Success of
the 1687th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April 19, 2004
The 1687th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Monday, April 19, 2004
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:18 a.m. Baikonur
time (5:18 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-4 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. The international
team is composed of Gennady Padalka, Russian cosmonaut, Edward
Michael Fincke, American astronaut and André Kuipers,
ESA's European astronaut.
This was the third
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with Israeli Amos 2 satellite. Ten Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Federal Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Soyuz to launch
Galileo
Washington,
March 3, 2004
While the Mars
Express mission launched by Starsem last June 2 is successfully
on its way, Starsem and Arianespace announce today at Satellite
2004 the signing with the European Space Agency (ESA) of the
GSTB contract (Galileo System Test Bed) for the launches of
two experimental Galileo satellites by two Soyuz launch vehicles.
The first of the
two launches will be performed from the Baikonur cosmodrome
by the end of 2005. This marks the first step in the in-orbit
validation of the Galileo system, in particular ensuring the
frequencies allocated to this European satellite navigation
program.
Today's contract
reflects the complementary capabilities of Soyuz and Ariane
5 in meeting the strategic challenges of European space policy,
as exemplified by the Galileo program. The decision by ESA's
Council on February 4 to install a Soyuz launch pad at the Guiana
Space Center further confirms the synergies between the Ariane
5 and Soyuz launch systems.
Galileo
is the first complete civil satellite navigation system which
will provide accurate and secure positioning services. Galileo
is a joint initiative from the European Union and the European
Space Agency. The fully deployed Galileo system consists of
30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares), positioned
in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes at 23616 km
altitude above the Earth, and at an inclination to the orbital
planes of 56 degrees with reference to the equatorial plane
Starsem
is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved
in the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space
Agency and the Samara Space Center. The Starsem manifest for
Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the
European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Arianespace
is the world's first commercial space transportation company
and is in charge of marketing launch services to customers,
financing and supervision of the construction of Ariane expendable
launch vehicles, insuring customers for launch risks and conducting
launches from Europe's Spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.
As the launch services operator, it coordinates the three launchers
Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, which comprise the European family
of launchers in the global launch services market.
Success of
the 1686th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, February
18, 2004
The 1686th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Wednesday,
February 18, 2004 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at
10:05 a.m. Moscow time (8:05 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launch was performed
in the presence of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian
Federation.
This was the second
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with Israeli Amos 2 satellite. Ten Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of
the 1685th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, January
29, 2004
The 1685th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, January 29,
2004 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 4:58 p.m.
Baikonur time (12:58 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the first
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with the Israeli Amos 2 satellite. 10 Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Starsem and Arianespace orbit Amos 2
Baikonur, Sunday December 28, 2003 - Starsem and Arianespace today orbited the Israeli communications satellite Amos 2.
The 1,684th launch of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (using the Soyuz-Fregat version) took place at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted off as scheduled at 2:30 am local time on Sunday December 28 (i.e. 21:30 UTC on Saturday December 27, 10:30 pm Paris time on Saturday December 27).
Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat upper stage accurately injected the Amos 2 satellite into the targeted orbit. This was the Soyuz launcher's first geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) mission. Three successive burns of the Fregat upper stage were performed to inject the Amos 2 spacecraft on its transfer orbit, 6 hours and 45 minutes after lift-off.
To comply with Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) requirements, Arianespace and Starsem had decided, in agreement with the Israeli operator Spacecom Ltd, that the Amos 2 spacecraft launch, initially planned by an Ariane 5, would be performed by a Soyuz launch vehicle. This decision reflects the policy set up by Arianespace and Starsem to meet customers' needs, providing enhanced flexibility based on a family of launch vehicles.
Today's launch was also the 12th carried out by Starsem, which is responsible for international marketing of the Soyuz launch vehicle, as well as for its operation. Starsem's shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.
This new successful Soyuz launch clearly reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center as well as the availability of the Russian teams in charge of Soyuz operation, managed by the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
In 1996, Arianespace had already launched the first Israeli communications satellite, Amos 1. Co-located with Amos 1, at 4 degrees West over the Gulf of Guinea, Amos 2 will provide additional high-power transmission capacity for Europe, the Middle East and the East coast of the United States. The satellite was designed and built by MBT Space Division of IAI. Weighing 1,374 kg at lift-off and equipped with 14 transponders, Amos 2 will be operated by Spacecom Ltd.
Success of
the 1683rd Launch of Soyuz
Evry, October
18, 2003
The 1683rd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, October 18,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:38 a.m.
Baikonur time (7:38 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-3 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. The international
team is composed of Alexander Kaleri, Russian cosmonaut, Michael
Foale, American astronaut and Pedro Duque, ESA's European astronaut.
This was the 9th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1682nd Launch of Soyuz
Evry, August
29, 2003
The 1682nd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, August 29, 2003
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:47 a.m. Baikonur
time (3:47 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the 8th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1681st Launch of Soyuz
Evry, August
12, 2003
The 1681st flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, August 12,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:20 p.m.
Baikonur time (4:20 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its Russian partners
report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
This was the 7th Soyuz family
mission in 2003.
Soyuz sustained launch rate confirms
its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles.
This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous
production capacity, as well as the operational capability of
launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz Company,
bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz
missions currently includes contracted launches for the European
Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1680th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, June
20, 2003
The 1680th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Friday,
June 20, 2003 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 0:34
a.m. Moscow time (10:34 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
First Mars,
then Venus: Europe has reaffirmed its trust in Soyuz: next stop
Venus in 2005 !
Evry, June
17, 2003
Just two weeks after
having flawlessly carried out its mission to send Mars Express
on its way towards the Red Planet, the European-Russian company
Starsem reinforces its privileged relationship with the European
Space Agency with the signature of the Venus Express launch
services agreement.
The contract was
signed at Le Bourget (Paris) Air Show, Tuesday, June 17, 2003,
by David Southwood, Director of Science for the European Space
Agency, and Jean-Marie Luton, CEO of Starsem. Yuri Koptev, General
Director of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency Rosaviakosmos,
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director of Launchers for the European
Space Agency, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, CEO of Arianespace, also
attended the ceremony.
The launch of Venus
Express will take place in November 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz launch vehicle will send the spacecraft
on its way towards our nearest planetary neighbor.
Europe's latest
vote of confidence in the Soyuz continues a long tradition of
cooperation between Europe and Russia. This announcement comes
soon after the decision by European space ministers to build
a Soyuz launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace,
EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1679th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, June
8, 2003
The 1679th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle was performed Sunday, June
8, 2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 4:34 p.m. Baikonur local time (12:34 p.m.,
in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Soyuz launches
Europe on the fast track to Mars
Evry, June
2, 2003
During the night
of June 2, 2003, Starsem has successfully launched the European
Space Agency's Mars Express interplanetary probe to the Red
Planet.
The 1678th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle was performed from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch vehicle lifted off on schedule
at 11:45:26 p.m. Baikonur time, 7:45:26 p.m., Paris time.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Fregat upper stage has accurately
placed the probe and its lander -Beagle 2- on the targeted trajectory.
As planned, two successive Fregat burns have been performed
to reach the right trajectory: the first one occurred almost
ten minutes after the lift-off, and was followed by a second
ignition one hour and 7 minutes later, lasting for almost 14
minutes. One and a half hour after lift-off Mars Express was
separated and injected on its way to Mars.
The first European
mission to Mars will reach its destination in December 2003,
after a six months cruise.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of
the 1677th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April
26, 2003
The 1677th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle, Soyuz-FG version, was performed
on Saturday, April 26, 2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-2 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 09:53 a.m. Baikonur local time (05:53 a.m.,
in Paris).
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of
the 1676th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April
2, 2003
The 1676th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed on Wednesday,
April 2, 2003 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 5:53 a.m. Moscow time (3:53 a.m., in Paris).
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of the 1675th Launch
of Soyuz
Evry, February
2, 2003
The 1675th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday, February 2,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 5:59 p.m. Baikonur local time (1:59
p.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the
1st Soyuz mission in 2003.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of the 1674th Launch
of Soyuz
Evry, December
24, 2002
The 1674th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Tuesday,
December 24, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 15:20 p.m. Moscow time (13:20 p.m., in Paris).
This was the 9th
Soyuz family mission in 2002.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1673rd Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, October
30, 2002
The 1673rd successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Wednesday, October
30, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-1 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 8:11 a.m. Baikonur local time (4:11
a.m. in Paris).
This was the
8th Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 12th manned flight since 1996.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the
Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Launch failure of Soyuz 1672
October 15, 2002
The launch of
a Russian Aviation and Space Agency Photon-M spacecraft, which
was performed from the military cosmodrome in Plesetsk with
a payload of international scientific instruments, did not attain
orbit because of the launcher's non-nominal operation during
its initial flight phase.
An investigation
commission has been created to determine the cause of the incident
- which occurred after a series of 75 consecutive successful
Soyuz launches.
1671st Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
September 25, 2002
The 1671st flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Wednesday,
September 25, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 10:58 p.m. Baikonur local
time (6:58 p.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 75th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 11 of these
75 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Jean-Marie Luton
Chairman & CEO
Moscow, June
27, 2002
At their General
Meeting today in Moscow, Starsem shareholders (EADS, the Russian
Space Agency, the Samara Space Center and Arianespace) approved
the 2001 financial results and confirmed their determination
to further build on the success of the European-Russian launch
services company.
This General Meeting
followed a session of Starsem's Board of Directors, which elected
Jean-Marie Luton as the company's Chairman and CEO. Mr. Luton
will assume the management function in addition to his role
as Chairman of Arianespace.
The Board acknowledged
the benefits brought to Starsem by Mr. Luton, who has extensive
experience with issues that are key to defining the strategic
orientation for the future of space cooperation between Europe
and Russia.
Furthermore, Mr.
Victor Nikolaev was renewed in his position as Chief Operating
Officer of the Company.
Encl. : Mr. Luton's biography
1670th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
June 26, 2002
The 1670th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Wednesday,
June 26, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
launcher lifted off on schedule at 11:36 a.m. Baikonur local
time (7:36 a.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 5th
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 74th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 11 of these
74 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1669th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 25, 2002
The 1669th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, April
25, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TM-34 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 12:26 p.m. Baikonur local time (8:26
a.m. in Paris).
This 4th Soyuz mission
in 2002 marked the 73rd consecutive successful launch for the
Soyuz vehicle family. 11 of these 73 successes were manned flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1668th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 2, 2002
The 1,668th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Tuesday, April
2, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off at 02:06 a.m. Plesetsk local time (00:06 a.m. in
Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target
orbit.
This was the 3rd
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 72nd successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 10 of these
72 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1667th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
March 22, 2002
The 1667th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Friday,
March 22, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
launcher lifted off on schedule at 1:13 a.m. Baikonur local
time (9:13 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, in Paris), and the Progress
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 2nd
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 71st successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 10 of these
71 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1666th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
February 25, 2002
The 1,666th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Monday, February
25, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off at 08:26 p.m. Plesetsk local time (06:26 p.m. in
Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target
orbit.
This was the 1st
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 70th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 70
successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's
most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
The Euro-Russian
Starsem company acquires ISO 9001 : 2000 certification
Paris, December
19, 2001
Starsem received
today its ISO 9001 : 2000 certification from Bureau Veritas
International.
This certification
covers company headquarters and the Baikonur site for the following
areas of activity:
* marketing and
sale of Soyuz launch services to customers worldwide;
* prime contractorship for Soyuz launch services, including
funding, adaptation and procurement of launch vehicles and launch
services, and actual launcher operation from the Baikonur cosmodrome;
* prime contractorship for launch system evolution to meet commercial
needs.
This certification
confirms the Starsem's ability to adequate the astronautical
heritage associated with the Soyuz launch vehicle with the present
day needs of international customers:
* in technical terms,
with the construction of three clean rooms, adaptation of two
launch pads and development of the Ikar and Fregat upper stages;
* in terms of the Baikonur environment, with the construction
of a 150-room hotel meeting international standards;
* in terms of management, with the implementation of procedures
integrating experience acquired with the ten successful commercial
launches already made by Starsem, all of which met the deadlines
called for by its customers.
Furthermore, this
certification underscores the maturity and efficiency of the
quality management system implemented by the Euro-Russian company.
The continuous enhancement approach adopted enables the company
to respond ever more comprehensively to the expectations of
international customers, thus increasing their confidence in
the ability of the Soyuz launcher to meet their commercial launch
service requirements.
1665th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, November
26, 2001
The 1665th flight of a Soyuz
launch vehicle took place successfully on Monday, November 26, 2001 from
the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted off on schedule
at 11:23 p.m. Baikonur local time (07:23 p.m. in Paris), and the Progress
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 11th Soyuz
mission in 2001 and the 69th successful launch in a row associated with
the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 69 successes were human flights.
It was also the second launch
of a Soyuz launch vehicle equipped with modernized engines in the first
and second stages. Developed to meet the needs of the International Space
Station, this modernized version, which has been qualified in flight
last May, will also be used for Soyuz/ST. This new version of the Soyuz
launch vehicle, equipped with a larger fairing, is currently being developed
on the initiative of Starsem.
Soyuz sustained launch rate
confirms its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles.
This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous production
capacity, as well as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur
under the authority of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz Company,
bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation
and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile
launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace
(15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1664th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, October
25, 2001
The 1,664th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Thursday, October 25,
2001 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher lifted off
on schedule at 03:34 p.m. Plesetsk local time (01:34 p.m. in Paris) and
the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target orbit.
This was the 10th Soyuz
mission in 2001 and the 68th successful launch in a row associated with
the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 68 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained launch rate
confirms its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles.
This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous production
capacity, as well as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur
under the authority of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz Company,
bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation
and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile
launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace
(15%).
The Starsem manifest for
Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for Space Systems/Loral,
Alcatel Space Industries, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1663rd Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
October 21, 2001
The 1663rd successful flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday,
October 21, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its Russian partners report that the Soyuz TM-33 manned
transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 2:59 p.m. Baikonur local time (10:59
a.m. in Paris).
This ninth Soyuz mission in 2001 marked the 67th consecutive successful
launch for the Soyuz vehicle family. 10 of these 67 successes were manned
flights.
Soyuz sustained launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's
primary launch vehicles. The rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability of
launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian Aviation and
Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the
world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center
(25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1662nd successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris,
September 15, 2001
The 1662nd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Saturday,
September 15, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 5:35 a.m. Baikonur local
time (1:35 a.m. in Paris), and the payload was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
This was the
8th Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 66th successful launch in
a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 9 of these
66 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the
Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1661st successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris, August
21, 2001
The 1661st flight of
a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Tuesday, August 21,
2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 3:24 p.m. Baikonur local time (11:24 a.m. in Paris),
and the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 7th Soyuz mission
in 2001 and the 65th successful launch in a row associated with the Soyuz
family of launchers. 9 of these 65 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained launch rate
confirms its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles.
This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous production
capacity, as well as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur
under the authority of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz
Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production,
operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most
versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS (35%), the
Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%)
and Arianespace (15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently
includes contracted launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1660th successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris, July
20, 2001
The 1,660th successful flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Friday, July 20, 2001 from the
Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher lifted off on schedule at
04:17 a.m. Plesetsk local time (02:17 a.m. in Paris) and the governmental
spacecraft was placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th Soyuz mission
in 2001 and the 64th successful launch in a row associated with the Soyuz
family of launchers. 9 of these 64 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained launch rate
confirms its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles.
This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous production
capacity, as well as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur
under the authority of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the Soyuz Company,
bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation
and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile
launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are the Russian Aviation and
Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace
(15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1659th successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris,
May 29, 2001
The 1,659th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Tuesday, May
29, 2001 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 09:55 p.m. Plesetsk local time (07:55
p.m. in Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on
the target orbit.
This was the
fifth Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 63rd successful launch in
a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 9 of these
63 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the
Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the
Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1658th successful
launch of Soyuz. In flight qualification of Soyuz/ST engines
Paris,
May 21, 2001
The 1658th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully
on Monday, May 21, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 04.32 a.m. Baikonur local
time (00.32 a.m. in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the
fourth Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 62nd successful launch
in a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. It was
also the first launch of a Soyuz launch vehicle equipped with
modernized engines in the first and second stages. Developed
to meet the needs of the International Space Station, this modernized
version, which has just been qualified in flight, will also
be used for Soyuz/ST. This new version of the Soyuz launch vehicle,
equipped with a larger fairing, is currently being developed
on the initiative of Starsem. This launch represents a major
phase in this development.
9 of these 62
successes were human flights. After today's mission, 6 additional
Soyuz launches are planned during the year from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Soyuz sustained launch rate confirms its position as one of
the world's primary launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates
Samara Space Center's continuous production capacity, as well
as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur under
the authority of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the
Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1,657th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 28, 2001
The
1,657th successful flight of a Soyuz launcher was performed
Saturday, April 28, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the vehicle's Soyuz TM-32 manned
transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 1:37 p.m. Baikonur local time (9:37
a.m. in Paris).
This third Soyuz
mission in 2001 marked the 61st consecutive successful launch
for the Soyuz vehicle family. 9 of these 61 successes were manned
flights. After today's mission, seven additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's
continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability
of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency.
Starsem is the
Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in
the production, operation and international commercial marketing
of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in
Starsem are the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the
Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral (Globalstar), Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge),
the European Space Agency (Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
Dominique
Sokolsky appointed Finance Director of Starsem
Paris,
March 1, 2001
Effective the 1st of March, 2001, Dominique Sokolsky has been
appointed as Starsem Finance Director.
Formerly the
Financial Inspector at EADS Space Systems, Mr. Sokolsky has
joined Starsem after the departure of Mr. Laurent Safar, who
decided to leave EADS to pursue other business interests.
At present, with
the arrival of Mr. Sokolsky, the following comprises Starsem's
executive management team:
- Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer : Jean-Yves LE GALL
- Chief Operating Officer : Victor NIKOLAEV
- Senior Vice-President, Programs : Patrick BONGUET
- Vice-President, Programs: Yuri IVCHTCHENKO
- Vice-President, Sales: François MAROQUENE
- Vice-President, Finance: Dominique SOKOLSKY
- Director, Corporate Communications: Claire COULBEAUX
- Director, Corporate Development: Michel DOUBOVICK
Michel Doubovick (Corporate Development) and Claire Coulbeaux
(Corporate Communication) complete Starsem's General Directorate.
STARSEM is responsible
for international sales, marketing and operation at the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for the complete range of SOYUZ launch
vehicles designed and developed by the Samara Space Center.
The shareholders
of Starsem are EADS (35 %), Arianespace (15 %), the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency (25 %), and the Samara Space Center
(25 %).
Dominique
SOKOLSKY
Dominique SOKOLSKY
was until this date Vice-President Controlling Space Systems
Division, managed by François AUQUE. Dominique SOKOLSKY
began his career in 1986 as a Project Manager at the Synergie
Informatique et Developpement company. Then, in 1989 he joined
the headquarters of Aerospatiale company as the Management Controller
of the Space and Strategic Systems Department. In 1994, he joined
the space operational unit, which later became Aerospatiale
Matra Lanceurs, where he was responsible for Programs Management
Control. He continued to occupy this position until 1999, when
he joined EADS headquarters. Mr SOKOLSKY is 38, married and
has 3 children. He has a degree of Applied Informatics and Enterprises
Management (MIAGE) from the Paris Dauphine University,
and a diploma of Administration and Enterprise Management from
the Institute of Enterprise Administration (IAE) in Paris.
1656th
Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
February 26, 2001
Starsem and its Russian partners announce the 1656th successful
launch of the Soyuz from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Lift-off occurred Wednesday, February 26th at 13:09 a.m. Baikonur
local time, 9:09 a.m. in Paris. The Progress vessel, which was
the payload for this launch, was accurately placed on the target
orbit.This second Soyuz launch in 2001 was the 60th consecutive
successful launch in the Soyuz launch vehicle family. 8 of these
60 successes were manned flights. 8 additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
This
sustained launch rate confirms the position of the Soyuz as
one of the principal launch vehicles in the world. Further,
this rate demonstrates the continuous production capacity of
the Samara Space Center and the operational capacity of the
Baikonur launch teams, under the authority of the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency.
Starsem
(Russian Aviation and Space Agency - 25%, Samara Space Center
- 25%, EADS - 35%, Arianespace - 15%) offers the Soyuz launch
vehicle on the international commercial market, concentrating
primarily on the Soyuz-Fregat and Soyuz/ST configurations.
The
Starsem manifest currently includes contracted launches for
Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge), the European Space Agency
(Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
1655th Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
January 24, 2001
Starsem and its Russian partners announce the 1655th successful
launch of the Soyuz from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Lift-off occurred Wednesday, January 24th at 9:28 a.m. Baikonur
local time, 5:28 a.m. in Paris. The Progress vessel, which was
the payload for this launch, was accurately placed on the target
orbit.This first Soyuz launch in 2001 was the 59th consecutive
successful launch in the Soyuz launch vehicle family. 8 of these
59 successes were manned flights. 9 additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
This
sustained launch rate confirms the position of the Soyuz as
one of the principal launch vehicles in the world. Further,
this rate demonstrates the continuous production capacity of
the Samara Space Center and the operational capacity of the
Baikonur launch teams, under the authority of the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency.
Starsem
(Russian Aviation and Space Agency - 25%, Samara Space Center
- 25%, EADS - 35%, Arianespace - 15%) offers the Soyuz launch
vehicle on the international commercial market, concentrating
primarily on the Soyuz-Fregat and Soyuz/ST configurations.
The
Starsem manifest currently includes contracted launches for
Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge), the European Space Agency
(Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
Starsem
to Launch Metop Meteorological Satellites for the European Eumetsat
Organization
Paris,
December 18, 2000
A
contract for the launch of two Metop satellites with an option
for a third, for the European Eumetsat organization was signed
on Monday, December 18, 2000 by Mr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman
& CEO of Starsem, and Dr. Tillmann Mohr, Director-General
of Eumetsat, in the presence of both the French and Russian
Prime Ministers.
The Metop satellites constitute the first European system in
polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.
They will follow an orbit at approximately 840 km, an altitude
much lower than of the Meteosat geostationary meteorological
satellites. The Metop satellites will provide complementary
data as well as assuring complete global daily coverage.
Developed
and manufactured by the European company Astrium, the satellites
will be launched beginning in 2005 by the Soyuz/ST launch vehicle
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
After
successful launches in 1999 (Globalstar telecommunications satellites)
and in 2000 (Cluster II scientific satellites), this new contract
strengthens Starsem's order book and confirms the interest in
European-Russian cooperation in the launch services industry.
This
contract also demonstrates the versatility of the Soyuz launch
vehicle which, since the beginning of Starsem's operations in
1999, has carried out 22 flights from Baikonur. Of these missions,
10 have been for international commercial satellites, 9 for
manned missions, and 3 for domestic Russian needs. Up to 10
Soyuz flights are scheduled during 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Finally,
this contract confirms interest in the developments carried
out by Starsem, which have allowed the Soyuz launch vehicle
to become the reference commercial medium class launch vehicle.
It covers the needs of constellations, scientific missions,
and now Earth observation satellites.
Starsem's
tenth successful launch places the final two Cluster II scientific
satellites into orbit for the European Space Agency
Paris,
August 9, 2000
Starsem
has successfully carried out the launch of the final two Cluster
II scientific satellites for the European Space Agency from
the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Lift-off of the Soyuz-Fregat
launch vehicle took place Wednesday, August 9, 2000 at 5:13
pm Baikonur time, 1:13 pm Paris time. The two scientific satellites
were delivered as planned into an elliptic orbit inclined at
64.8 degrees.
This flight follows the flight on July 16, which launched the
first two Cluster II satellites, which have since then reached
their final orbit. Each of these four satellites is composed
of a collection of state-of-the-art instruments for detection
of plasma fields and waves as well as particles. They will as
well determine the physical processes involved in the interaction
between the solar wind and the magnetosphere. The most interesting
areas will be mapped in three dimensions.
This
was the fourth launch of the Soyuz-Fregat vehicle and the tenth
consecutive success for Starsem in 18 months. It once again
demonstrated the flawless operation of the facilities operated
by Starsem (ground facilities, Soyuz launch vehicle, Fregat
upper stage), which already prepares its 2001 launch manifest.
In this is planned the qualification of the Soyuz/ST launch
vehicle, of which 11 have already been ordered to place 32 satellites
of the SkyBridge constellation into orbit. At the same time,
Starsem is following the launch preparations for the interplanetary
spacecraft Mars Express in close collaboration with the European
Space Agency.
Starsem,
whose shareholders are EADS (35%), Arianespace (15%), the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency (25%), and the Samara Space Center
(25%), carries out the commercialization and operation of the
Soyuz launch vehicle which, following the recent decision of
Arianespace's Board of Directors, will now make up the line
of European launch vehicles consisting of Ariane 5, Soyuz/ST
and Rockot.
For
more details, please see our Launch
Kit.
Starsem's
ninth successful launch Places two Cluster II scientific satellites
into orbit for the European Space Agency
Paris,
July 16, 2000
Starsem
has successfully carried out the launch of two Cluster II scientific
satellites for the European Space Agency from the Baikonur cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan. Lift-off of the Soyuz-Fregat launch vehicle took
place Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 6:39 pm Baikonur time, 2:39 pm
Paris time. The two scientific satellites were delivered as
planned into an elliptic orbit inclined at 64.8 degrees.
This flight follows the qualification flights of the Soyuz-Fregat
launch vehicle, which took place on February 9 and March 20.
During the year 2000, Starsem plans to use this launch vehicle
configuration one more time to place the remaining two Cluster
II satellites on orbit.
Each
of the four Cluster II satellites is composed of a collection
of state-of-the-art instruments for detection of plasma fields
and waves as well as particles. The Cluster II mission will
as well determine the physical processes involved in the interaction
between the solar wind and the magnetosphere while visiting
the areas that are of the most interest, those in the polar
cusps and the magnetotail. The four satellites will map the
plasma's composition in these regions in three-dimensions.
Following
today's launch and the one in August, Starsem will be preparing
its launch manifest for 2001, which will include the qualification
flight of the launch vehicle Soyuz/ST, of which 11 have been
already ordered for placing into orbit 32 satellites for the
SkyBridge constellation. In parallel and in close cooperation
with the European Space Agency, Starsem will continue as well
its launch preparation for the interplanetary spacecraft Mars
Express.
Starsem,
whose shareholders are EADS (35%), Arianespace (15%), the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency (25%) and the Samara Space Center
(25%) carries out the commercialization and operation of the
Soyuz launch vehicle which, following the recent decision of
Arianespace's Board of Directors, will now make up the line
of European launch vehicles consisting of Ariane 5, Soyuz/ST,
and Rockot.
For
more details, please see our Launch
Kit.
Strategic
Partnership Formed Between Starsem and Eurockot
Berlin,
June 8, 2000
Starsem
of Paris, France and Eurockot Launch Services of Bremen, Germany
today announced the formation of a strategic partnership coordinating
the marketing and development efforts of these two European-Russian
launch services providers.
This agreement follows the formation of the European Aeronautics,
Defense and Space Company (EADS), formed in part by Aerospatiale
Matra (a 35% shareholder in Starsem) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace
(a 51% shareholder in Eurockot). Due to the fusion of their
shareholders, it is envisioned that a coordinated marketing
approach will result in greater flexibility and competitiveness
for both companies. It is additionally related to the recent
decision of Arianespace's board to support the creation of a
European launch vehicle family consisting of Ariane 5, Soyuz/ST
and Rockot.
Since
1996, Starsem has been responsible for marketing the dependable
and proven Soyuz launch vehicle, which has been the workhorse
of the Soviet/Russian space program for over 40 years. Combined
with new upper stages, Ikar and Fregat, it has made a potent
entry into the medium sized commercial launch vehicle market.
Formed
in 1995, Eurockot is responsible for the marketing of the Rockot
launch vehicle, combined with a newly developed restartable
upper stage named Breeze. The launch facilities of Eurockot
at Plesetsk cosmodrome were fully commissioned on May 16, 2000
following the successful commercial demonstration flight of
Rockot. Both companies have secured a series of launches from
commercial LEO constellation, scientific and remote sensing
satellite operators.
The
cooperative agreement aims to combine the complementary market
position of the medium sized Soyuz with that of the small sized
Rockot. It involves the development of a common marketing approach
as well as coordination of future technical developments. This
commercial cooperation will allow both firms to develop common
proposals for customers, providing back-up solutions in case
of the unavailability of one of the launchers. It will also
provide a complete solution for constellation customers, allowing
multiple launches on different vehicles as part of a total package
including coordinated insurance policies.
To
carry out this agreement, both companies will set up a joint
management board, staffed by the CEO's of each company, Jean-Yves
Le Gall of Starsem, and Guenter Stamerjohanns of Eurockot and
other representatives. Working teams will also be set up to
coordinate commercial, marketing, and technical efforts with
a high level of exchange between both organizations.
Starsem
Becomes SkyBridge Equity Partner and Launch Service Provider,
Receiving Orders for 11 Soyuz/ST-Fregat Rockets
Bethesda, MD, April 11, 2000
SkyBridge
LP and Starsem announced today that they have signed an agreement
under which Starsem becomes equity partner and launch service
provider for the SkyBridge constellation.
SkyBridge will provide telecom operators and service providers,
as from 2003, with broadband capacities, enabling them to offer
business and residential users access to high-speed, highly
interactive multimedia services anywhere in the world via an
80 low Earth orbiting satellite constellation.
Alcatel,
prime contractor for the in-orbit delivery of the SkyBridge
constellation, has contracted Starsem to launch 32 SkyBridge
satellites on 11 Soyuz/ST-Fregat launch vehicles, each able
to carry three satellites, beginning in 2002. Also included
in the contract are options for additional launch services as
required by SkyBridge.
"It
is a new momentum in the cooperation between Alcatel Space and
the Russian space industry in the field of telecommunication
satellites", said Jean-Claude Husson, President and CEO
of Alcatel Space Industries. "And we intend to go a step
further", he added.
Starsem
and its European and Russian partners will manage all tasks
associated with launch services on Soyuz vehicles from development
of a customized SkyBridge satellite dispenser to final satellite
separation.
"Starsem
has provided us with a very competitive proposal. In addition,
Starsem has an extensive constellations launch experience with
the reliable Soyuz vehicles", commented Pascale Sourisse,
President and CEO of SkyBridge LP. "Together with Boeing
and its Delta rockets family, we will have a very capable and
flexible combination of launchers to meet our program needs"
she added.
"Starsem
is very proud of its association with SkyBridge and Alcatel,
which manage one of the most exciting high technology project
worldwide", said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of
Starsem. "This new contract confirms our company as a key
player in launch services for low orbit satellites including
constellations, scientific and Earth observation missions."
Starsem,
whose shareholders are Aerospatiale Matra (35%), Arianespace
(15%), the Russian Aeronautics and Space Agency (25%) and the
Samara Space Center (25%), is responsible for commercializing
and providing launch services with the Soyuz family of launchers.
In 1999, Starsem launched in ten months twenty-four satellites,
i.e. 50% of the Globalstar constellation and in 2000, Starsem
already qualified with two successful flights the Fregat upper
stage which will be used for the deployment of the SkyBridge
satellites.
This
new contract strengthens the Starsem's order book which includes
the Cluster II and Mars Express scientific missions for the
European Space Agency as well as maintenance missions for the
Globalstar constellation.
Second
Soyuz-Fregat launch is Successful Dumsat Payload in Orbit
Paris, March 20, 2000
Starsem has successfully launched the Dumsat payload from the
Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz-Fregat launch vehicle
lifted off on Monday March 20, 2000 at 11:28 p.m. local time,
(6:28 p.m. T.U.). The objective of this flight was to confirm
the re-ignition and orbital maneuvering capabilities of the
Fregat upper stage, and to validate the mission profile for
the launch of the European Space Agency's scientific satellites,
Cluster II. In view of this, the Dumsat payload developed by
Aerospatiale Matra Lanceurs and NPO Lavotchkine, was representative
of the mechanical behavior of the Cluster II satellites. It
was also equipped with sensors which allowed the characterization
of the mechanical, thermal and acoustical environment of the
satellites.
This
flight followed the qualification flight of the Soyuz-Fregat
launcher which took place on February 9, 2000. Starsem plans
to use this version of the launcher twice more this year, in
June and in July, to place the four satellites of the Cluster
II mission into orbit.
Starsem,
whose shareholders are Aerospatiale Matra (35%), Arianespace
(15%), the Russian Aeronautics and Space Agency (25%), and the
Samara Space Center (25%), is responsible for commercial marketing
and the operations of the Soyuz family of launchers. In 1999,
Starsem launched twenty-four satellites of the Globalstar constellation
with six Soyuz-Ikar vehicles.
Today's
success confirms Starsem's capacity to develop a range of vehicles,
and to direct the work done by its Russian and European industrial
partners. It also demonstrates the possibilities of the Soyuz
launcher to incorporate advanced evolutions, adapting it to
the needs of the world market for launch services.
For
more details, please see our Launch
Kit.
Qualification
Flight of Soyuz-Fregat Launch Vehicle Successful
Paris,
February 9, 2000
The first Soyuz-Fregat launch vehicle was launched successfully
from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday February
9, 2000 at 4:20 a.m. local time, (00:20 a.m. Paris time). The
main objective of this launch was to qualify the Soyuz-Fregat
launcher in flight, and to demonstrate the re-ignition and maneuvering
capabilities of the Fregat upper stage. Another objective of
the mission was the orbiting of a technological payload, IRDT,
developed in a partnership between the Russian firm NPO Lavotchkine
and the German company Dasa.
In
the year 2000, Starsem is planning to use this version of the
launcher three more times for ESA's scientific mission Cluster
II. First, in March, for a launch to validate the orbital deployment
maneuvers for the satellites. Then, in June and July, for the
actual launch of the four satellites of the mission.
Starsem,
whose shareholders are Aerospatiale Matra (35%), Arianespace
(15%), the Russian Aeronautics and Space Agency (25%) and the
Samara Space Center (25%), is in charge of commercial marketing,
sales and operations of the Soyuz launch vehicle family. The
first six Starsem launches, using the Soyuz-Ikar launch vehicle,
were done during 1999, and permitted the orbiting of twenty-four
satellites, half of the Globalstar constellation.
One
year after the first launch of Starsem, today's success confirms
its ability to develop a range of vehicles and to manage the
development work of its Russian and European industrial partners.
It also shows that the Soyuz launcher has the capacity to evolve
significantly, adapting to the needs of the world launch services
market.
For
more details, please see our Launch
Kit.
Sixth
Starsem Soyuz launch successful - Four more Globalstar in orbit
Suresnes,
Monday November 22, 1999
Starsem
has successfully launched four more satellites of the Globalstar
constellation from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
Soyuz-Ikar launcher lifted off on Monday November 22 at 9:20
p.m. Baikonour local time (5:20 p.m. Paris time). The four telecommunications
satellites were placed as planned into a circular orbit, inclined
at 52°, at 920 kilometers altitude.
Starsem,
whose partners are Aerospatiale Matra (35%), Arianespace (15%),
the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), and the Samara
Space Center (25%), handles marketing and operates the commercial
launch services for the Soyuz family of launchers. The first
five Starsem launches took place respectively February 9, March
15, April 15, September 22 and October 18, placing twenty Globalstar
satellites in orbit.
For
this mission once again, the Soyuz launcher was equipped with
the re-ignitable Ikar upper stage, developed by the Samara Space
Center, as well as the payload dispenser built by Aerospatiale
Matra Lanceurs, which enables the separation of the four satellites.
The
Globalstar constellation is designed to ensure mobile telecommunication
services with worldwide coverage and was inaugurated on October
11 at Telecom 99 in Geneva. With today's launch of four satellites,
there are now forty eight Globalstar satellites in orbit, half
of which (24) were launched by Starsem in less than ten months.
Starsem
already prepares its launch program for year 2000 with the flight
qualification of the new Soyuz-Fregat launcher. At the beginning
of the new year a test flight followed by a validation flight
will be carried out. In June and July, the two Cluster II missions
will enable placing four scientific satellites in orbit on behalf
of the European Space Agency.
Starsem
Advances Development of New Soyuz/ST Launch Vehicle,
Prepares for First Flight of Soyuz-Fregat Version
Washington,
D.C., Wednesday, November 03, 1999
Starsem
is moving ahead with the development of Soyuz/ST, a new version
of the proven Soyuz launch vehicle that will enter service in
2001.
Upgrades for the Soyuz/ST include the use of an Ariane 4-type
fairing, the integration of new digital flight control and telemetry
systems, and the redesign of combustion chamber injectors in
the first and second stage engines.
"The
Soyuz/ST is an important element of our long-term strategy to
broaden the family of reliable Soyuz launchers," Starsem
Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said. "Advantages of
the Soyuz/ST are its increased-volume payload fairing and an
even more accurate trajectory, it also will be able to reach
a wider range of launch inclinations and altitudes than the
current Soyuz versions."
One
of the most visible changes to Soyuz/ST will be the larger payload
fairing, which is based on the Ariane 4 configuration that has
been in operation since 1988. The Soyuz/ST fairing will be approximately
1 meter longer than the largest Ariane 4-type fairing produced
to date, providing the necessary volume for large satellite
payloads.
A
new digital flight control system will be integrated in the
Soyuz/ST's third stage, replacing the current analog system.
This new system is to provide a more precise trajectory during
flight and in orbital injection, and will enable a dogleg maneuver
capability when required for Soyuz missions. The digital flight
control system also provides the possibility for Soyuz/ST to
be used from new launch sites.
Other
changes to Soyuz/ST include reinforcement of the third stage
structure, the use of larger propellant tanks in the third stage
and redesign of combustion chamber injectors for the first and
second stage engines.
First
Flight of the Soyuz-Fregat Launch Vehicle Planned for Early
2000
Starsem also is completing development of the Fregat upper stage,
which will become the company's upper stage workhorse after
its service introduction next year.
Fregat
completed its ground qualification in August, and modifications
are underway to adapt Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome to
accommodate Soyuz launchers equipped with the upper stage.
Maiden
flight of a Soyuz-Fregat launch vehicle is scheduled for early
2000 with a Russian payload, and it will be followed in Spring
by a second mission that is to carry a Russian-French instrumented
payload called Dumsat.
These
two missions will qualify the Soyuz-Fregat for operational service,
with two commercial missions to follow in the summer with the
Cluster II scientific payloads for the European Space Agency.
The
Fregat upper stage will be compatible with various Soyuz launcher
versions, including the new Soyuz/ST.
Fifth
Starsem Soyuz launch successful - Four more Globalstar in orbit
Suresnes,
Monday October 18, 1999
Starsem
has successfully launched four more satellites of the Globalstar
constellation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
Soyuz launcher lifted off on Monday, October 18 at 7:32 p.m.
Baikonur local time (3:32 p.m. Paris time). The four telecommunications
satellites were placed as planned into a circular orbit, inclined
52°, at 920 kilometers altitude.
Starsem, whose partners are Aerospatiale Matra, Arianespace,
the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (RKA), and the Samara
Space Center, operates the commercial launch services for the
Soyuz family of launchers. The first four Starsem launches took
place respectively February 9, March 15, April 15, and September
22, 1999, placing 16 Globalstar satellites in orbit.
For
this mission once again, the Soyuz launcher was equipped with
the re-ignitable Ikar upper stage, developed by the Samara Space
Center, as well as the payload dispenser built by Aerospatiale
Matra Lanceurs, which enables the separation of the four satellites.
The
Globalstar constellation is designed to ensure mobile telecommunication
services with worldwide coverage, and was inaugurated on October
11 at Telecom 99 in Geneva. With today's launch of four satellites,
there are now 44 Globalstar satellites in orbit (eight satellites
were launched in early 1998, and 32 during 1999).
Fourth
Starsem Soyuz launch successful - Four more Globalstar in orbit
Suresnes,
Wednesday September 22, 1999
Starsem
has successfully launched four more satellites of the Globalstar
constellation from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
Soyuz launcher lifted off on Wednesday September 22 at 8:33
p.m. Baikonour local time (4:33 p.m. Paris time). The four telecommunications
satellites were placed as planned into a circular orbit, inclined
at 52°, at 920 kilometers altitude.
Starsem,
whose partners are Aerospatiale Matra, Arianespace, the Russian
Space Agency (RKA), and the Samara Space Center, operates the
commercial launch services for the Soyuz family of launchers.
The first three Starsem launches took place respectively February
9, March 15, and April 15, 1999, placing twelve Globalstar satellites
in orbit.
For
this mission once again, the Soyuz launcher was equipped with
the re-ignitable Ikar upper stage, developed by the Samara Space
Center, as well as the payload dispenser built by Aerospatiale
Matra Lanceurs, which enables the separation of the four satellites.
The
Globalstar constellation is made of forty-eight satellites circling
the globe on eight orbital planes of six satellites each. It
is designed to ensure mobile telecommunication services with
worldwide coverage. With today's launch of four satellites,
there are now forty Globalstar satellites in orbit (eight satellites
were launched in early 1998, and twenty-eight during the year
1999.
For
more details, please see our Launch
Kit.
Ground
Qualification of the Fregat upper stage, an essantial component
of the new Soyuz-Fregat launcher
Suresnes,
September 13, 1999
STARSEM
and its Russian partners, the Russian Space Agency (RKA), the
company NPO LAVOTCHKINE, and the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress)
have completed the ground qualification of the FREGAT upper
stage, an essential component of the new SOYUZ-FREGAT launch
vehicle.
The
FREGAT upper stage, developed from flight proven elements -
the main engine and the propulsion subsystem were successfully
used during numerous interplanetary missions - will be particularly
efficient because of its compact configuration, its three-axis
attitude control, and its re-ignition capability.
Because
of this stage, the SOYUZ-FREGAT launcher will be one of the
most cost efficient solutions for placing satellites in low
and medium orbits, in particular, scientific satellites and
Earth observation satellites, as well as for interplanetary
missions.
The
first launch of the SOYUZ-FREGAT launcher is planned for early
in the year 2000. This is the vehicle that will be used By STARSEM
for the implementation of contracts with the European Space
Agency (ESA) for missions such as CLUSTER II (mid-2000) and
MARS EXPRESS (mid-2003).
Starsem
to use satellite system to link location
Paris,
June 16 1999,
Starsem will use an integrated satellite communication system
to link the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with its headquarters
in Suresnes, France. The systems will be provided by Aerospatiale-Matra
Multicom and MCNSat Services.
Starsem
boost capital
Paris,
June 15 1999,
Starsem
received yesterday a boost of c. US$ 60million to its capital.
Shareholders in the French Russian company , Aerospatiale (35%),
Arianespace (15%), RKA (25%)and TsSKB (25%) elected to increase
the company's capital from 500 000 French Francs to 377.3 million
French Francs.
All
shareholders exercised a pro-rata participation of their initial
share-holding, which remains the same.
The
operation is a major step in Starsem's equity, and illustrates
a complete vote of confidence in the future of the company.
With its current equity level, Starsem will proceed with major
projects like launcher adaptation, and living up to other markets
requirements that will develop its business.
The
rise in equity is also part of Starsem's long term strategy
and is a major contribution to strengthening its commercial
position.
1999
Starsem will launch Mars Express for the European Space Agency
Le Bourget, June 14, 1999
The
contract for the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA)
interplanetary probe MARS EXPRESS by the Russo-European company
Starsem* was signed on Monday June 14, 1999 at the Paris Air
Show by Jean-Yves LE GALL, President and C.E.O of STARSEM, and
Roger-Maurice BONNET, ESA's Director of the Scientific Programme.
Designed
to study the atmosphere and the surface of Mars, MARS EXPRESS
will enhance the role of the European scientific community for
the study of the red planet. Developed by MATRA MARCONI SPACE,
subsidiary of AEROSPATIALE MATRA, it will be launched by the
SOYUZ-FREGAT launcher in June 2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan.
This
is the second launch contract awarded by ESA to STARSEM, following
the one for the Cluster II mission, for which four satellites
will be placed in orbit by two SOYUZ-FREGAT launch vehicles
between May and August 2000. This contract is the recognition
of the confidence placed in STARSEM by ESA for the launching
of space missions in the XXIst Century.
Already,
STARSEM has lived up to the expectations of its first customer,
SPACE SYSTEMS LORAL, with the successful launches on February
9th, March 15th and April 15th of the last three SOYUZ-IKAR's,
each carrying four satellites of the GLOBALSTAR constellation.
These launches will be followed by three additional launches
in September, October and November 1999 for the same company.
Nota*
: STARSEM’s shareholders are : AEROSPATIALE MATRA (35%),
ARIANESPACE (15%), the Russian Space Agency, RKA (25%), the
Samara Space Center "TsSKB-Progress" (25%).
Success of
Starsem's third launch Launch of four more GLOBALSTAR constellation
satellites
April 15,
1999
STARSEM has successfully
performed this morning the launch of four GLOBALSTAR satellites
from Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The lift-off of the SOYUZ
launcher took place on Thursday April 15, 1999 at 6.46 a.m.
Baikonur local time, (2.46 a.m. Paris time). As scheduled, the
four telecommunications satellites have been put into a 920
kilometers circular orbit with a 52° inclination.
The joint European-Russian
Company STARSEM, whose partners are Aerospatiale, Arianespace,
the Russian Space Agency (RKA) and the Samara Space Center,
performs the commercial launch services of the SOYUZ family
of launchers. The first two STARSEM launches took place on February
9 and March 15, 1999 and already enabled eight GLOBALSTAR satellites
to be injected into orbit.
For this mission,
the SOYUZ launcher was equipped with the re-ignitable IKAR upper
stage--developed by the Samara Space Center--as well as a dispenser,
developed by Aerospatiale, to enable the separation of the four
satellites.
The GLOBALSTAR
constellation is made of forty-eight satellites, on eight planes
of six satellites each. It is designed to ensure mobile telecommunications
services with worldwide coverage. With the launch of today's
four satellites, there are now twenty GLOBALSTAR satellites
in orbit (eight satellites were launched in early 1998 and eight
launched by STARSEM last February and March).
The next STARSEM
launches are also dedicated to GLOBALSTAR with three more flights
to perform the fourth launch being scheduled in May and two
following in autumn. In addition, the year 2000 will see STARSEM
launch the CLUSTER 2 satellites for the European Space Agency,
with two SOYUZ launchers.
Success of
Starsem's second launch Launch of four more GLOBALSTAR constellation
satellites
March 15,
1999
STARSEM has successfully
performed this morning the launch of four GLOBALSTAR satellites
from Baïkonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The lift-off of the
SOYUZ launcher took place on Tuesday February 9, at 8.54 a.m.
Baïkonur local time, (4.54 a.m. Paris time). As scheduled,
the four telecommunications satellites have been put into a
920 kilometres circular orbit with a 52° inclination.
STARSEM, whose
partners are Aerospatiale, Arianespace, the Russian Space Agency
(RKA) and the Samara Space Center, performs the commercial launch
services of the SOYUZ family of launchers. The maiden STARSEM
launch took place on Tuesday February 9 and already enabled
four GLOBALSTAR satellites to be injected into orbit.
For this mission,
the SOYUZ launcher was equipped with the re-ignitable IKAR upper
stage--developed by the Samara Space Center--as well as a dispenser,
developed by Aerospatiale, to enable the separation of the four
satellites.
The GLOBALSTAR
constellation is made of forty-eight satellites, on eight planes
of six satellites each. It is designed to ensure mobile telecommunications
services with worldwide coverage. With the launch of today's
four satellites, there are now sixteen GLOBALSTAR satellites
in orbit (eight satellites were launched in early 1998 and four
last month).
The next STARSEM
launches are also dedicated to GLOBALSTAR with four more flights
to perform the third and fourth launches being scheduled in
April and May. In addition, the year 2000 will see STARSEM launch
the CLUSTER 2 satellites for the European Space Agency, with
two SOYUZ launchers.
Success of
Starsem's first launch Launch of four GLOBALSTAR constellation
satellites
February
9, 1999
STARSEM has successfully
performed this morning the launch of four GLOBALSTAR satellites
from Baïkonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The lift-off of the
SOYUZ launcher took place on Tuesday February 9, at 8.54 a.m.
Baïkonur local time, (4.54 a.m. Paris time). As scheduled,
the four telecommunications satellites have been put into a
920 kilometres circular orbit with a 52° inclination.
STARSEM performs
the commercial launch services of the SOYUZ family of launchers,
which have flown over 1500 times, including manned missions
to the MIR space station. STARSEM's partners are the Russian
Space Agency (RKA), the Samara Space Center, Aerospatiale and
Arianespace.
For the GLOBALSTAR
mission, the SOYUZ launcher was equipped with the re-ignitable
IKAR upper stage--developed by the Samara Space Center--as well
as a dispenser, developed by Aerospatiale, to enable the separation
of the four satellites.
Jean-Yves LE
GALL, STARSEM's Chairman and C.E.O., attended the launch in
Baikonur. He congratulated all the staff on the success of this
first launch in continuity of the SOYUZ launcher success story.
He declared : "Mission accomplished. STARSEM is particularly
proud to contribute to the deployment of the GLOBALSTAR telecommunications
satellites constellation. This launch represents the first concrete
step of a fruitful co-operation with Space Systems Loral, and
I thank our customer for his confidence. As soon as tomorrow,
our teams will be focusing their efforts on the preparation
of next month's launch.
" The GLOBALSTAR
constellation is made of forty-eight satellites, on eight planes
of six satellites each. It is designed to ensure mobile telecommunications
services with worldwide coverage. With the launch of today's
four satellites, there are now twelve GLOBALSTAR satellites
in orbit (eight satellites were launched in early 1998).
The next STARSEM
launches are also dedicated to GLOBALSTAR with five more flights
to perform the second and third launches being scheduled in
March and April. In addition, the year 2000 will see STARSEM
launch the CLUSTER 2 satellites for the European Space Agency,
with two SOYUZ launchers.
Starsem will
launch Cluster II Satellites for the European Space Agency
August
4, 1998
The contract
for the launch of the four CLUSTER II satellites was signed
on Friday 24 July 1998 at European Space Agency (ESA) Headquarters
between Mr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of STARSEM and
Mr. Roger Bonnet, Director of the Scientific Program of ESA.
On 3 April 1997,
ESA agreed to the reflight of the full CLUSTER mission. Since
then, the instrument teams and industry in Europe have been
working hard to meet the CLUSTER II launch date of mid-2000.
The four spacecraft will be launched in pairs about a month
apart by two SOYUZ launchers commercialized and exploited by
STARSEM.
Each of the four
CLUSTER II payloads consists of a set of state-of-the-art instruments
to detect plasma fields and waves as well as particles. CLUSTER
II will determine the physical processes involved in the interaction
between the solar wind and the magnetosphere by visiting the
key regions such as the polar cusps and the magnetotail. The
four spacecraft will map in three dimensions the plasma structure
contained in these regions.
After the final
orbit is reached, the commissioning phase, consisting of boom
deployments and instrument checking, will be conducted over
approximately three months. After this extensive checkout period,
the mission phase itself will begin, lasting a nominal two years.
Two flights,
each carrying two CLUSTER II satellites, will take place during
the period May-August 2000. Nominal launch dates are 15 June
and 13 July 2000. For reasons relating to orbit injection, the
gap between launches should not exceed 42 days. The satellites
will be launched from the Baikonur Space Center (Kazakhstan)
using SOYUZ launchers with a FREGAT upper stage.
STARSEM, a company
founded in August 1996 and located in Suresnes (France), is
performing the commercial exploitation of the launch services
using the SOYUZ launch vehicle family. The first launch conducted
by STARSEM will occur at the end of 1998 for the benefit of
GLOBALSTAR. The shareholders of STARSEM are: the Russian Space
Agency (RKA); the Samara Space Center, which manufactures the
SOYUZ launchers; Aerospatiale and Arianespace. The chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of STARSEM is Mr. Jean-Yves LE GALL.
For more information,
please contact :
Corporate Communication
STARSEM SA
2, rue François Truffaut
91042 EVRY Cedex
FRANCE
Tel: +33 1-69-87-01-10
Fax: +33 1-60-78-31-99
