Space blog - Launch updates

Next generation DMC satellites for 2008 launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:39:02 +0100

SSTL is to launch two new enhanced Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) satellites in the fourth quarter of 2008. Deimos-1, which was built for Deimos SL (Spain) and SSTL’s UK-DMC2 will be launched onboard a Dnepr rocket from the new Kosmotras launch site in southern Ural.

DEIMOS-1 will provide higher resolution imagery

Both Demios-1 and UK-DMC2 will carry an enhanced version of the DMC wide area imaging system, providing 600km wide swaths of the Earth in three spectral bands at a ground resolution of 22-metres. This is an advance on the current 32-metre DMC imager, which has been successfully providing imagery for over five years in the current constellation of five spacecraft. Additionally, the new spacecraft have over ten times the capacity for information provision. These significant enhancements reflect SSTL’s evolutionary approach to development that provides state of the art performance with minimal risk. The improved resolution and capacity enable the system to better meet European Global Monitoring for Environment and Security program needs, particularly in the areas of forestry and fire.

UK-DMC2 has been funded and developed by SSTL to continue the success of DMC International Imaging (DMCii), which commercially exploits the data and help ensure continuity of the unique service provided by the constellation of DMC satellites for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

The launch contract has been signed with ISC Kosmotras, with Commercial Space Technologies (CST) acting as the interface between SSTL and the launch agency.

Deimos Imaging (DMI) is part of the Deimos Space Group, and is based in the Boecillo Technology Park, Madrid. DMI is led by the Spanish astronaut Pedro Duque and aims at offering products based on satellite-captured information for use in Earth observation applications. One of the most notable aspects of DMI is the vertical integration of the production chain, which includes its own capture capability through the Deimos-1 satellite, as well as a remote sensing laboratory boasting a high R&D&I capacity.

Payload testing update

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 16:26:30 +0000

Yesterday, the payload clocks were tested. They lock to the required frequency and work correctly.

Today is the first switch-on of the RF transmission system of the payload, which will send the first Galileo navigation signals to the ground.

There will be more updates tomorrow.

Real GIOVE-A mission commencing imminently

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:43:10 +0000

The main objective of GIOVE-A is to secure the frequency filing for the Galileo satellite navigation system with the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), which is fundamental to the operation of the Galileo project and a crucial first stage in the development schedule.

The payload will be switched on today (Tuesday 10th) or tomorrow so that the first of the two frequency bands can be tested. SSTL are running on schedule, so the operators have a few days spare time if required before the planned payload start.

The payload is operated as a single unit that will start transmitting the various signals at about the same time.

The ITU rules dictate that once the satellite is transmitting, there cannot be a break in transmission for more than 4 months. For this reason, the GIOVE-B satellite will provide a back-up system once launched to ensure that these crucial frequencies are secured.

GIOVE-A satellite prepared for operation

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 09:21:00 +0000

The GIOVE-A is now in its final orbit, with transmission equipment earth pointing and solar panels sun-pointing as required. As such, the satellite is fully powered and ready to commence operations.

GIOVE-A deployment completed

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 11:19:13 +0000

12:20 - The second solar panel is deployed and the power system is operating nominally.

Congratulations to the SSTL, ESA, Starsem and everyone involved for making the mission a success!

GIOVE-A satellite deployment almost complete

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 10:45:15 +0000

9:06 - The satellite GIOVE-A has successfully separated from the Fregat and is communicating with SSTL ground control in Guildford, UK.

This initial step was crucial, validating the successful delivery of the satellite payload for the Galileo project. Good communications at this point are essential to complete the set up of the satellite.

Early communications also validated that the orbit is correct, although this will be known with greater precision in the next two weeks.

Now that the satellite has tested OK, the attitude control and communications teams in the busy mission control room are working to power the satellite. The satellite is launched with fully charged batteries, which are currently being used in combination with a small input from the un-deployed solar panels to power communications, heating and other electronic data processing such as control systems.

The batteries only store power for about 2 hours of operation, during which period the solar panels that will power the satellite must be deployed.

There is still work to be done. First, the satellite will measure its position relative to the sun, then it will find fix its position relative to the earth. Once the position is better known, the attitude control system helps orientate the satellite correctly so that communications equipment is Earth-pointing and the solar panels will be Sun-pointing.

The physical orientation of the satellite is carefully adjusted using wheels and butane thrusters on the satellite. Once the orientation is correct, the attitude control system ensures that the satellite is correctly oriented, slowly rotating as the satellite orbits the earth.

Finally, the solar panels will be deployed. This can only take place once the orientation is correct because the solar panels are very delicate and could be damaged if the satellite was still rotating with any speed. Because the solar panels are delicate, deployment is expected to take 10 � 15 minutes after which point the satellite can recharge its batteries and become fully operational.

11:48 - The first solar panel is successfully deployed!

Cheers to a successful launch!

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 08:04:20 +0000

At 5:18 this morning the tension was building at the University of Surrey as the the UK press, ESA members and Surrey Satellite Technology engineers were provided with a live video transmission of the GIOVE-A launch from Baikonur.

The clocks struck 5:19, igniting cheers from the crowd watching the Soyuz launch vehicle blast off. Cheers, that were mirrored at separate launch conferences in Paris and Moscow.

After the initial celebration, the audience scrutinised the images being beamed into the auditorium for any confirmation of a successful launch.

It was business as usual for the SSTL mission control team, although despite Professor Sir Martin Sweeting's jovial manner there was a shared rush of adrenalin and tension that Sir Martin himself admitted is reassuring. "All we can do is sit back and watch until it is our turn to take over, the Soyuz launch vehicle is the most reliable available but space flight an inherently dangerous business."

Next, the program coverage guided the captive audience to discussions with Starsem, responsible for the launch. The launch had been straightforward, with clear blue sky over Baikonur. Repeat statements of "all parameters nominal reassured all watching that the launch was progressing successfully and the 4 booster rockets used for the initial acceleration were shed 1:58 into the launch.

Next, after 4:13 the Fairing that was used to protect the nose of the rocket through the atmosphere was shed according to plan.

The repeat statements of "all parameters nominal" referring to the pitch, yaw and roll of the launch vehicle continued.

Flying over Russia and Siberia the launch vehicle entered into a ballistic trajectory pending further ignitions to re-orientate the Fregat and GIOVE-A composite into the required intermediate orbits. These intermediary orbits are required to gradually push the satellite into the final orbit required by the GIOVE-A Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element.

A proud Professor Chris Snowden, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey commented after the launch, "The award of this contract to SSTL is a classic example of how British industry can compete in a highly competitive international market by cooperating with a leading University.

"In the past, SSTL has benefited greatly from the Symbiotic relationship with the University, now the University in turn benefits from the reputation SSTL has earned through its ability to compete in the fiercely competitive international space technology market. This tandem relationship is the foundation, not just for economically viable higher education, but also for future UK business success."

Finally, the Fregat and satellite will drift slowly into the required orbit and separate. The independent satellite is to be initiated in just under half an hour at 9:01 GMT under the control of SSTL.

Less than 10 hours to the historic launch of GIOVE-A

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 19:19:00 +0000

As depicted by the countdown on the right hand side of this blog, there are now just 9 hours to the launch of the Galileo Project's GIOVE-A satellite.

The European Space Agency (ESA) are providing live coverage of the event via satellite link from Baikonur in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The ESA are hosting a European viewing and Surrey Satellite Technology are hosting the European launch press conference on site at the University of Surrey.

This blog aims to keep readers updated with news as the day progresses. Key events are the launch itself, scheduled for 5:19 am and the switch over from Starsem launch control to SSTL ground control on site at 9:01.

The ESA Television website provides details of live video for broadcasters and details of post-event material.

UK press invited to attend launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 17:04:54 +0000

UK press, broadcasters and other invited guests are to attend a press conference on the 28th December at the SSTL with live video coverage of the GIOVE-A satellite launch from Baikonur.

To make arrangments, press and invited guests are asked to contact:

Audrey Nice, SSTL
Tel: (01483) 682 280
E-mail: a.nice@sstl.co.uk

The doors of will be open from 4:30, with the broadcast programme scheduled to start at 5:00. The press conference will take place in the School of Management, building 16 of the University Of Surrey, Guildford.

The University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XH

A map of the campus: PDF map of the University Of Surrey campus

Launch countdown

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 11:00:33 +0000

With just 5 days and 17 hours to go to the launch, SSTL have added a counter to the blog and their website www.sstl.co.uk

You can add this countdown to your own website with some simple Javascript code if you are interested in the launch, please email Robin Wolstenholme. Contact details are given on the right hand side of the blog

Live GIOVE-A launch broadcast

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 10:55:11 +0000

On launch day, live streaming video of ther launch will be provided from both Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guilford, UK and the launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Keep an eye on the blog, or sign up to our RSS feeds to keep up to date.

Launch update Wednesday 21st

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 13:41:18 +0000

At around midday (Kazakhstan) today all activities were halted as the Russian facility personnel moved the encapsulated fairing from the UCIF (Upper Composite Integration Facility)and on to the train transporters. This is a routine stop in operations and is no cause for alarm.

Because the Fregat is fully fuelled it represents a potential safety hazard and must be treated with due care. During the manoeuvre, only a core team is allowed on site and they must wear gas masks.

The Fregat is lowered onto the rail transporter. This image will be available shortly in high resolution from the gallery - link on the right hand side of this blog.

This evening at 21:00 (Kazakhstan) the train will depart to the rocket integration facility, for integration with the Soyuz rocket to commence tomorrow.

Also tonight, the SSTL launch team will witness a Soyuz (Progress) launch to re-supply the space station that takes off just after midnight. It is not all hard work for the team.

Today, while they were removed from the immediate vicinity of the Fregat, the launch team have started packing their equipment into the two 20 foot sea containers that we will ship everything back to ESTEC (and then to Surrey Satellite Technology in Guildford). The launch equipment being used in Kazakhstan includes the protection for the satellite and its delicate solar panels and the satellite fuelling equipment.

Also, sensitive test and integration equipment, transmitters and receivers used during the on-site testing phase test will be re-used in future missions.

SSTL launch delay

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 09:34:37 +0000

In repsonse to enquiries, SSTL would like to confirm that the delay of the GIOVE-A satellite launch, first satellite launch of the Galileo project, was due to a problem in the groundstation network and not the result of a helium leak on the satellite.

Launch preparations in progress

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:24:30 +0000

With the new launch date of the 28th December in mind, a quick update on the launch and what to expect would seem appropriate.

Following the fitting of the Fairing (nose cone), the explosive bolts that will later be used to release the GIOVE-A payload from the Fregat (the upper component of the rocket that holds the payload) are currently being fitted. Finally, the covers and connections are covered or taped up and access plates secured for take off. This all takes place within a Fregat preparation clean room to protect the valuable payload�s sensitive instruments from damage or contamination.

Once the fairing is released, the payload is open to space but is still attached to the Fregat. That happens with a separate set of explosive bolts that fire once the rocket is in the final orbit.

Once the launch company, Starsem are satisfied with the Fregat�s level of protection it will be transferred to the rocket building, where it will be slowly fitted to the Soyuz rocket to ensure precise alignment. This process takes between one and two days to complete.

The launcher is moved to the launch pad three days before launch. This is necessary, because the erection and mounting of the rocket is a very delicate process and therefore a necessarily slow operation.

The sequence is as follows:

Day 1 - Transport, raising and connection of filling equipment

Day 2 - Finalise rocket preparation and space time to fix problems

Day 3 - Filling of the launch vehicle with propellant and launch

On the day, the rocket is mounted to the launch tower, and two launch clamps attached to hold it in place.

The rocket is then fuelled with Kerosene and liquid oxygen. Because liquid oxygen has a very low boiling point of -183.0 �C, it is stored in insulated tanks to prevent a rise in temperature that would evaporate the fuel. Even so, the liquid oxygen will begin to boil off and is continuously replaced until launch is imminent.

The explosive bolts will cause the two-part Fairing will split, exposing the payload.

New launch date for GIOVE-A satellite confirmed

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 09:50:49 +0000

The new launch date for the GIOVE-A satellite has been confirmed as the 28th December, launch time 05:19 UK time.

The original Boxing day launch date was postponed because of an anomaly detected in the ground station network during initial preparations for launch. The necessary re-configuration and validation are currently predicted to lead to a delay of at least two days for this launch, originally scheduled to take place on 26 December.

Source: SSTL