MetOp-C - Soyuz-ST-B/Fregat-M (VS19) - Kourou ELS - 07.11.2018 00:47 UTC

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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2018/08/03/metop-c-satellite-is-whole/

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Honora

METOP-C: SATELLITE IS WHOLE

Following the arrival of the MetOp-C at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in the first week of July, the team has been busy testing and preparing the satellite for launch.

While activities are currently running on schedule, they will put on hold in mid-August and resume in mid-September because the launch date has been moved from 20 September to 6 November.

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Nevertheless, almost a month into the campaign to launch MetOp-C, much has already been achieved.

Since the satellite was shipped in three parts (the 'service module', the 'payload module' and the solar array), the two main bodies of the satellite have been reunited and tested.


Coupling the MetOp-C service module and the payload module. (EUMETSAT)

Over the last week or so, the team has been concentrating on adding the huge solar array to the satellite structure.

This is no mean feat as everything has to be aligned perfectly and then the tension has to be correct before being attached properly. The large array, which weighs in at over 200 kg, will be gently deployed when MetOp-C is in orbit. This procedure takes around 15 minutes and happens in two stages: the solar array arm first rotates and then the large eight-section panel opens out to face the Sun.


Working on the solar array. (Airbus)

The MetOp satellites are big, in fact, after Envisat, they are the largest Earth-observation satellites built in Europe.

With the alignment done and array attached, the MetOp-C is complete and the team is focusing on checking all the electrical connections. With the campaign soon breaking off for a month, the team will also be preparing the satellite for this dormant period.


Checking connections. (ESA)

MetOp-C is the third polar-orbiting satellite in the Meteorological Operational satellite programme. This programme was procured by ESA for Eumetsat, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

The series of MetOp satellites carry a host of sensitive instruments to measure a wide range of variables such as temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction over oceans, ozone and other atmospheric gases. The first two satellites were launched in 2006 and 2012.

The launch of MetOp-C in November will continue the success story of the most important set of sensors for weather prediction in space today.

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Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo 4 ч. назад

5 satellites at Spaceport for upcoming #Arianespace flights w/ #Vega, #Ariane5 & #Soyuz: #Aeolus (@ESA_EO); #BepiColombo (@esascience); #MetOpC (@ESA_EO); #AZERSPACE2 (@AzercosmosOJSCo); #Horizons3e (@INTELSAT #SkyPerfectJSAT). We're proud to deliver for cutting-edge missions!

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https://ria.ru/science/20180915/1528620970.html

Источник рассказал о планах по запуску ракет "Союз" с космодрома Куру

04:24 15.09.2018

МОСКВА, 15 сен — РИА Новости. Российские ракеты "Союз-СТ" с разгонным блоком "Фрегат-М" дважды до конца года стартуют с европейского космодрома Куру во Французской Гвиане, сообщил РИА Новости источник в ракетно-космической отрасли.

"Большая группа специалистов НПО им. Лавочкина приступила на космодроме Куру к испытаниям разгонного блока "Фрегат-М", который будет использован при запуске европейского метеорологического спутника MetOp-C. Расчеты самарского Ракетно-космического центра "Прогресс" и Центра эксплуатации объектов наземной космической инфраструктуры прибудут на космодром Куру в середине октября для работ по испытаниям и сборке ракеты "Союз-СТ" и подготовки наземного оборудования к предстоящему пуску. Сам пуск ракеты запланирован на 7 ноября", — сказал собеседник.

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До конца года с Куру предстоит запустить еще один "Союз" — на 14 декабря намечен пуск ракеты "Союз-СТ" с разгонным блоком "Фрегат-МТ" и кластером из двух спутников — итальянским космическим аппаратом для детального радиолокационного зондирования Земли CSG-1 и европейским космическим телескопом для поиска экзопланет CHEOPS.

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Европейская метеосистема MetOp создается с 2006 года, когда был запущен первый спутник системы — MetOp-A. MetOp-B стартовал в 2012 году. Запуски космических аппаратов MetOp-A и MetOp-B осуществлялись с космодрома Байконур ракетами "Союз-2.1а". С запуском третьего спутника система будет развернута полностью. MetOp — первая европейская метеорологическая система, построенная на "полярных" спутниках, орбиты которых пролегают над полюсами планеты на высоте 812-818 км, что позволяет получать оперативную информацию с Северного и Южного полюсов, называемых "кухней погоды". До создания системы MetOp европейцы имели в эксплуатации только метеоспутники, располагавшиеся на геостационарной орбите, откуда полярные районы просматриваются плохо.

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EUMETSAT‏ @eumetsat 19 ч. назад

Time is ticking and the teams in #Kourou are continuing to get #Metop-C ready for launch on 7 November. This week the satellite will be fuelled - a significant and very meticulous step. Read just how this process will take place over at our Science Blog: http://bit.ly/2OhopmM 

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https://scienceblog.eumetsat.int/2018/10/metop-c-fuelling-process-set-to-begin/

Metop-C – fuelling process set to begin

The Metop-C launch campaign is back in full swing and picking up pace as we approach the 7 November launch date.

Ruth Evans on 9 October 2018

The Metop-C launch campaign is back in full swing and picking up pace as we approach the 7 November launch date.

Last week, the spacecraft was transferred fr om the S1B Payload Preparation Facility clean room at the Centre Spatial Guianese (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana – Europe´s Spaceport – to the S3B Hazardous Preparation Facility, wh ere it will be fuelled this week.

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This is a significant step that is only taken once the spacecraft is ready for fuelling and only if there is a high degree of confidence that the launch will proceed as planned. Defuelling the spacecraft isn't an easy process and the fuelled spacecraft is a potential hazard to handle and imposes significant safety constraints.

So, teams from EUMETSAT, ESA and industry convened at CSG to agree that fuelling the spacecraft could proceed. In parallel, Arianespace reviewed the readiness of the Metop-C launcher with the three-stage Soyuz and the Fregat upper stage (Soyuz 2-1B with ST fairing and Fregat version: M) and agreed the fuelling of the Fregat could also proceed.

Metop-C and Fregat, once mated together, will comprise the so-called upper composite which will later be integrated atop the Soyuz launch vehicle.

These reviews don't just consider the readiness of the spacecraft and the launcher, but include the whole EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS) required to safely operate the satellite in orbit. The readiness of the ground system and operations team at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) that will perform the launch and early operations phase are also taken into account.

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What type of fuel and how much?

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During the fuelling process of Metop-C, which will last two days, around 316kg of anhydrous hydrazine N2H4 – a monopropellant that is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen – will be loaded into Metop-C's four on-board tanks.

In liquid form, when passed over a heated catalyst bed, this form of hydrazine decomposes to produce large volumes of nitrogen and hydrogen gas which are expelled to move or reorient the spacecraft.

Using a monopropellant means the propulsion system can be relatively simple in terms of design and so have less mass – fewer tanks, pipes and valves are needed compared to a bipropellant system. Less mass in the propulsion system means more mass can be allocated for payload instruments or to store additional fuel.

Although this is a relatively low power propulsion method, using a monopropellant for Metop perfectly fulfils what is needed to control its orbit and avoid a collision with space debris.

The Fregat propellant filling operations are scheduled to begin on 9 October and will last 10 days until 19 October.

Fregat has a more complex and powerful bipropellant propulsion system to carry Metop-C into its final orbit.

For the main propulsion system of Fregat, about 750kg of dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) are filled. Dinitrogen tetroxide is a powerful oxidizer that is hypergolic (spontaneously reacts) upon contact with various forms of hydrazine.

It is reacting with 2 x 375kg of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) used on Fregat as hypergolic rocket fuel.

Furthermore, helium is used to pressurise the system.

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Readiness reviews

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Also in the coming days and weeks, EUMETSAT and the partners involved in the launch will take part in a number of reviews, mainly in relation to the readiness of the Soyuz launch vehicle but also involving a number of other important steps as we move ever closer to the launch on 7 November (6 November Kourou time).

We'll keep you informed.

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http://blogs.esa.int/eolaunches/2018/10/03/metop-c-getting-ready-to-fuel/

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Honora

METOP-C: GETTING READY TO FUEL

With the launch of MetOp-C set for 7 November, specialists fr om ESA, Eumetsat, CNES and NASA have re-grouped at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, to prepare this latest weather satellite for its big day.


Moving MetOp-C for fuelling. (ESA)

Liftoff was originally planned for 20 September, but this had to be pushed to November because of seasonal winds.

MetOp-C is the third polar-orbiting satellite in the Meteorological Operational satellite programme.

The satellites carry a host of sensitive instruments to measure a wide range of variables such as temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction over oceans, ozone and other atmospheric gases. The first two satellites, MetOp-A and MetOp-B were launched in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

Now that the MetOp-C launch campaign has resumed, engineers have been carefully preparing the satellite to be fuelled. This has also involved moving the satellite from the 'Payload Processing' building to the 'Hazardous Processing' building wh ere it will be fuelled next week.

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As the building name suggests, the task of fuelling a satellite is hazardous and therefore carried out by fuelling experts.

Once fuelled, the satellite will be handed over to Arianespace for the 'combined operations' phase. This includes joining the satellite to the launch adapter and to the Soyuz rocket's fourth stage, encapsulation in the rocket fairing and transfer to the launch pad.

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Liftoff is set for 7 November 01:47 (CET), 6 November 21:47 (local time).

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https://spacenews.com/arianespace-assessing-impact-of-crewed-soyuz-failure-on-satellite-launching-variant/

Arianespace assessing impact of crewed Soyuz failure on satellite-launching variant
by Caleb Henry — October 11, 2018

WASHINGTON — Arianespace said Oct. 11 it's too soon to say whether the Soyuz-ST rockets it uses to launch satellites from South America will be grounded following the failure of a Russian Soyuz-FG rocket carrying crew to the International Space Station.

Preparations for Arianespace's planned November launch of a Soyuz-ST rocket carrying a European weather satellite remained underway Oct. 11 at Europe's spaceport in French Guiana despite a still-unexplained Soyuz booster failure earlier the same day that forced the Soyuz-MS10 spacecraft to abort its mission about two minutes after liftoff and make an emergency landing.

"Along with our Russian partners, as soon as the relevant data is available, we will study the possible impact of this anomaly on Arianespace's planned launches with Soyuz," Arianespace said in an Oct. 11 statement. "At this point, it is still too early to draw any conclusions. In the meantime, the launch campaign for next Soyuz in November is continuing."

The payload for the November mission is Metop-C, a weather satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space for Europe's Eumetsat meteorological organization. The launch is scheduled for Nov. 7, according to a recent Eumetsat update.

Arianespace also noted in its statement that it not uses a variant of the Soyuz rocket Russia uses to launch Soyuz TMA-M capsules to the space station.

"The versions of this launcher used for Arianespace flights from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana are ST versions, which are different from the FG version used for this mission to the ISS," Arianespace said in the statement.

While both rockets are Russian, the Soyuz variant that Arianespace uses is slightly newer and incorporates changes such as a larger fairing, a new digital telemetry system and some engine modifications necessary for launching in high humidity.
...
Eumetsat's Metop-C weather satellite is designed to measure temperature, humidity and wind, as well as to detect ozone and other atmospheric gases. Eumetsat has two second-generation MetOp satellites, Metop-SG A1 and Metop-SG B1, also slated to launch on Soyuz rockets between 2021 and 2023.
...

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Metop – still state-of-the-art, 30 years on

EUMETSAT

Опубликовано: 22 окт. 2018 г.

EUMETSAT's Metop-C – the final in a series of meteorological satellites that have had the biggest positive impact on weather forecast accuracy – is scheduled to be launched from the European Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana, on 7 November (CET). The concept for the Metop satellites was born almost 30 years ago but they, and the instruments they carry, remain state-of-the-art. The data from those instruments has had an unprecedented positive impact on the accuracy of weather forecasts 12 hours to 10 days ahead. In our video, the degree of international cooperation behind this space success story becomes clear as representatives of the organisations involved explain the journey to this point.

(5:21)

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https://scienceblog.eumetsat.int/2018/10/metop-still-state-of-the-art-30-years-on/

Metop – still state-of-the-art, 30 years on
Ruth Evans on 22 October 2018

In previous blogs, we've explained the unprecedented positive impact the data from Metop satellites have had on the accuracy of weather forecasting.

Metop-C, scheduled for launch on 7 November (CET), is expected to enhance that impact because, for about three years, three of these satellites will be in orbit together, covering every point of our planet six times a day.

The concept for the Metop satellites was born almost 30 years ago but they, and the instruments they carry, remain state-of-the-art.

In the first of a series of videos we will publish in the lead up to the launch of Metop-C, representatives from the organisations behind this mission give an insight into its history, the satellite itself and the payload.

The Metop satellites are the space component of the EUMETSAT Polar System, which is Europe's contribution to the Initial Joint Polar System shared with the United States.

The EPS mission is a truly international effort with benefits felt by citizens around the globe stemming from the provision of highly accurate data used by national meteorological services to improve weather forecast accuracy and climate monitoring.

You can watch the video .

[Space Alien]

РОСКОСМОС‏
На космодроме Гвианского космического центра состоялся вывоз на стартовую позицию ракеты-носителя «Союз-СТ-Б» с метеорологическим космическим аппаратом #MetOpC.
 
Пуск запланирован 7 ноября в 03:47 по московскому времени.

[Space Alien]

Improving weather forecasting: Soyuz reaches the launch zone for Arianespace's upcoming flight with Metop-C


The Soyuz vehicle for Arianespace's next medium-lift mission has moved to the launch zone in French Guiana, where it stands ready to receive the Metop-C satellite passenger that will be lofted on this November 6 flight.

In procedures that have become familiar at the Spaceport, Soyuz was moved via a transport/erector rail car in a horizontal-transfer process fr om the MIK launcher assembly facility to the ELS launch complex. Once over the launch pad, the vehicle was erected into a vertical orientation, wh ere it is suspended in place by four large support arms.

Following this step's completion, the mobile gantry was moved into position over the launcher – providing protection for the upcoming installation of Soyuz' "upper composite," which consists of Metop-C, the Fregat upper stage and payload fairing.

http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/vs19-soyuz-rollout/

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http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/flight-vs19-arianespace-at-the-service-of-eumetsats-polar-orbiting-weather-satellite-program/

Soyuz | October 30, 2018

Flight VS19: Arianespace at the service of EUMETSAT's polar-orbiting weather satellite program



For its eighth launch of the year, and the second Soyuz liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana in 2018, Arianespace will orbit Metop-C for EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

Metop-C is the third and final satellite of its Polar System (EPS), the Metop program dedicated to operational meteorology.

By launching the complete Metop fleet, Arianespace once again supports EUMETSAT and Europe in the improvement of global climate monitoring and weather forecasting.

Flight VS19 will be performed from the Soyuz Launch Complex (ELS) in Sinnamary, French Guiana.

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on Friday, November 2, 2018 in Kourou to authorize the start of operations for the final countdown.

Metop-C is the third and final satellite in the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS). It is also the 13th EUMETSAT satellite to be launched by Arianespace, following the most recent mission with MSG-4 in July 2015.

Спойлер

The polar-orbiting Metop satellites are essential for numerical weather prediction from 12 hours to 10 days in advance. The still-operational Metop-A and –B satellites, launched from Baikonur in 2006 and 2012, by Starsem, make the single biggest contribution to the reduction in errors in weather forecasts one day in advance. Metop-C is therefore expected to enhance this.

Metop-C will be injected into a sun-synchronous "mid-morning" polar orbit which enables global observation of weather, atmospheric composition, oceans and land surfaces. Metop-C will have a five-year nominal life in orbit and will carry a payload of nine state-of-the-art instruments.

Metop-C will be the 20th meteorological satellite – as well as the 66th Earth observation satellite – launched by Arianespace.

Developed and built by Airbus Defence and Space as prime contractor, Metop-C will be the 122nd satellite from this constructor to be orbited by Arianespace.

For further information, download the Flight VS19 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/

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To watch a live, high-speed online transmission of the launch (including commentary in French and English from the launch site), go to arianespace.com or to youtube.com/arianespace on November 6, 2018, beginning 20 minutes before liftoff.

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COMING SOON | Arianespace Flight VS19 – Metop-C
arianespace

(0:20)

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Arianespace Flight VS19 – Metop-C – Soyuz Launch Presentation
arianespace

(1:35)

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On-ground preparations for three satellites in orbit

EUMETSAT

(3:47)

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Metop-C – what happens after lift-off?

EUMETSAT

(6:04)

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Arianespace Flight VS19 – Payload – Metop-C – EUMETSAT

arianespace

Опубликовано: 4 нояб. 2018 г.

For its eighth launch of the year, and the second Soyuz liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana in 2018, Arianespace will orbit Metop-C for EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

(2:27)

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Arianespace Flight VS19 – Soyuz Launch Campaign

arianespace

Опубликовано: 5 нояб. 2018 г.

For its eighth launch of the year, and the second Soyuz liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana in 2018, Arianespace will orbit Metop-C for EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

Metop-C is the third and final satellite of its Polar System (EPS), the Metop program dedicated to operational meteorology.

By launching the complete Metop fleet, Arianespace once again supports EUMETSAT and Europe in the improvement of global climate monitoring and weather forecasting.

(2:25)

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Специалисты не нашли проблем с датчиками "Союза" на космодроме Куру
11:09 06.11.2018

МОСКВА, 6 ноя — РИА Новости. Российские специалисты не обнаружили проблем с датчиками боковых блоков ракеты "Союз-СТ", которая проходит подготовку к запуску на космодроме Куру во Французской Гвиане, ее запуск состоится в ночь на среду, сообщили РИА Новости в пресс-службе "Роскосмоса".

Запуск намечен на 3.47 мск 7 ноября. Ракета выведет на орбиту метеорологический космический аппарат MetOp-C.

"Ракета прошла проверку, дефектов не выявлено. Запуск состоится в ранее назначенное время", — сказал представитель "Роскосмоса".


РИА Новости https://ria.ru/space/20181106/1532181926.html

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http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/vs19-soyuz-readiness-review/

Soyuz | November 5, 2018
Soyuz receives the "go" for Arianespace's November 6 liftoff with the Metop-C meteorological satellite

The Arianespace Soyuz mission that will orbit the third and final spacecraft in EUMETSAT's current generation polar-orbiting weather satellite program has been authorized for tomorrow's launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana.



Approval for liftoff was given at the conclusion of today's launch readiness review, which verified the "go" status of Soyuz, its Metop-C satellite passenger, the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.

The November 6 mission – designated VS19 in Arianespace's numbering system – will be performed from the Spaceport's purpose-built ELS launch facility for Soyuz. Liftoff is scheduled at precisely 9:47:27 p.m. local time in French Guiana, with Metop-C to be deployed into a polar sun-synchronous orbit during a flight sequence lasting approximately one hour.

Tomorrow's launch will be the 19th mission from French Guiana for Arianespace's medium-lift Soyuz, as well as the company's eighth flight in 2018 with its three-vehicle launcher family – which is completed by the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and lightweight Vega.

Спойлер

Essential for numerical weather prediction

Built by Airbus Defence and Space, Metop-C continues the European Meteorological Operational program of polar-orbiting spacecraft operated by EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

Metop satellites are essential for numerical weather prediction from 12 hours to 10 days in advance. The still-operational Metop-A and Metop-B satellites – launched on Soyuz vehicles from Baikonour in 2006 and 2012, respectively, by Starsem (Arianespace's European-Russian joint-venture) – make the single biggest contribution to reducing errors in weather forecasts one day in advance. Metop-C is expected to enhance this performance upon entering service.

Metop-C will be injected into a sun-synchronous "mid-morning" polar orbit which enables global observation of weather, atmospheric composition, oceans and land surfaces. Metop-C will have a five-year nominal life in orbit and will carry a payload of nine state-of-the-art instruments.

After its deployment by Soyuz, the satellite is to undergo approximately six-weeks of commissioning, during which the proper operation of the spacecraft and its instrumentation is verified.

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Liftoff time for Flight VS19:

[TH]French Guiana[/TH][TH]UTC[/TH][TH]Washington, D.C.[/TH][TH]Tokyo[/TH][TH]Paris[/TH]

9:47:27 p.m. on Nov. 6	00:47:27 on Nov. 7	7:47:27 p.m. on Nov. 6	9:47:27 a.m. on Nov. 7	1:47:27 a.m. on Nov. 7