The launcher
29 May 2003 - The Soyuz launcher during transport to the launch pad
Starsem, a European/Russian company, supplied the Soyuz/Fregat rocket that launched Mars Express on 2 June 2003.
The Soyuz rocket was first launched in November 1963 and has since flown more than 1500 times with a 98% success rate.
It usually has three stages, but a fourth stage is added for particularly demanding launches. In the case of Mars Express, this is the Fregat.
During the launch, the Fregat was ignited twice. The first ignition placed it into a circular orbit after separation from Soyuz. The second, a few hours later, injected Mars Express into its interplanetary trajectory.
| Launcher mass capability | |
| Launcher | Launcher capability |
| Soyuz/Fregat | 1200 kg (inc. launcher adapter) |
| Spacecraft item | Current mass |
| Dry spacecraft: | 680 kg |
| Propellant: | 428 kg |
| Lander: | 60 kg |
| Payload: | 113 kg |
| Total launch mass | 1108 kg |
Last update: 10 October 2005
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