched two Eurostar 2000 models.
"We are grateful to both ILS and Astrium for their flawless execution of this important mission for Telesat," said Dan Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO. "We deeply value our association with these two premier organizations and look forward to joining with them in Baikonur next year for the launch of our Nimiq 4 satellite."
"This is a major event for Astrium. We mobilized our expert teams right across Europe to ensure the success of this mission," said Antoine Bouvier, CEO of Astrium Satellites. "The excellent teamwork developed with ILS and Telesat personnel has been crucial to this success."
Today's mission was the 40th ILS Proton launch. ILS is a U.S.-Russian joint venture that has exclusive worldwide rights to market commercial satellite launches on the Proton launcher, workhorse of the Russian space program. ILS also provides mission management. The major joint venture partners are Space Transport Inc., a privately held company, and Proton builder Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center of Moscow.
With today's launch, the Proton vehicle has carried out 325 missions for the Russian government and commercial customers over more than 40 years.
ILS is incorporated in Delaware in the United States, and is headquartered in McLean, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.
###
Source: ILS News Release
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.