Flight 125 mission events
SPACEFIGHT NOW
Posted: Dec.
21, 1999
| H0 |
Engine ignition |
| Four first stage Snecma Viking 5 engines and four Snecma Viking 6 engines on the liquid strap-on boosters are started and undergo checkout prior to launch. |
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| H0+00:04.4 |
Launch |
| The Ariane 44L rocket lifts off from ELA-2 complex at Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, South America. |
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| H0+00:16 |
Start Pitch Maneuver |
| Following a vertical ascent phase, the rocket begins a pitch motion for positioning on the proper launch trajectory. |
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| H0+02:32 |
Booster Separation |
| Having consumed their liquid propellant, the DaimlerChrysler Aerospace-built strap-on boosters are jettisoned from the Ariane rocket's first stage to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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| H0+03:32 |
First Stage Separation |
| The Aerospatiale Matra-built first stage of the Ariane 44L rocket is separated to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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| H0+03:35 |
Second Stage Ignition |
| The single Snecma Viking 4 engine aboard the Ariane's second stage is started, continuing the climb to orbit. |
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| H0+04:22 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
| The 4-meter diameter payload fairing, built by Oerlikon Contraves, that protected Galaxy 11 during atmospheric ascent. |
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| H0+05:44 |
Second Stage Separation |
| The DaimlerChrysler Aerospace-built second stage of the Ariane 44L rocket is jettisoned to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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| H0+05:49 |
Third Stage Ignition |
| Following the release of the second stage, the single Snecma HM 7B third stage engine is started to complete the powered phase of flight to deliver Galaxy 11 into near-polar orbit. |
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| H0+18:54 |
Third Stage Shutdown |
| After consuming its supply of liquid hydrogen and liquid oyxgen, the third stage engine shuts down. Injection into the required orbit follows one second later. The Aerospatiale Matra-built stage will now provide the necessary pointing and alignment for payload separation. |
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| H0+21:21 |
Galaxy 11 Separation |
| The Galaxy 11 spacecraft is released into the desired geosynchronous transfer orbit. The predicted injection orbit features a perigee altitude of 250 k, apogee altitude of 39,154 km and inclination of 5.45 degrees. |
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Data source: Arianespace.
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Flight data file
Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Payload: Galaxy 11
Launch date: Dec. 22, 1999
Launch window: 0050-0120 GMT (1950-2020 EST on 21st)
Launch site: ELA-2, Kourou, French Guina
Pre-launch Briefing
Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of the events to occur during launch.
Purpose of Galaxy 11 - The new satellite is the first of seven PanAmSat is preparing to launch, and the first of three to expand cable TV servicesto North America.
The Galaxy 11 satellite - The first HS702 satellite will be the most powerful commercial communications spacecraft ever launched.
Explore the Net
Arianespace - European launch services provider that uses Ariane 4 and 5 rockets to carry satellites into space.
PanAmSat - Leading satellite communications provider and operator of Galaxy 11 once in space.
Hughes Space and Communications - U.S. manufacturer of Galaxy 11 satellite.
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