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This just in from the launch transmission, snapped by ESA's own Stefan Corvaja by ESA's Nadia Imbert-Vier. There will be more published in the ESA portal shortly... (click on image for full-size view) -- Daniel
Launch and early orbit
09 March, 2008 05:40
Launch and early orbit
09 March, 2008 05:37
Over on the FR blog, our colleague Stefan has just posted a map showing Ariane's track; she was over West Europe just a few minutes ago (click map for full size image). -- Daniel
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 05:26
Jean-Yves Le Gall, head of Arianespace, announced a while ago that the 1st upper stage burn is complete - we've entered the ballistic phase. We've got a bit of a wait now for the 2nd upper stage thrust - that will take place at 06:05 CET (05:05 UT) - another 35 minutes from now. Shortly after that another key event - separation of ATV from the upper stage.
--Maria
Launch and early orbit
09 March, 2008 05:20
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 05:14
Arianespace have just announced the flight is "on track" - still accelerating... -- Daniel
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 05:07
Access an mp3 of the ATV launch countdown and start here:
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 05:04
Yah! :-)
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 04:46
The live stream has started.. access it through http://www.esa.int/atv
A very green screen (left)... that's green meaning go for launch!
--Maria
Technology
09 March, 2008 04:27
These from the ESA info pack prepared a few days ago - we had a discussion last night on the Ariane launch capacity; the thread starts here. -- Daniel
Why is the ATV launched on an Ariane 5ES instead of an ECA?
The ATV missions require several ignitions of the upper stage, first to circularize the orbit and then achieve a safe re-entry of the stage. At this time, such multiple ignitions cannot be done with the ESC-A stage as the HM-7B engine cannot be restarted. A re-ignition test on a similar upper stage is planned on an Ariane 5 mission prior to ATV launch.
Are there new requirements on the launcher (hardware and software) as the ATV is more than twice heavier than any payload composite ever flown on Ariane 5?
The main improvement is the introduction of a reinforced equipment bay structure to withstand the loads. The lower part of the launcher remains unchanged. In addition, numerous tests have been conducted on the EPS upper stage’s Aestus engine. As usual for any Ariane 5 mission, mission-specific flight software will be used to take in consideration the different centre of gravity and other specifications.
Launch countdown
09 March, 2008 04:17
