Launch News Galileo from Kourou atop Soyuz 2-1b October 21st 2011

[IronRain]

On October 20th, ESA will launch a pair of Galileo navigation satellites. These IOV (In Orbit Validation) satellites will work together with the already in oribt GIOVE A and B satellites. The four of them will test the systems of the Galileo IOV's and the supporting ground structure. The launch will take place from Kourou from the newly build Soyuz-ST launch complex. This will be the first Soyuz launch from Kourou.

Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. It is inter-operable with GPS and Glonass, the two other global satellite navigation systems.

By offering dual frequencies as standard, Galileo will deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the metre range. It will guarantee availability of the service under all but the most extreme circumstances and will inform users within seconds of any satellite failure, making it suitable for safety-critical applications such as guiding cars, running trains and landing aircraft.

Eventually, Galileo will consist of 30 satellites.

Launch will take place at 10:34 GMT (6:34 a.m. EDT)

Launch: [eventTimer]2011-10-20 10:34[/eventTimer]

Here's the calendar event. You can also ask a reminder here (thanks Orb)

Galileo satellite

Different orbits of satellite constellations

One of the Galileo's being fueled

Dispenser fit check on the the Fregat upper stage

Both Galileo IOV's attached to the dispenser

 

[orb]

Arianespace:

• On-time preparations continue for Soyuz' milestone mission from French Guiana
  
  
• Soyuz' first launch campaign at the Spaceport enters its next phase of preparations

 

[SiberianTiger]

The launch time is set for October 20th, 10:34:28.3 UTC.

Time-lapse video of the final assembly of Soyuz-ST launch vehicle:

 

[orb]

ESA: Soyuz ready with Galileo satellites for milestone launch

 

[Izack]

Thread title says "Soyuz 2-1b." Is this a 2.1b, a 2-1V? Calendar says it's STB. Soyuz family sure has weird nomenclature. :lol:

 

[orb]

Thread title says "Soyuz 2-1b." Is this a 2.1b, a 2-1V?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz-2_(rocket)#Soyuz_2.1b:

Soyuz 2.1b

The 2.1b version adds an upgraded engine (RD-0124) with improved performance to the second stage.

The 2.1b/ST version is sometimes called Soyuz-STB.

 

[orb]

A 3D presentation of the Galileo satellite navigation system, a joint development by the European Union and European Space Agency. This constellation of satellites will allow users to pinpoint their location anywhere on Earth -- their launches commencing on 20 October 2011.

ESA: Galileo -- Europe leads the way... in 3D!

​

You can change the 3D method or disable it with 3D button on the player.

 

[orb]

Arianespace:

• Soyuz rolls out for its maiden flight from French Guiana
  
• VS01 Launch Kit (PDF)
• VS01 Poster (PDF)

 

[orb]

ESA: First Soyuz ready for liftoff from French Guiana

Click on images to enlarge









Photo credits: ESA - S. Corvaja​

 

[orb]

Arianespace: Soyuz is revealed in the launch-ready configuration for its October 20 maiden flight from French Guiana

 

[orb]

Arianespace: Soyuz is put through its paces with a dress rehearsal for Thursday’s launch

ESA: Joint ESA/CNES team leads initial Galileo operations

 

[orb]

Spaceflight Now:

• Photos: Soyuz rolls to new launch pad (PHOTO GALLERY #1)
• Photos: Soyuz rolls to new launch pad (PHOTO GALLERY #2)
  
  
• Photos: Soyuz receives Galileo payload (PHOTO GALLERY #1)
• Photos: Soyuz receives Galileo payload (PHOTO GALLERY #2)
  
  
• Photos: First Soyuz rocket unveiled in the jungle (PHOTO GALLERY #1)
• Photos: First Soyuz rocket unveiled in the jungle (PHOTO GALLERY #2)

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

 

[SiberianTiger]

What the vultures at 3:08 in the 1st vid are waiting for?.. :blink:

 

[orb]

What the vultures at 3:08 in the 1st vid are waiting for?.. :blink:

They came to see the launch, of course.

 

[orb]

Arianespace: The historic liftoff nears for Arianespace's first Soyuz mission from French Guiana

 

[Notebook]

BBC has woken up:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15372540

Only 2+1/2 hours to go, amd I've got a free day!

N.

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/soyuz/vs01/status.html

0617 GMT (2:17 a.m. EDT)
The Russian State Commission has given a "go" for fueling of the Soyuz rocket with liquid propellants. Everything is still on track for an on-time liftoff at 1034 GMT (6:34 a.m. EDT; 7:34 a.m. local time).

Hopefully, it will be a rare event: a Soyuz-2 lift-off on time with no scrubbing first.

 

[orb]

NASASpaceflight: Arianespace Soyuz ST-B set for debut launch from CSG with two Galileo IOVs

Arianespace Videocorner: Live Coverage of the Launch

Spaceflight Now:

• Countdown Timeline
• Launch Timeline
• Livestream Live Video Coverage

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/soyuz/vs01/status.html



Hopefully, it will be a rare event: a Soyuz-2 lift-off on time with no scrubbing first.

Oops, I think you have put a curse on the rocket! :rofl: It seems that there's a 24 hours scrub today during fueling operations.
At least I would be available to watch the launch live.

Edit: Sources: http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11979&start=210 (in Russian)
http://astronautique.actifforum.com/t12553p120-lancement-soyouz-st-b-vs01-galileo-iov (in French)