Therius
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June 9th 2012, 21:47 zulu time, the Energia launcher lifted off with the Cassiopee core module for the new space station TSS. Lift off was from Sumatra Island, Indonesia at SRC Polygon Base. The base's location is approximately 1.2 degrees N of the equator.
The plan for the station is to be leased to various nations/companies. Initial plans are for the station to support a crew of 3. In the future, further expansion will be possible.
Mission 1 put the core module in orbit.
Mission 2 is to launch the Constitution space shuttle with the module node Artemis on board and rendezvous with the station. The Artemis Node module will allow installation of future modules.
Mission 3 is to launch a XR2 Ravenstar with seven crewmembers, some supplies and leave 3 crew on station. At this time, the station will begin operations.
Mission 4 will be another shuttle launch with a docking module for ATV/CTV ports.
Other various missions will follow.
The launch of the unmanned Energia launcher was a great success. The launcher consisted of the Buran-T module with the Cassiopee tucked away inside with a DM-2 tug. Early morning launch was chosen for a nice daylight separation orbit.
The launcher continued its climb toward the morning sun.
Separation of the Buran-T module occurred at 457secs mission time.
Deployment of the Cassiopee occurred at 497secs mission time as planned.
The tug was used to carry the module to its proper orbit and make any necessary adjustments. Initial orbit was 215k x 33.52k. The Buran-T fell back into the atmosphere, but our tug fired up and carried the cargo to an orbit of 246.5k x 249.6km.
DM-2 tug deployment over Hawaii a couple hours after liftoff.
A systems check was performed from mission control, solar panels deployed and primary power systems were brought online.
The main block C of the rocket reentered and burned up over the Pacific approx. 800 west of the coast of Peru.
Final orbit of the station is 246.5km x 249.6km with an Inc. of 31.17 degrees. This will allow shuttle launches from the Cape to reach the station. Orbit height will increase once construction is complete to approx. 500km plus to minimize drag.
Next mission (Mission 2) will have the Space Shuttle Constitution launch and installation of the Artemis Node.
The plan for the station is to be leased to various nations/companies. Initial plans are for the station to support a crew of 3. In the future, further expansion will be possible.
Mission 1 put the core module in orbit.
Mission 2 is to launch the Constitution space shuttle with the module node Artemis on board and rendezvous with the station. The Artemis Node module will allow installation of future modules.
Mission 3 is to launch a XR2 Ravenstar with seven crewmembers, some supplies and leave 3 crew on station. At this time, the station will begin operations.
Mission 4 will be another shuttle launch with a docking module for ATV/CTV ports.
Other various missions will follow.
The launch of the unmanned Energia launcher was a great success. The launcher consisted of the Buran-T module with the Cassiopee tucked away inside with a DM-2 tug. Early morning launch was chosen for a nice daylight separation orbit.
The launcher continued its climb toward the morning sun.
Separation of the Buran-T module occurred at 457secs mission time.
Deployment of the Cassiopee occurred at 497secs mission time as planned.
The tug was used to carry the module to its proper orbit and make any necessary adjustments. Initial orbit was 215k x 33.52k. The Buran-T fell back into the atmosphere, but our tug fired up and carried the cargo to an orbit of 246.5k x 249.6km.
DM-2 tug deployment over Hawaii a couple hours after liftoff.
A systems check was performed from mission control, solar panels deployed and primary power systems were brought online.
The main block C of the rocket reentered and burned up over the Pacific approx. 800 west of the coast of Peru.
Final orbit of the station is 246.5km x 249.6km with an Inc. of 31.17 degrees. This will allow shuttle launches from the Cape to reach the station. Orbit height will increase once construction is complete to approx. 500km plus to minimize drag.
Next mission (Mission 2) will have the Space Shuttle Constitution launch and installation of the Artemis Node.
