The Soyuz launcher for this weekend's Starsem mission has rolled out at Baikonur Cosmodrome, clearing the way for its liftoff with the European GIOVE-B navigation satellite payload on Sunday morning, April 27.
Our images show the final preparations for Starsem's 21st commercial mission. (Click on the photos for a larger version):
Rollout of the launcher to Baikonur Cosmodrome's pad #6 began yesterday at sunrise, respecting a mission timing tradition that has been observed with Soyuz family vehicles since the beginning of the space age more than 50 years ago.
Photo: ESA – S. Corvaja 2008
The Soyuz launcher with GIOVE-B is ready to be raised from its rail car transporter to the vertical position on launch pad #6. The payload fairing that protects GIOVE-B during initial climb-out through the atmosphere is covered in thermal blankets, which are removed prior to liftoff.
With Soyuz in its vertical position, the Cosmodrome's rail car transporter is ready to be backed away from the launch pad. The launcher is secured with support arms and surrounded by service platforms that provide access to the Soyuz vehicle during final preparations.
Launch window for the Soyuz/GIOVE-B launch
UTC
Baikonur,
Kazakhstan
Moscow,
Russia
Paris,
France
10:16 p.m.
on April 26, 2008
04:16 a.m.
on April 27, 2008
02:16 a.m.
on April 27, 2008
00:16 a.m.
on April 27, 2008
See the other Feature stories on Starsem's GIOVE-B launch:
