ESA / Arianespace - Flight VS08 Mission poster.
July 10, 2014
Soyuz Flight VS08
Launch of Soyuz and 03b satellites network
O3b Networks’ mission to bridge the digital divide marked a significant step forward with today’s Arianespace Soyuz flight that deployed its next four connectivity satellites – which will complete the basic constellation for this customer’s pioneering connectivity service and help make the O3b vision a reality.
The launch success – which had a total payload lift performance of more than 3,200 kg. – continues the partnership between Arianespace and O3b Networks, and builds upon the on-target Soyuz mission that orbited O3b’s initial four spacecraft in June 2013.
Arianespace launches O3b satellites on Soyuz mission
Soyuz is the medium-lift member of Arianespace’s launcher family operated from French Guiana, joined by the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and lightweight Vega. For today’s mission, it delivered O3b Networks’ satellites during a flight lasting 2 hours and 22 minutes – which included three burns of the Fregat upper stage, with the four passengers released in two phases from a dispenser system.
The latest O3b Networks connectivity satellites are equipped with Ka-band transponders, and will be positioned at a medium-orbit altitude of 8,062 km. Along with the four spacecraft launched last year, they form the network framework to provide billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low-cost, high-speed, low-latency Internet and mobile connectivity.
First release in target orbit of the 03b 2 and 4 satellites
O3b Networks’ satellite constellation is fully scalable to meet market demand and operates from a medium-orbit altitude of 8,062 km. From this low altitude, latency is dramatically reduced – bringing it on par with a long-haul fiber transmission. The O3b spacecraft were designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space.
Arianespace continues to set the standard in launch services worldwide. With the Soyuz, Ariane 5 and Vega launchers fully operational at the Spaceport in French Guiana, it is the only launch services company capable of delivering any payload into any orbit – from the smallest spacecraft to the largest geostationary satellites, as well as satellite clusters for constellations and cargo missions to the International Space Station.
Second release in target orbit of the 03b 1 and 3 satellites
Today’s Soyuz success marked the medium-lift vehicle’s eighth flight from the Spaceport since its 2011 introduction at French Guiana, as well as the fifth Arianespace mission from this equatorial launch site in 2014.
Artist's view of the 03b satellites network constellation in orbit
The next mission in Arianespace’s 2014 manifest is the July 24 Ariane 5 flight that will deliver Europe’s fifth, and final, Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for servicing of the International Space Station. The ATV program – managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) – is part of Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station’s operation.
Related links:
Relive the first moments of Flight VS08 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWxLQ7rH5o
See the Arianespace VS08 launch kit for further details: http://www.arianespace.com/news-launch-kits/2013-2014-archive.asp
O3b Networks website: http://www.o3bnetworks.com/homepage.aspx
Blog for O3b Networks: http://www.o3bnetworks.com/additional-pages/blog
Thales Alenia Space website: http://www.thalesgroup.com/space
Arianespace website: http://www.arianespace.com/index/index.asp
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Arianespace / Arianespace TV / Alenia Space / Screen captures: Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
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