Category Archives: Galileo Launchers

Galileo Launchers

[vid] Ariane 6, the next generation launch vehicle for Galileo

Artist's view of the two configurations of Ariane 6

Ariane 6 two configurations

ESA and European industry are currently developing a new-generation launcher: Ariane 6. This follows the decision taken at the ESA Council meeting at Ministerial level in December 2014, to maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while responding to the needs of European institutional missions.

This move is associated with a change in the governance of the European launcher sector, based on a sharing of responsibility, cost and risk by ESA and industry.

The participating states are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Read more…

Ariane 5 ES

Ariane 5 ES Galileo

Ariane 5 ES Galileo

The Ariane 5 ES (Evolution Storable) is derived from the generic Ariane 5 but uses a more powerful lower composite and a small upgraded storable propellant stage, allowing reignition and long coast phases.

This reignition capability enables the injection of a cluster of Galileo satellites into their operational orbit.

After releasing its payload, a final burn allows the empty upper stage to deorbit and burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere or move into another safe ‘graveyard orbit’. Read more…

[vid] Galileo satellites 15–18, from final preparations to liftoff

This timelapse video shows Galileo satellites 15–18, from final preparations to liftoff on a Ariane 5 launcher, flight VA233, from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, on 17 November 2016, accelerating deployment of the new satellite navigation system. Galileo is the Europe’s own global satellite navigation system. The full system of 24 satellites plus spares is expected to be in place by 2020.

 

Galileo launch 8, VA233 (17-11-2016)

Launch of 4 new Galileo satellites

Liftoff of Ariane flight VA233An Ariane 5 rocket has launched four additional Galileo satellites, accelerating deployment of the new satellite navigation system.

The Ariane 5, operated by Arianespace, lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 13:06 GMT (14:06 CET, 10:06 local time) carrying Galileo satellites 15–18. The first pair was released 3 hours 35 minutes and 44 seconds after liftoff, while the second separated 20 minutes later.

The Galileos are at their target altitude, after a flawless release from the new dispenser designed to handle four satellites. Read more…

[vid] Ariane 5 VA233 mission flight sequence

The following video describes the Nov. 17 Ariane 5 mission’s flight sequence, designated Flight VA233 in Arianespace’s numbering system.

Liftoff is planned on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at exactly:
– 10:06:48 a.m., Kourou time
– 08:06:48 a.m., Washington D.C. time
– 13:06:48, Universal Time (UTC)
– 02:06:48 p.m., Paris time