Starsem/Arianespace Flight ST12
December 30 review: The mission in photos
The success of Flight ST12 wrapped up another important year of progress for Starsem. After lifting off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in the early morning hours of December 28, the Soyuz/Fregat launch vehicle accurately deployed its AMOS 2 satellite payload into geostationary transfer orbit. The following photos highlight Flight ST 12 from payload preparation to the Soyuz launcher's ignition:
The AMOS 2 satellite is shown mated to its Fregat upper stage, which is covered in gold-colored protective blankets. The integration of AMOS 2 atop the Fregat stage occurred in Starsem's Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) -- a 587-square-meter, high-bay clean room that is located inside the MIK 112 integration building at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
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Flight ST12's payload fairing containing AMOS 2 and the Fregat upper stage is ready for its transfer from MIK 112 to the Soyuz assembly/integration building at the Cosmodrome, where the payload will be mated to its launch vehicle. The December 28 mission was the 12th commercial mission performed under Starsem responsibility, and marked the 1,684th mission for a Soyuz family vehicle. It also was the first Soyuz flight to geostationary transfer orbit.
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This beautiful image shows Baikonur Cosmodrome's Launch Pad #6 as it awaited the arrival of Flight ST12's Soyuz/Fregat vehicle. The servicing tower, fueling tower and support arms are all in position, while the integrated work platforms that provide access to the launcher's upper levels are illuminated by an array of lights. Flight ST12's total success was another demonstration of the availability of Russian teams in charge of Soyuz operation, managed by the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, as well as the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center - which produces the Soyuz launcher.
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The completed Soyuz/Fregat launch vehicle is shown on Launch Pad #6 after its erection. Rollout of the launcher from the Soyuz assembly/integration building to the launch zone occurred on December 24 at 7:30 a.m. - a morning timing that has been respected since the early days of the Russian space program. Flight ST12 was a joint effort with Arianespace that resulted from the two companies' flexible launcher family policy. The mission's AMOS 2 satellite originally was scheduled for an Ariane 5 launch, but was switched to Soyuz/Fregat in a decision that was made in coordination with the client.
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Ignition! The Soyuz launcher's four Stage 1 strap-on boosters and the Stage 2 sustainer core complete their throttle-up procedure on the launch pad prior to the vehicle's liftoff at 2:30 a.m. local Baikonur Cosmodrome time on December 28. Flight ST12's AMOS 2 satellite payload was deployed at 6 hours, 47 minutes into the mission, following three burns by the Fregat upper stage. AMOS 2 was built by the MBT Space Division of Israel Aircraft Industries, and will be operated by Israeli telecommunications operator Spacecom Ltd. to provide direct-to-home video broadcasting, Internet and data transmissions.
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To read the December 28th update, "Success for Flight ST12 - The AMOS 2 satellite is in orbit!", click here.
To read the December 24th update, "The Soyuz/Fregat is in the launch zone!", click here.
To read the December 15th update, "The Fregat upper stage is fueled and ready for integration with AMOS", click here.
To read the December 12th update, "Fueling of the AMOS 2 satellite is complete", click here.
To read the November 26th update, "Pre-launch checkout underway for the AMOS 2 satellite
", click here.
To read the November 18th update, "Preparations have begun for the liftoff of AMOS 2
", click here.
To see the latest headlines click here.
