Today, there were no necessary launch vehicle operations as we are standing by while issues with the satellite manufacturer’s ground station network are being resolved. We will celebrate a special birthday of one of our team members tonight with a traditional BBQ…a very happy birthday to Sasha!

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A full moon to the west coincided with a bright sunrise to the east this morning making for a spectacular view…almost as good as the view of the Proton standing vertical on the launch pad.  Operations are going according to schedule and fueling of the integrated launch vehicle (ILV) will be the next milestone. One day closer!

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As scheduled and right on time at 630 am the ILS Proton rolled out to launch pad 39 with Sirius FM-6 on board!  A perfectly clear day albeit chilly for mid-October, the temperature was just -6° Celsius. Who knew when we packed for Baikonur in August we’d need our winter clothes! Despite the low temps the teams managed the long day and the ILS Proton now stands vertical on the pad, always a great sight!

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What a wonderful day for everyone at the hospital.  The final amount raised for the children and families at the hospital was over 31000 rubles which is about $1000.00.  We could not have done this without the drive of Crispin Mendoza from SSL.  His heart and his love of children made all of this possible.  The hospital staff was so gracious, the mom’s and families so thankful, but the smiles on the faces of the children were just priceless.  No doubt the best day of the campaign so far!

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Today marks a few milestones for this launch of Sirius FM-6, firstly the Breeze-M successfully completed day one of fueling and secondly today is Rob Briskman’s birthday! As a co-founder of Sirius XM Radio, Rob has been here since the beginning, literally.  He took his initial site visit to Baikonur nearly 15 years ago and noted the rustic facilities and the vodka! Despite the abundance of vodka the drink of choice for this birthday celebration is a gin martini with a twist of lemon! Cheers to Rob and wishes for many more birthdays to come!

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Post horseshoe tournament hospital charity trip is scheduled for Wednesday, day 2 of Breeze M fueling.  With huge thanks to all the teams out here in Baikonur.  Nearly 25000 rubles, clothes and toys too, will be donated to the children and to the hospital.  Many thanks to ILS, SSL, the Swede’s, SiriusXM, and KhSC too…just outstanding on everyone’s part.  I am proud to be a part of this team.

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A Sunday here in Baikonur and since there is no football to watch or lawns to mow the SSL and SiriusXM teams took the opportunity to head into Baikonur town.  In hall 111 the integrated launch vehicle (ILV) is being readied for its move to the transporter which will take it out to fueling in a few days’ time.  This launch is quickly approaching…

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Today we had the opportunity to sign the company logos that are on the payload fairing (PLF).  This is a special day for all.  Each team member is given the chance to sign their name and send a message to colleagues or loved ones back home.  It is a way of literally leaving your mark on the mission.  It’s also pretty exciting to know that your message is up in space, for a short time anyway. The PLF, with all of its messages makes a great backdrop for a group photo op as well!

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With the SC mated to the Breeze-M and horizontal in Hall 101 a few of the SSL folks are now heading out tomorrow, no better reason for a BBQ!  Tonight’s fiesta is Mexican themed.  Tacos and Quesadillas are on the menu.  Hmm…what to drink?  Also, thanks to Pavel and Leonid of Khrunichev who were able to arrange a tour of Hall 111 for the departing SSL team members.  Seeing the Proton up close is definitely an impressive sight.

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Tonight was the exciting end (of round 1) to the horseshoe tournament.  Thanks to all who participated include RUAG, Pinkerton, Sirius, SSL, Khrunichev and ILS.  And the winner is… the Baikonur hospital!  All money raised, including donations of children’s toys, clothing, office supplies and more, all brought to Baikonur by the SSL folks is to benefit the hospital.  A trip is planned for next week to deliver the items and tour the hospital.  Giving back feels great!

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