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Flight 181: Ariane 5/ATV Countdown Timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: March 5, 2008

NOTE: GMT is +5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

H-1 Day March 8, 2008

H-11:30:00 (1633:04 GMT)....Begin final countdown

H-07:30:00 (2033:04 GMT)....Test launcher electrical systems

H-07:30:00 (2033:04 GMT)....Configure first stage for fueling

H-06:00:00 (2203:04 GMT)....Prepare launch pad for final countdown

H-06:00:00 (2203:04 GMT)....Load flight software

H-06:00:00 (2203:04 GMT)....Test radio frequency links

H-06:00:00 (2203:04 GMT)....Align inertial guidance units

H-05:00:00 (2303:04 GMT)....Clear launch pad personnel

H-05:00:00 (2303:04 GMT)....Pressurize ground liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen tanks

H-05:00:00 (2303:04 GMT)....Pressurize first and second stage attitude
control systems

H-04:30:00 (2333:04 GMT)....Begin chilldown of ground propellant lines

H-0 Day March 9, 2008

H-04:00:00 (0003:04 GMT)....Load first stage liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen

H-03:00:00 (0103:04 GMT)....Begin chilldown of Vulcain 2 first stage main
engine

H-02:00:00 (0203:04 GMT)....Transition to propellant topping mode

H-02:00:00 (0203:04 GMT)....Load final ATV software

H-00:30:00 (0333:04 GMT)....Prepare synchronized launch sequence

H-00:08:00 (0355:04 GMT)....ATV in launch configuration and on
internal power

H-00:07:00 (0356:04 GMT)....Begin synchronized launch sequence

H-00:06:30 (0356:34 GMT)....Terminate propellant topping

H-00:06:30 (0356:34 GMT)....Arm launcher ordnance

H-00:04:00 (0359:04 GMT)....Pressurize first stage liquid hydrogen and
liquid oxygen tanks

H-00:03:30 (0359:34 GMT)....Calculate official launch time

H-00:02:00 (0401:04 GMT)....Open Vulcain 2 bleeder valves and close
chilldown valves

H-00:00:50 (0402:14 GMT)....Switch launcher to on-board power

H-00:00:37 (0402:27 GMT)....Begin automatic ignition sequence and start
on-board recorders

H-00:00:22 (0402:42 GMT)....Activate first stage attitude control system

H-00:00:22 (0402:42 GMT)....Switch launcher to on-board control

H-00:00:06 (0402:58 GMT)....Start hydrogen burn-off igniters and retract
cryogenic umbilical arms

H-00:00:03 (0403:01 GMT)....Switch inertial guidance units to flight mode

H-00:00:02 (0403:02 GMT)....Open launch table water valves

H0 (0403:04 GMT)............Vulcain 2 engine ignition


Data Source: EADS Astrium

MISSION STATUS CENTER