We had a successful liftoff about 12 minutes ago of our Proton M Breeze M rocket, which is carrying the Nimiq 5 satellite. The three stages of the Proton vehicle have performed as planned, and it is up to the Breeze M upper stage to complete the mission. The upper stage has begun its first burn, which is scheduled to last around 7 minutes.

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We have liftoff! of the Proton M Breeze M rocket and the Nimiq 5 satellite.

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With less than three days before launch, the launch vehicle has been fully integrated, the Breeze M fuelled, and the integrated launch vehicle rolled out to Pad 39. Monday graced us with beautiful skies for the verticalization of the ILV. The whole team trooped out to witness this amazing feat of engineering, as well as to get a group photo in front of the erected launcher. The management has done their interviews for the launch broadcast, logistics is getting everything organized for the backhaul on Saturday, the countdown rehearsal is underway and the final integrated launch pad tests are taking place. The checklist is being checked and everything is in order. We look forward to the blessing of the rocket and arrival of the VIP group on Thursday, leading up to a launch at 01:19:19 on Friday local Baikonur time.

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The spacecraft and adapter have been mated to the Breeze M, the payload fairing has encapsulated the orbital unit (spacecraft, adapter and upper stage), the logos have been signed and the resulting ascent unit (AU) has been transported by train from Hall 101 to Hall 111. As this is written, the AU is being mated to the remaining three stages of the launch vehicle. The combined unit (the integrated launch vehicle or ILV) will go through final electrical tests and then, at the end of the week, will be transported to the Breeze M fueling area for fueling this weekend. As well as waving farewell to the AU from Hall 101, we have also said ‘farewell’ to the SS / Loral mechanical and propulsion teams. In true Baikonur fashion, we had a barbeque to send them off and to celebrate Labor Day.

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