We have had a successful mission with the ILS Proton Breeze M rocket, carrying the KA-SAT satellite built by EADS Astrium. We have had confirmation that the satellite separated from the vehicle on schedule at 2:03 a.m. EST, or 07:03 UTC.

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We have confirmed that the Breeze M Upper Stage has successfully completed its 3rd and 4th burns, 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 5th burn is scheduled to start around 1:44 a.m. EST, or 06:44 GMT and burn approximately 6 minutes. Separation of the KA-SAT spacecraft is scheduled to follow the 5th burn completion by about 13 minutes.
 

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As the Breeze M Upper Stage of the ILS Proton rocket continues its climb into space with the KA-SAT satellite, we have received confirmation that the 2nd burn of the upper stage occurred and shut down as scheduled.

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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 10 minutes ago of our Proton M Breeze M rocket, which is carrying the KA-SAT 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 4 minutes.
 

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We have liftoff! of the Proton Breeze M rocket and the KA-SAT satellite.

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The ILV rolled out the Breeze M fueling station yesterday afternoon. The first day of fueling was completed yesterday evening, and now we are on to day two. Tonight is the State Commission meeting to authorize rollout to the launch pad. If we receive authorization, we’ll start the rollout to the launch pad at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, Baikonur time.
On Tuesday night we had a spaghetti night. Thanks to Pete and Dave for the yummy food! Tomorrow night we’ll have a Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

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Joint ops restarted on Friday! The orbital unit, which consists of the space craft/adapter/upper stage, was tilted and then encapsulated by the payload fairing. A dinner was held Friday evening to celebrate the restart of joint ops. It was a nice evening, with a delicious meal prepared by Olga, the restaurant manager, and her team. On Saturday, everyone went to Hall 101 to sign the fairing. It was a great time, with many personal messages left on the fairing. Sunday the ascent unit (the orbital unit plus the fairing) was moved to Hall 111 and integrated with the launch vehicle. We now have an integrated launch vehicle and are getting closer to the launch! The next two days will be quieter due to Breeze M fueling. After that, it will be time to roll out to the launch pad!

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We started joint operations yesterday afternoon. It was a long day, but all parties did a great job and worked very hard to get the spacecraft (SC) mated to the payload adapter (PLA). Today the SC/PLA stack was mated to the Breeze M and is vertical in Hall 101 undergoing joint electrical testing. It’s awesome to see the SC mated to the Breeze M. The great thing about joint ops starting is that we are getting closer to the launch!

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ILS sponsored a BBQ at the end of the second day of propellant loading on Friday. The Astrium propellant team worked very hard and the BBQ was a nice break before their changeover day. Pete and Dave fired up the grill and the fire pit, and ILS moved the heaters into the pavilion. The food was great and the company was even better. The drinks that were not in the pavilion froze before the BBQ was in full swing, and so did the pickles. But the problem was quickly solved – grilled pickles! Thanks to all to who worked on the BBQ – it was a great time!

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