Quetzsat 1 Successfully Launched!

[nelson61]

International Launch Services has posted the Media Advisory

Launch Date:
30 Sept 2011, Baikonur
Launch Time:
00:32 Baikonur
20:32 Luxembourg, 29 Sept
18:32 GMT, 29 Sept
14:32 EDT, 29 Sept
23:32 PDT, 29 Sept **** 11:32 PDT


Media Advisory | QuetzSat-1 | Proton Rocket | Commercial Launch | International Launch Services

[nelson61]

Baikonur launch campaign continues on the program"KvettsSat-1"



:: 09/23/2011

Baikonur continues preparationsfor the launch of space rocket "Proton-M" with a telecommunicationsatellite communications "KvetSat-1» («QuetzSat-1").

September 22 in theassembly and testing facility 92A-50 specialists Khrunichev Khrunichevimplement an assembly space rocket (ILV), "Proton-M": was performeddocking space head part (in the upper block "Breeze-M" andspacecraft) in the third stage carrier rocket "Proton-M", carried outelectrical checks "assemblies" at the head of the rocket is puttermochehol.

Today experts overload ILV"Proton-M" on the transport and installation unit, will boost thelaunch vehicle tanks with compressed air to provide conditions for transport tothe launch site.

The rocket carrier"Proton-M" spacecraft with "KvetsSat-1" is scheduled forSeptember 29 from Launch Complex pl.200 Baikonur.

Press Service of theRussian Space Agency

Neat. They fill the Proton tanks with compressed air to maintain structural stability during transport.

[nelson61]

Photos courtesy of Russia Federal Space Agency - Sept 26 2011:

Quetzsat 1 in Transit to Launch Pad



Quetzsat 1 on Launch Pad

[Scott Greczkowski]

That is an amazing looking site.

I have done lots of things in the satellite industry but never to a launch of one of these things. Man I would love that!

[TheKrell]

Well, I'm kind of shocked at the train car rolling through countryside with dirt everywhere. Seems to me like a little wind would pick up that dirt and put it everywhere.

And what's with all that ugly stitching on the nosecone? Are those thermal blankets? I can't imagine they would stay in place through a launch.

[Scott Greczkowski]

I bet that train is going real slow... probably does not kick up much dirt at all.

[rocatman]

Well, I'm kind of shocked at the train car rolling through countryside with dirt everywhere. Seems to me like a little wind would pick up that dirt and put it everywhere.

And what's with all that ugly stitching on the nosecone? Are those thermal blankets? I can't imagine they would stay in place through a launch.

I believe everything is sealed up except for that access panel opening in the payload fairing near the bottom facing the railroad car i.e., the red and white section. This isn't a concern because if you notice the duct work hooked up to the payload fairing that is blowing dry air/nitrogen into the payload fairing and out this access panel so no dirt can come in. It is quite an experience standing out on the launch pad and touching the outside of a rocket that will be launched in a couple of days or being out at the Shuttle pad with the payload bay doors open looking at a satellite you've worked on for a few years.

[whatchel1]

Well, I'm kind of shocked at the train car rolling through countryside with dirt everywhere. Seems to me like a little wind would pick up that dirt and put it everywhere.

And what's with all that ugly stitching on the nosecone? Are those thermal blankets? I can't imagine they would stay in place through a launch.

The blankets will be removed before it goes up. I think they are only there now to help to reduce all cooling necessary to keep the payload cool.

[simonhwsn]

How long will it take to be fully operative after its launch?

[nelson61]

How long will it take to be fully operative after its launch?

If things go as scheduled, it will start testing at 67.1W on Oct 11. Give them a couple weeks to check it out and then another couple to move it on to 77W.

So, a fair guess would start around mid November. Could take less time, could take more time.