“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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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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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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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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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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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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We have liftoff! of the Proton M Breeze M rocket and the IS-23 satellite.

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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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It has been about 1 week since our return to Baikonur and everyone is beginning to settle in.  ILS, Pinkerton, Intelsat, and Orbital were able to enjoy a chilly, but delicious BBQ, followed by a small bonfire to keep us warm from the first signs of fall.  Aside from BBQs, the daily life is not so different as it is from home-wherever that might be.  Every day starts off with a hearty breakfast-your choice of eggs, bacon, cereal, toast and jam, or maybe just some fruit.  As Tom from ILS can show us, Baikonur mornings are a happy time.  After breakfast it is time to get to work, which mostly takes place at Building 92A-50.  Just like any weekday morning at home, there is always traffic.  Baikonur, believe it or not, has its own kind of traffic…have you ever heard of a traffic jam from a stampede of camels?  Well, maybe Baikonur daily life is a little different from home.  After a hard day’s work, campaign participants head back to the hotels to unwind.  Some throw the football around, others exercise, and others gather for movie nights!  All of this fun and we get to do it all over again the next day!?  My, my do we have it made.

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