Launcher takes shape for next Galileo launch

[Darren]

Next month's Galileo launch is progressing to plan at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

With final testing of the satellites underway, the first two stages of the Soyuz ST-B launch vehicle plus its four stage boosters were assembled last week. The next step is the addition of the fourth stage, the Fregat, that is responsible for transporting the two satellites to their final orbit. It was this stage that is believed responsible for the failure of the last two Galileo satellites to reach their proper orbits.

The two satellites will now be transferred to the fuelling facility where they will get their tanks filled for their 12-year lifespan. Launch is scheduled for 27th March.

Source: www.as.int

Tweet

_________________
Darren Griffin

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!