Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that was used to launch the satellite is 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Briz-M (Breeze-M) upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The launch utilized a 5-burn Breeze M mission design. The first three stages of the Proton used the standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the EUTELSAT 3D satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory.

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

Separation of the EUTELSAT 3D satellite occurred approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff.

EUTELSAT 3D will bring resources, reach and flexibility for high-growth professional video, data, telecom and broadband services at 3 degrees east, an orbital position that sits at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia.

“The Proton vehicle and Eutelsat partnership dates back 13 years starting with the SESAT-1 launch on Proton in 2000,” noted ILS President Phil Slack.

“After seven launches, including the 50th ILS Proton launch in 2009 with the EUTELSAT 10A satellite, we are honored that Eutelsat continues to place their trust in us to enable the expansion of their business. Many thanks to the Eutelsat, Thales Alenia Space, Khrunichev and ILS teams for ensuring mission success with the launch of EUTELSAT 3D.”

Through a configuration of Ku and Ka transponders connected to three footprints, Eutelsat’s new satellite will serve customers in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. A fourth footprint in the Ku-band will serve customers in sub-Saharan Africa.

EUTELSAT 3D will be located at 3 degrees east until the launch in 2014 of EUTELSAT 3B that will further extend coverage to South America. It will subsequently continue service at 7 degrees east.

The satellite’s Spacebus 4000 Platform sports 56 Ku and Ka-band transponders and has a mass of 5,470 kg. It has an anticipated service life of 15 years.

“We thank ILS and Khrunichev for this flawless launch which maintains our perfect track record of success since our first Proton flight in 2000,” added Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO.

“I’m happy to say that EUTELSAT 3D is well on its way to 3 degrees East, where it will go into service next month. The performance of the Proton launcher gives us the flexibility we need to further increase our resources and commercial flexibility which is highly valued in our business.”

This was the third ILS Proton launch in 2013 and the 80th ILS Proton launch overall. This mission will also mark the seventh Eutelsat Satellite to be launched on Proton, the ninth for Thales Alenia Space Satellite.

(Images via ILS).

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that was used to launch the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Briz-M (Breeze-M) upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The Proton M launch vehicle was utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design. The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Anik G1 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory.

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

A recent ILS mission with the Briz-M suffered a failure during the third burn with the Yamal 402 satellite. However, it performed without issue during the previous ILS mission, which successfully deployed the Satmex 8 satellite into orbit.

Separation of the Anik G1 satellite was scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff, with ILS later confirming the mission – which had a target orbit at separation of 9,138 km perigee, 35,786 km apogee, at an inclination of 13.4 degrees – was successful.

Anik G1 is a commercial communications satellite built by SSL for Telesat. The multi-mission, 55 transponder satellite will be located at 107.3 degrees West longitude.

This satellite will double C- and Ku-band capacity over South America from this orbital location, provide additional DTH services in extended Ku-Band and provide military X-band coverage of the Americas and substantial portions of the Pacific Ocean.

In total, the 4,905 kg satellite sports 24 C-band transponders, 28 Ku-band transponders and 3 X-band transponders. The bird, based on the SSL 1300 platform, has an anticipated service life of 15 years.

This was the second ILS Proton launch in 2013, the 79th ILS Proton launch Overall. It was also the ninth Telesat satellite launched on ILS Proton and the 26th SSL satellite launched on ILS Proton.

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that was used to launch the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Briz-M (Breeze-M) upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The Briz-M’s previous ILS mission suffered a failure during the third burn with the Yamal 402 satellite.

An ILS Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) have investigated the issues with the Yamal 402 Proton launch anomaly which occurred on December 8, 2012 – concluding the problem occurred due to a combination of adverse conditions which affected the operation of the Breeze M main engine during the start-up of the third burn.

The Upper Stage has since flown successfully in tandem with a Rokot launch in January.

For the Satmex 8 mission, the Proton M utilized a 5-burn Breeze M mission design.

The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Satmex 8 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the Satmex 8 satellite was on schedule, approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff.

Satmex 8 is a high-power C- and Ku-band satellite that will replace Satmex 5 and will provide fixed satellite services in North, Central and South Americas.

This new satellite will provide enhanced performance and capacity to the coverage area. Satmex 8 will improve the current continental and regional services for video contribution, video distribution, broadband, cellular backhaul and distance learning.

Built on SSL’s 1300 Platform. the 5,474 kg satellite is expected to have a service life of 15 years.

Tuesday’s launch was the first ILS Proton mission of 2013, marking the 78th ILS Proton launch overall. It was the first ILS mission with a Satmex satellite, whilst it was the 25th SSL satellite to be launched on the ILS Proton.

(Images via ILS and Khrunichev).

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that was used to launch the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Briz-M (Breeze-M) upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The Proton M launch vehicle successfully carried out the departure from Earth, prior to the utilization of a four-burn Breeze-M mission design.

The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Yamal 402 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the Yamal 402 satellite was scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours, 15 minutes after liftoff. However, Roscosmos are reporting the fourth and final burn cut off 240 seconds ahead of schedule. The fourth burn was supposed to last for nearly nine minutes.

“Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (Khrunichev) and International Launch Services (ILS) regret to announce an anomaly during the launch of the Yamal 402 satellite. The satellite had been built by Thales Alenia Space for Russian satellite operator, Gazprom Space Systems,” noted an ILS release.

“Preliminary flight information indicates that the fourth and final burn of the Breeze M engine ended about four minutes early and subsequently separated the spacecraft.”

The satellite does have its own propulsion systems that may allow it to eventually find an operational orbit.

“Thales Alenia Space is recalculating all the Launch Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) parameters in order to propose the possible recovery plans to Gazprom Space Systems,” added the release.

“A Russian State Commission will begin the process of determining the reasons for the anomaly.  ILS will release details when data becomes available.  In parallel with the State Commission, ILS will form its own Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB).  The FROB will review the commission’s final report and corrective action plan, in accord with U.S. and Russian government export control regulations.”

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

This was ILS’ third mission since the Proton workhorse returned to flight, following the Russian Federal Telkom-3/Express MD-2 mission failure – also caused by the Briz-M upper stage  - that occurred on August 7.

The Yamal 402 communications satellite – providing it can be rescured from its current situation – is set to operate at 55 degrees east longitude and provide services to Russia, CIS countries, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is expected to have a service life of 15 years.

The all Ku-band satellite sports 66 equivalent 36 MHz transponders, which will compose four fixed beams (Russian, Northern, European, Southern) and one steerable beam.

JSC Gazprom Space Systems has ensured the development of the ground infrastructure based on ground stations and technical control means provided by Thales Alenia Space. With the addition of the Yamal 402 JSC Gazprom Space Services will strengthen their position in the global satellite industry.

Overall, this was the eighth ILS Proton launch in 2012, 77th ILS Proton launch, the first for Gazprom Space Systems Satellite launched on ILS Proton, and the eighth Thales Alenia Space Satellite Launched on ILS Proton. One more launch is scheduled for 2012, although this is now likely to be delayed until 2013, pending the time and findings of the investigation boards.

(Images via ILS).

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that was used to launch the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The Proton M launch vehicle utilized a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, following lift off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the EchoStar XVI satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

Separation of the EchoStar XVI satellite was deemed a success approximately 9 hours, 12 minutes after liftoff.

This was ILS’ second mission since the Proton workhorse returned to flight, following the Russian Federal Telkom-3/Express MD-2 mission failure – caused by the Breeze M – that occurred on August 7.

EchoStar XVI will join EchoStar’s fleet of satellites that are used to provide global communication, commerce and entertainment. Operated by EchoStar, EchoStar XVI will be fully leased to DISH for use in its Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the United States.

An all Ku-band satellite (36 in total) with CONUS and spot beam transponders, EchoStar XVI will utilize SS/L’s flight-proven 1300 spacecraft bus and be located at 61.5 degrees west longitude. It is expected to have a liftime of 15 years on orbit.

Overall, this was the seventh ILS Proton Launch in 2012, the 76th ILS Proton Launch Overall, the fifth EchoStar Satellite Launched on ILS Proton and the 24th Space Systems/Loral Satellite Launched on ILS Proton.

Meanwhile, ILS announces the departure of Frank McKenna as ILS’ president and the appointment of Phil Slack as president of ILS. For the past twelve years, Slack was the vice president and chief financial officer for ILS. Prior to ILS, he held several senior business management positions with Boeing, primarily in their space transportation business from 1988 until joining ILS in 2000.

(Images via ILS and SS/Loral).

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that launched the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The Proton M launch vehicle is utilizing a 4-burn Breeze M mission design following lift off from Pad 24 at Baikonur. The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the Orbital Unit (Breeze M Upper Stage and the Intelsat 23 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory.

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M will perform planned mission maneuvers to advance the Orbital Unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a near geostationary orbit. Separation of the Intelsat 23 satellite is scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes after liftoff.

This mission is returning the Proton workhorse back to flight, following the Russian Federal Telkom-3/Express MD-2 mission failure – caused by the Breeze M – that occurred on August 7.

The Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) concluded the review of the Russian State Commission report on September 11 concerning the root cause, relating to a component of the pressurization system that was not manufactured to specifications. This caused a shutdown of the Breeze M Main engine by the Breeze M flight control system 7 seconds into the planned 18 minute and 5 second 3rd burn.

The corrective action plan includes stringent quality oversight of all rework procedures, testing, support equipment, and personnel, both at the KhSC production facilities and in Baikonur. In addition, ILS and KhSC will develop specific initiatives to enhance the unified Quality Management System (QMS) that is installed and operating at all KhSC production facilities.

“This is an opportunity to learn, enhance and improve the overall reliability and processes of our systems,” said acting ILS Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, John Palmé.

“I would like to thank the nine representatives of ILS customers, two insurance underwriting representatives and independent outside subject experts who participated in the ILS FROB process for their professionalism and diligence. We appreciate the patience and support of our customers as we plan for the return to flight of the Proton vehicle.”

Following the ILS launch, the Proton’s next test will come via a Russian Federal mission shortly after.

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

Orbital Sciences Corporation built IS-23 as part of Intelsat’s fleet replacement and expansion plans. The satellite is scheduled to start service at 307 degrees East longitude in 2012, and will replace the Intelsat 707 satellite. As a C-band and Ku-band satellite, Intelsat 23 will provide enhanced capacity for enterprise, oil and gas, and data networking services.

The 2,700 kg bird is based on the GEOStar-2 Platform. In total it sports 46 C-band transponders, 30 Ku-band transponders and has an anticipated service life of more than 18 years.

The launch was the 11th for Intelsat using an ILS Proton, the fifth Orbital Satellite Launched on ILS Proton, the sixth ILS Proton Launch in 2012, the 75th ILS Proton Launch Overall and the fourth Geostationary Orbit Insertion Mission on an ILS Proton.

(Images via ILS and Orbital).

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Proton M Launch:

The Proton booster that launched the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The launch was postponed from December due to a problem with the upper stage, and again in June after Khrunichev engineers at the launch site received an out of tolerance telemetry reading on a first stage subsystem during pre-flight testing.

The June delay was initially hoped to be for just one day. However, based on additional pre-flight testing performed, it was determined that further investigation is necessary, requiring the launch vehicle be returned to the processing hall for additional testing.

The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, lifted off from Pad 24 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, with the SES-5 satellite on board. The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the SES-5 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory.

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the SES-5 satellite was conducted approximately 9 hours, 12 minutes after liftoff.

SES’ high-powered Ku-band beams will bring incremental capacity over Africa, and the Nordic and Baltic countries to support DTH services. Its comprehensive C-band beams cover Africa, the Middle East and Europe to enable services such as GSM backhaul, VSAT applications, maritime communications and video distribution.

Built by Space Systems/Loral, the 6,007 kg bird sports 24 C-band transponders and 36 Ku-band transponders. It is expected to have a service life of 15 years in its orbital slot of five degrees East.

SES-5 will also carry the first hosted L-band payload for the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). The EGNOS payload, which was developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC), will help verify, improve, and report on the reliability and accuracy of navigation positioning signals in Europe.

This latest SES mission follows the successful launch of SES-4 in February. which is now located in its GEO slow at 330 degrees East.

“It is always thrilling to achieve milestones in our business but even more so when it is with a longtime customer, such as SES,” noted ILS president Frank McKenna after the launch of SES-4.

“With the ILS Proton launch of SES-4 this marks our 20th SES satellite launched on ILS Proton and the 50th satellite in the SES fleet. We are honored to be entrusted with launching the powerful SES-4 satellite and look forward to performing on all of our upcoming ILS Proton missions for SES,”

Following this latest SES mission, ILS will then be tasked with launching SES-6 in 2013.  Weighing about 6 metric tons at launch, this satellite is being built on Astrium’s Eurostar 3000 platform and is expected to carry 43 C-band and 43 Ku-band transponders to serve SES’ existing cable-television customers and provide capacity for growth.

SES-6 will replace NSS-806 at the orbital location of 319.5 degrees East, and will provide enhanced coverage in North, Central and South America and will further support applications like HD, DTH, enterprise networks and digital inclusion projects in the Latin America region serving over 18 million households.

“The SES-6 satellite is significant for Latin America and the Caribbean as there is rapid growth in these areas and we expect this trend to continue,” noted Romain Bausch, president and CEO of SES.

“At the same time, this launch will allow us to provide an early replacement and a meaningful upgrade to our Americas coverage. We have a long history with ILS and have developed an outstanding partnership over 15 years of doing business together. We look forward to working with the ILS and Khrunichev teams on the launch of SES-6 mission and our future launches on ILS Proton.”

(Images via ILS and SES).

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The Proton booster that launched the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of nearly 400 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The flight was utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, with the first three stages of the Proton using a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit, consisting of the Breeze M upper stage and the Nimiq 6 satellite, into a sub-orbital trajectory.

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the Nimiq 6 satellite was scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours, 14 minutes after liftoff – an event classed by ILS as successful.

Nimiq 6 is a Direct Broadcast Satellite built by Space Systems/Loral. The satellite has a 32 transponder Ku- Band payload providing coverage of Canada. The satellite will be located at 91.1 degrees west longitude. This satellite will be dedicated to the provision of direct-to-home services as part of Telesat’s DTH fleet.

“ILS has a longstanding history with Telesat beginning with the first ILS Proton launch of Nimiq 1 over ten years ago, Canada’s first direct broadcast digital TV satellite,” noted ILS president Frank McKenna after the launch contract was awarded to ILS.

“Having just launched Nimiq 5 for Telesat last fall, ILS and Khrunichev are honored to have the opportunity to again work with the Telesat and Space Systems/Loral teams on the Nimiq 6 program.”

The Space Systems/Loral satellite was built on 1300 platform and has a mass of 4,500 kg. The spacecraft sports 32 High Powered Ku-Band Transponders and has a design Life of 15 years.

“Since our first Nimiq satellite on an ILS Proton, Telesat has counted on ILS to deliver the reliability and on-time performance that have made them an industry leader,” added Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “We look forward to working closely with ILS, Khrunichev and Space Systems/Loral on the successful launch of Nimiq 6.”

The launch was the eighth Telesat satellite launched on ILS Proton, the fourth ILS Proton launch in 2012, the 22nd Space Systems/Loral Satellite launched on ILS Proton and the 73rd ILS Proton launch overall.

“With the ILS Proton launch of Nimiq 6, ILS Proton has launched all of the Nimiq series satellites built for Telesat. This is an accomplishment we are very proud of and reflects a level of confidence and trust by Telesat in the performance of the ILS Proton vehicle,” added Mr McKenna after the mission. 

“Our strong relationship with Telesat spans over 12 years and 8 satellites launched to date. We thank the collective mission teams of ILS, Khrunichev, Telesat and Space Systems/Loral for their outstanding work on the Nimiq 6 launch and look forward to the ILS Proton launch of Anik G1 later this year.”

(Images via ILS, Space Systems/Loral and Roscosmos)

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ILS Proton Launch:

The Proton booster tasked with the launch of the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The Proton vehicle has a heritage of 373 launches since 1965 and is built by Khrunichev Research and State Production Center, one of the pillars of the global space industry and the majority owner of ILS.

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

Click here for other Proton-M Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

This was the first supersynchronous mission for ILS Proton, after previously using the vehicle mainly for geostationary missions. As a result, this mission took over six hours longer than usual to complete.

The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, lifted off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome with the first three stages of the Proton utilizing a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the Intelsat 22 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory.

From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the Intelsat 22 satellite was on scheduled at approximately 15 hours, 30 minutes after liftoff. Target orbit at separation is listed as 3,791 km Perigee, 65,000 km Apogee with an inclination of 28.5 degrees.

“From contract signing to delivery to orbit, ILS and Khrunichev were squarely focused on launching the Intelsat 22 satellite on schedule and successfully meeting Intelsat’s requirements for this important SSTO mission on ILS Proton.  Intelsat is a leader and innovator in the satellite telecommunications industry, having established the first global commercial satellite communications network,” noted ILS President Frank McKenna.

“It’s a true honor to facilitate Intelsat’s global mobility network with the ILS Proton launch of Intelsat 22, supporting Intelsat’s customers in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as its hosted payload customer, the Australian Defence Force. We look forward to performing our next mission with Intelsat, the ILS Proton launch of the Intelsat 23 satellite later this year.”

The 6,199 kg Intelsat 22 was built by Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems, based around the Boeing 702MP Platform. It is expected to have a service life of 18 years.

As part of Intelsat’s 2012 fleet replacement and expansion plans, Intelsat 22 will carry two Ku-band mobility beams providing coverage of the Indian Ocean region, which will blanket busy maritime and aeronautical routes.

“The launch of Intelsat 22 is a significant milestone in many respects, not the least of which is its role in demonstrating the viability of hosted payloads in delivering customized space solutions for government users.  On time and on budget, the delivery of the UHF payload for the Australian Defence Force successfully demonstrates how hosted payloads are embraced by governments seeking cost-efficient access to space,” said Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade. 

From its position at 72 degrees East, Intelsat 22 will have Ku-band capacity serving the Middle East and eastern Africa. Its C-band hemi beams coverage will provide connectivity to and from most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and eastern Asia. It is also tasked with aiding communications for the Australian armed forces.

In total, Intelsat 22 sports 48 C-band transponders, 24 Ku-band transponders and 18 UHF transponders.

“ILS is able to offer Intelsat unique flexibility and schedule reliability for this critical hosted payload mission. ILS and Khrunichev look forward to supporting Intelsat’s continued growth and expansion of its fleet through the launch of Intelsat 22 and Intelsat 23 satellites,” added Mr McKenna.

ILS also recently announced a new contract for launch of the MEXSAT-1 satellite on an ILS Proton for the Mexican government’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation, the Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT).

The satellite is currently under construction by Boeing Satellite Systems of El Segundo, California – where Intelsat 22 was built. ILS and Khrunichev are implementing a mission integration schedule to support a ILS Proton launch of MEXSAT-1 into geostationary transfer orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in 2013-14.

MEXSAT-1 is a high-power, 5800 kg satellite built on Boeing’s 702 HP platform for GEO-Mobile services, designed for a lifetime of 15 years. The satellite will carry a 22-meter L-band reflector for mobile terminal links, complemented by a 2-meter Ku-band antenna.

Located at the orbital location of 113 degrees West, MEXSAT-1 will join the country’s current satellite fleet to offer mobile satellite services and fixed satellite services to support governmental, civil and humanitarian efforts.

“We are honored to be selected by SCT to deploy the expanded coverage of communication services throughout Mexico with the launch of MEXSAT-1 on ILS Proton,” added Mr McKenna. “ILS and Khrunichev are poised to support SCT’s schedule requirements and look forward to delivering outstanding value with an ILS Proton launch.”

(Images via ILS, Roscosmos and Boeing).

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Proton Launch:

The Proton booster tasked with the launch of the satellite was 4.1 m (13.5 ft) in diameter along its second and third stages, with a first stage diameter of 7.4 m (24.3 ft). Overall height of the three stages of the Proton booster is 42.3 m (138.8 ft).

The first stage consists of a central tank containing the oxidizer surrounded by six outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated level thrust is 11.0 MN (2,500,000 lbf).

Of a conventional cylindrical design, the second stage is powered by three RD-0210 engines plus one RD-0211 engine and develops a vacuum thrust of 2.4 MN (540,000 lbf).

Powered by one RD-0213 engine, the third stage develops thrust of 583 kN (131,000 lbf), and a four-nozzle vernier engine that produces thrust of 31 kN (7,000 lbf). Guidance, navigation, and control of the Proton M during operation of the first three stages is carried out by a triple redundant closed-loop digital avionics system mounted in the Proton’s third stage.

The Breeze-M upper stage is the Phase III variant, a recent upgrade which utilizes two new high-pressure tanks (80 liters) to replace six smaller tanks, along with the relocation of command instruments towards the centre – in order to mitigate shock loads when the additional propellant tank is being jettisoned.

The launch was set to take place at the end of 2011, prior to a problem associated with the avionics system of the launch vehicle’s Breeze M upper stage forcing a delay into 2012, ahead of further slips to the February 14 launch date. The initial delay was called after Khrunichev engineers at the launch site received an anomalous telemetry reading on the Breeze M upper stage during preflight testing.

The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, lifted off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, with the SES-4 satellite on board.

The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the SES-4 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geostationary transfer orbit.

Separation of the SES-4 satellite was succesfully carried out approximately 9 hours, 12 minutes after liftoff.

“It is always thrilling to achieve milestones in our business but even more so when it is with a longtime customer, such as SES,” noted ILS President, Frank McKenna. “With the ILS Proton launch of SES-4 this marks our 20th SES satellite launched on ILS Proton and the 50th satellite in the SES fleet. We are honored to be entrusted with launching the powerful SES-4 satellite and look forward to performing on all of our upcoming ILS Proton missions for SES.”

Click here for recent Proton-M launch articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/proton-m/

Poised to be the largest satellite in the SES fleet, SES-4 will be positioned at 338 degrees east, and will be replacing NSS-7. The new bird will enhance what is already the largest neighborhood in the Atlantic GEO region.

SES-4 will be a hybrid satellite featuring high powered C-band coverage and incremental global capacity which is ideal for video distribution, government and VSAT services. The satellite’s Ku-band payload will provide enhanced coverage and capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Western Africa and Latin America. SES-4 will bring a substantial increase in the total capacity available at 338 degrees east.

The state-of-the-art spacecraft has been specifically designed for its orbital location, with C-band beams serving the eastern hemisphere of Europe/Africa, full America’s coverage as well as a global beam to support mobile and maritime customers.

Four high powered regional Ku-band beams will provide service to Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, North America and South America with extensive cross-strapping between C- and Ku-band transponders providing enhanced connectivity.

SES-4 sports a total of 52 C-band and 72 Ku-band transponders and has an anticipated service life of 15 years.

This launch was part of a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) for ILS, which opened with the launch of SES-1 on April 24, 2010. In addition, SES-3, this mission’s SES-4, QuetzSat-1 and SES-5/ASTRA 4B satellites – which are also involved into the MLA.

“SES had the foresight, several years ago, to create this innovative agreement to provide launch diversity and schedule assurance for the majority of their launch needs,” Mr McKenna added. “With this agreement, SES has taken a sound business approach, in the form of a partnership, to create flexible arrangements to deploy their fleet.

“This expansion of the MLA further underscores the confidence that SES has in ILS Proton.  With these new missions, the ILS and Khrunichev team look forward to delivering the same quality and reliability that SES has counted on for 15 years.”

The agreement currently extends into 2013, for the launch of SES-6, which is being built on Astrium’s Eurostar 3000 platform and is expected to carry 43 C-band and 43 Ku-band transponders to serve SES’s existing cable-television customers and provide capacity for growth.

SES-6 will replace NSS-806 at the orbital location of 319.5 degrees East, and will provide enhanced coverage in North, Central and South America and will further support applications like HD, DTH, enterprise networks and digital inclusion projects in the Latin America region serving over 18 million households.

“The Multi Launch Agreement has allowed us to support the continuous development and replacement of our global satellite fleet, giving us an additional competitive edge,” added Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES. “With ILS, we have a long history together and we look forward to continue the collaborating with the ILS and Khrunichev teams on Proton in the framework of the extended agreement.”

(Images via ILS and SES/SS/L and Astrium).

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