30 October 2009

A timeline of the most critical events during the dual Proba-2/SMOS launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia on 2 November. Launch is set for 02:50 CET.

This timeline highlights many of the most critical steps during the dual launch of Proba-2 and SMOS. The pair will be launched by a Russian Rockot vehicle, a converted SS-19 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia at 02:50:51 CET on Monday, 2 November.

While the two satellites will be launched together, they will enter different orbits and will be controlled and operated separately. SMOS will be controlled by a team from the French space agency CNES based at the control centre in Toulouse, France. Once in routine operations, Proba-2 will be operated by an ESA team based at Redu station, Belgium.

SMOS separates first, then Proba-2

SMOS will separate from the launcher first, at 04:00:44, followed by Proba-2 at 05:50:06.

SMOS will be injected into a near-circular orbit of 749 x 767 km with an inclination of 98.4 degrees. Proba-2 will be directly injected into an almost circular, Sun-synchronous orbit of 725 x 725 km and 98.3 degrees inclination.

After SMOS separates, Proba-2 will be boosted by the Breeze upper stage by two additional engine burns. Once Proba-2 separates from Breeze, Breeze will be deorbited after a third, final, engine burn.

All times shown below are forecasts and are subject to change. Please check the main ESA web portal for updates on 2 November.

Timeline 2 November 2009

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