Soyuz 2-1a moves to the launch pad with MetOp-A

July 14, 2006

The improved Soyuz 2-1a for Starsem's next mission is now on the launch pad, ready for its liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Monday evening, July 17.

Launch pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome is readied for Monday's liftoff with the Soyuz 2-1a.
Transfer of the Soyuz and its MetOp-A meteorological satellite occurred today, with the roll-out performed using a horizontal rail car that carried the completed vehicle from the launcher integration hall to the Cosmodrome's Launch Pad #6.

Once at the launch pad, the vehicle was raised to its horizontal position, where it was enclosed in the multi-level service platform.

All is now ready for the final countdown, which will lead to the July 17 liftoff at 10:28 p.m. local time from Baikonur Cosmodrome (8:28 p.m. in Moscow, 6:28 p.m. Paris time, and 4:28 p.m. GMT).

The MetOp-A payload to be lofted on this mission will improve Europe's meteorological observation capabilities and increase its capacity for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

Built by an EADS-Astrium-led consortium of European companies, MetOp-A has a height of 6.3 meters and a width of 2.5 meters, and is accommodated in the new enlarged Soyuz payload fairing that is being used for the first time on this mission.

The satellite's liftoff mass will be 4,085 kg., and it is to function in Sun-synchronous orbit during an operational lifetime of four and a half years – which follows a six-month commissioning process.

Credits: ESA

  • See the other mission updates:


    • >  Launch postponement for the MetOp-A satellite (July 20, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 19, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A satellite launch (July 19, 2006)
    >  Postponement of the MetOp-A launch (July 18, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 17, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A is mated to its Soyuz 2-1a launcher (July 12, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A is integrated in its protective payload fairing (July 11, 2006)
    >  The improved Soyuz 2-1a launcher's new payload fairing is ready for flight (June 28, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A is readied for its July flight on the upgraded Soyuz 2-1a launcher (June 16, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A launch campaign begins at Baikonur Cosmodrome (April 22, 2006)

  • For additional information on the MetOp-A mission, read the Launch Kit.
  • Watch the MetOp-A launch live.
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