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Assembly of the Soyuz 2 launcher is complete for its upcoming Globalstar mission
The Soyuz 2’s upper portion is lowered into position for mating with the launcher’s second stage central core during assembly activity in the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s MIK 40 integration facility.
October 15, 2010
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The dispenser with its six Globalstar second-generation satellites is installed atop Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage during integration activity at Baikonur Cosmodrome. |
The Soyuz 2 launcher for next Tuesday’s Arianespace mission with six Globalstar second-generation satellites has completed its assembly, clearing the way for this vehicle’s rollout to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
During activity in the Cosmodrome’s MIK 40 integration facility, the launcher’s upper portion was lowered into place for mating with Soyuz’ lower section, using the traditional horizontal assembly process for Russian launch vehicles.
The Soyuz 2’s upper portion consists of the six Globalstar spacecraft installed on a cone-shaped dispenser, the ST-type payload fairing that will protect them during ascent, along with the launcher’s Fregat upper stage and Block I third stage. Soyuz 2’s lower section is composed of the launcher’s central core second stage and four boosters that function as the first-stage.
With the assembly process completed, a launch readiness review and state commission assessment were held today, authorizing the Soyuz 2’s rollout tomorrow morning to Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome – where the launcher will be erected and readied for the October 19 liftoff at 11:10 p.m. local time.
Next week’s launch is one of four to be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, deploying a total of 24 of the Globalstar second-generation satellites.
The trapezoidal-shaped spacecraft weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services. Once the company’s next-generation ground network is installed, the advanced satellite constellation also will provide Globalstar customers with enhanced future services featuring increased data speeds of up to 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) configuration.
Launch Window for Soyuz Flight ST22 with six Globalstar second-generation satellites |
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Baikonur Cosmodrome |
Moscow, Russia |
Paris, France |
Pacific Daylight Time |
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11:10 p.m. on October 19, 2010 |
9:10 p.m. on October 19, 2010 |
7:10 p.m. on October 19,2010 |
10:10 a.m. on October 19, 2010 |
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