Proton returns to flight with Astra 2E launch
Posted: Mon, Sep 30, 2013, 6:07 AM ET (1007 GMT)
Russia's Proton rocket made its first launch in nearly three months on Monday, successfully placing a commercial communications satellite into orbit. The Proton M lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 5:38 pm EDT Sunday (2138 GMT Sunday, 3:38 am local time Monday), carrying the Astra 2E satellite for SES. The rocket's Breeze-M upper stage, after performing five burns, released the satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit nine hours and 12 minutes after liftoff. Astra 2E, built by EADS Astrium, weighed 6,020 kilograms at launch and carries a payload of Ku- and Ka-band transponders to provide communications services for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from 28.2 degrees east in GEO. The launch was the first for the Proton since a July 2 launch failure, when the rocket lost control seconds after liftoff and crashed, destroying its payload of three navigation satellites.
Russia's Proton rocket made its first launch in nearly three months on Monday, successfully placing a commercial communications satellite into orbit. The Proton M lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 5:38 pm EDT Sunday (2138 GMT Sunday, 3:38 am local time Monday), carrying the Astra 2E satellite for SES. The rocket's Breeze-M upper stage, after performing five burns, released the satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit nine hours and 12 minutes after liftoff. Astra 2E, built by EADS Astrium, weighed 6,020 kilograms at launch and carries a payload of Ku- and Ka-band transponders to provide communications services for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from 28.2 degrees east in GEO. The launch was the first for the Proton since a July 2 launch failure, when the rocket lost control seconds after liftoff and crashed, destroying its payload of three navigation satellites.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Pentagon places head of Space Development Agency on leave for investigation
Posted: Sun, Jan 19 10:25 AM ET (1525 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, January 22
Rocket Lab Schedules Next Electron Launch for Constellation Operator Kinéis
Business Wire — 6:30 am ET (1130 GMT) He Met Trump After Being Booted from the Space Force. Then, He Was Tapped to Help Lead the Air Force.
Military.com — 6:30 am ET (1130 GMT) Are we losing control of outer space?
CBC — 6:26 am ET (1126 GMT) French Space Agency CNES Braces For Impact Of Trump’s Goals
Aviation Week — 6:26 am ET (1126 GMT) Aerospace stocks soar on new space exploration commitments
Investing.com — 6:25 am ET (1125 GMT) |
