EchoStar XVI Begins!

Team Prytula begins the EchoStar XVI launch campaign for ILS along with SS/Loral and Stramler (representing EchoStar).  All of the parties are enthusiastic and eager to begin working on the campaign.  The EchoStar XVI spacecraft arrived in Baikonur on 16 October and was successfully transported to Building 92A-50 thanks to the hard work and support of all parties.  The chilly weather is beginning to set in as new arrivals settle in for the start of the campaign.  Just 2 weeks ago a short sleeve shirt was comfortable for outside, but now we’re starting to dust off our winter coats and gloves.  The Cosmos hotel is bustling with the SS/Loral crew and the Fili has filled up with more campaign support.  The wild life of Baikonur even seems curious about the new inhabitants!

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Intelsat 23 Launches

“L- 3, 2, 1-LIFTOFF!!!” The Baikonur Cosmodrome was lit up and filled with an immense roar–Intelsat 23 has successfully launched!!!!!  Although it was a foggy day, the launch on 14 October was a spectacular sight!  It has been a long and challenging journey, everyone’s hard work has truly paid off! A traditional post-launch BBQ took place the next day where all parties had the chance to come together to celebrate.  This BBQ was especially unique because we were able to see the musical talents of some of the campaign participants.  Guitar and singing carried the celebration well into the evening!

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Intelsat 23 | Mission Success!

We have had a successful mission with the ILS Proton Rocket, carrying the Intelsat 23 (IS-23) satellite built by Orbital for Intelsat. We have had confirmation that the IS-23 satellite separated from the vehicle on schedule at 2:07 pm EDT, or 18:07 GMT, 9 hours and 30 minutes after liftoff.

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Intelsat 23 | Third Burn

We have confirmed that the Breeze M upper stage has successfully completed its 3rd burn, as well as jettisoning its additional propellant tank. The vehicle is now in a 5-hour coast period, during which we will have nothing to report. The 4th burn is scheduled to start around 1:41 pm EDT or 17:41 GMT. Separation of Intelsat 23 spacecraft is scheduled to follow the 4th burn completion by about 15 minutes.

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Intelsat 23 | Second Burn

As the Breeze M upper stage of our Proton M rocket continues its climb into space with the Intelsat 23 satellite onboard, we have received confirmation that the 2nd burn of the upper stage occurred and shut down as scheduled.
The next events are scheduled for about 2 hours from now. The Breeze M upper stage will ignite for a 3rd time and burn for approximately 18 minutes; after that the additional propellant tank will be jettisoned. All this will happen in a span of almost 20 minutes while the vehicle is again out of range of a ground station. We should reacquire the vehicle shortly after the APT is jettisoned.

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Intelsat 23 | First Burn

We have received confirmation of completion of the first burn. The vehicle is now scheduled to be out of range for about an hour, after which we will hear confirmation of the second burn

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Intelsat 23 | Stage Separations

We had a successful liftoff about 11 minutes ago of the ILS Proton M Breeze M rocket, which is carrying the IS-23 satellite onboard. 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 4 minutes.

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Baikonur — Getting Better Everyday

For the past year and a half, ILS has been hosting launch after launch with many overlapping campaigns.  This of course has an effect on not only the people staying for multiple campaigns for months at a time, but also on the hotels and facilities in which we stay.

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Contact Us!

For the latest news and information, or if you have a question, please email ILS at contactus@ilslaunch.com