The first Soyuz launch from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) will place the first two satellites in the Galileo constellation into circular orbit at 23,000 km, as part of the IOV (In Orbit Validation) program.
The launcher will be carrying a total payload of 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs), including 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) for the IOV-1 PFM and FM2 satellites, which will be released into their targeted orbits.
Credit: ESA/D. Ducros
The launch will be from the Soyuz Launch Complex in Sinnamary, French Guiana.
Targeted orbit: circular medium Earth orbit
Altitude: 23,222 km (14,429 miles)
Inclination: 54.7 degrees
Liftoff is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 at exactly:
07:34:28 am local time
10:34:28 UTC
12:34:28 pm in Paris
06:34:28 am in Washington, DC
03:34:28 pm in Moscow
After liftoff from the Guiana Space Center, the flight of the three lower stages of the Soyuz launch vehicle will last for nine minutes and 20 seconds. At this time, the Soyuz third stage will separate from the nose module, consisting of the Fregat upper stage, the satellite dispenser and two Galileo IOV-1 PFM and FM2 satellites. The three lower Soyuz stages will fall back to Earth.
The Fregat upper stage will then fire its own engine, taking the nose module into a transfer orbit above the Earth. After this first burn, the Fregat will perform a barbecue manoeuvre which lasts for about three hours and 20 minutes.
At the correct point on this orbit, Fregat will fire again, to reach the circular separation orbit. Following orbit. After stabilization the two satellites will be released from the dispenser.
The nominal mission duration (from liftoff to the last spacecraft separation) is three hours, 49 minutes and 27 seconds.