We have had a successful mission with the ILS Proton Rocket, carrying the AsiaSat 7 satellite built by Space Systems/Loral for AsiaSat. We have had confirmation that the AsiaSat 7 satellite separated from the vehicle on schedule at 11:23pm EST, or 03:23 GMT, 9 hours and 13 minute after liftoff.

READ MORE

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 10:58 pm EST or 03:58 GMT. Separation of AsiaSat 7 spacecraft is scheduled to follow the 4th burn completion by about 15 minutes.

READ MORE

As the Breeze M upper stage of our Proton M rocket continues its climb into space with the AsiaSat 7 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 17 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.

READ MORE

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

READ MORE

We had a successful liftoff about 11 minutes ago of the ILS Proton M Breeze M rocket, which is carrying the AsiaSat 7 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.
 

READ MORE

We have liftoff! of the Proton M Breeze M rocket and the AsiaSat 7 satellite.
 

READ MORE

On Wednesday 09 November, some additional ILS team members arrived in Baikonur.  We lucked out because we happened to arrive on a BBQ day!  The grill was going with burgers and hot links and despite the cold, everyone was having a great time.  Just as I expected, I was required to do the traditional camel ride for first-timers in Baikonur!  Go AsiaSat-7!

READ MORE

The Khrunichev (KhSC), International Launch Services, Space Systems/Loral and AsiaSat teams continue to work hard towards a launch in the early morning in Baikonur on November 26th. Spacecraft stand-alone operations will draw to a close next week, with propellant loading scheduled for completion 9 November. KhSC preparations of the Proton M and Breeze M are on task in Hall 101 and Hall 111 at Building 92A-50.
We’re all on pins and needles for the Glonass launch this evening, hoping that all goes well. The team will be getting together for a barbeque tomorrow in order to celebrate the Russian Unity Day Holiday and enjoy some good company and California style ribs and tri-tip.
 

READ MORE