Rosocosmos logo.
13.07.2011
Soyuz-2.1a Successfully Lifts Off
Soyuz-2.1a space carrier with six U.S. Globalstar-2 communications satellites blasted off on Wednesday morning from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a spokesman for the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, said.
Soyuz-2-1A Fregat with Globalstar-2 Launch Coverage
The launch of the spacecraft equipped with a Fregat booster was initially scheduled for July 11 and was later moved to July 12. Both launches were postponed due to various technical reasons during the preparations for the launch.
The separation of the satellites from the Fregat booster is scheduled for 8:39 Moscow time [4:39 GMT]," the spokesman said.
Globalstar is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based telecommunications system founded by U.S.-based Loral Corporation and Qualcomm Inc. It provides high-quality satellite voice and data services across North America, and to over 120 countries worldwide.
GlobalStar2 artist view
Commercial launches of Soyuz carrier rockets are managed by Starsem, a European-Russian joint venture, which comprises EADS SPACE, Arianespace, the Russian Federal Space Agency, and the Samara-based Progress design and production center.
Once the satellites reach the targeted orbit, the customer will take over control.
Soyuz-2 is a modification of the Soyuz-class rocket produced by Russian TSKB-Progress.
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Roscosmos PAO / RiaNovosti / Arianespace / Thales Aliena Space.
Best regards, Orbiter.ch
