| T-00:01.6 |
Engine Start |
| The six RD-253 liquid-fueled engines on the Proton's first stage ignite and build up to 40 percent thrust. Shortly thereafter, the six engines are throttled up to full power. |
|
| T-00:00 |
Liftoff |
| The Khrunichev-built Proton rocket lifts off from its launch pad in the desert steppes of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. |
|
| T+02:06 |
Proton Staging |
| After consuming all its propellant, the first stage of the three-stage version of the Proton drops away at an altitude of 27.1 miles. Moments earlier, the second stage and its four Phase 2 RD-0210 liquid-fueled engines ignited to continue the push to orbit. |
|
| T+03:03 |
Payload Fairing Jettison |
| The payload fairing that protected the Zvezda service module during atmospheric ascent is jettisoned at an altitude of 48.6 miles to lessen the load of the rocket. Immediately afterwards, shroud panels on Zvezda deploy two command and control antennae as well as one telemetry and data antenna. They were folded and stowed inside the panels during the first part of the launch. |
|
| T+05:00 |
Zvezda Data Recording |
| After being checked out, the telemetry antenna on Zvezda begins sending data. Ground controllers then start recording the information being relayed from the module. |
|
| T+05:34 |
Proton Staging |
| One second after stage two of the Proton completes its burn, staging occurs between stages two and three. Moments later, at an altitude of 85.9 miles, the third stage's single Phase 2 RD-0210 engine ignites to finish the job of delivering the critical ISS component to orbit. |
|
| T+05:50 |
Propulsion Preparations |
| Zvezda's propulsion and attitude control systems begin preparations for on-orbit operations. |
|
| T+09:37 |
Third Stage Shutdown |
| The third stage of the Proton rocket is given the command to begin shutting down. The third stage/Zvezda combination should be in the correct target orbit of 115 by 220 statue miles. |
|
| T+09:47 |
Spacecraft Separation |
| Zvezda separates from the third stage of the Proton while at an altitude of 114.9 miles. This is done by releasing the pyrotechnic locks securing Zvezda to the third stage. Also at this time, the third stage steering jets a de-activated, as well as the firing of solid-fueled thrusters to further separate the two craft. |
