International Launch Services has successfully launched a Russian built Proton K launcher with the U.S. Sirius-2 communication satellite onboard from Baikonur cosmodrome Tuesday afternoon.
Prior to the launch the following report was filed by Interfax. Additional post launch reports will be provided as they become available. – Regards – editor.
Pre Launch Report
Moscow (Interfax) September 1, 2000 – The Russian Proton K rocket
booster with the U.S. Sirius-2 communication satellite was taken to the launch pad at Baikonur cosmodrome on Friday, chief Proton designer
at the Khrunichev space center Vladimir Gusev has told Interfax.
The rocket is now being assembled on the launch platform and its power cables are being prepared for connection with ground control equipment and fuel supplies.
The launch is scheduled for 1:44 p.m. Moscow time on September 5.
The satellite of Sirius Satellite Radio company is designed for high-quality radio broadcasts to mobile sets.
It will be the second Sirius satellite to be taken to space by a Proton rocket. The first was launched on July 1 this year.
Under the contract, the Khrunichev center should launch Sirius-3 as well, Gusev said. However, its takeoff date, initially set for October, is not being disclosed.
There are delays in the delivery of improved engines for the second and third stages of Proton by the Voronezh Mechanical Works.
The engines were reworked in keeping with the recommendations of a government commission after two accidents involving such rockets in 1999.
The rocket to be launched this time has second and third stage engines of the old design, Gusev said.
Under a decision of the government commission, their insides were double-checked for external particles and additional fuel filters were installed.
Russian satellite placed in planned orbit
Moscow (Interfax) August 29, 2000 – The Russian military communications satellite Kosmos 2372 was placed in the planned orbit at 6:49 a.m. Tuesday, the Defense Ministry spacecraft testing and control center told Interfax.
The Russian Strategic Rocket Force was in charge of the launch of the Proton K booster-rocket and the placement of the satellite in orbit. It will also be responsible for the operation of Kosmos.
Khrunichev space center plans record number of Proton launches in 2000
Moscow (Interfax) September 1, 2000 – The Khrunichev space center is planning up to 14 Proton carrier rocket launches in 2000, a record- breaking number, the center’s leading designer Vladimir Gusev has told Interfax.
The launching of the U.S. communication satellite Sirius-2 scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, will be the tenth Proton launch this year and the 275th since putting the model into operation.
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