Communications
SES 15 is a geostationary communications satellite operating in Ka- and Ku-bands in North America, which uses electric propulsion for initial orbit raising and all on-orbit manoeuvres.
Orbital Attempt
#5,642
ASA Mission
#256
Pad Launch
#16
Location Launch
#271
Designator
2017-026
May 18, 2017, 11:54 AM
1 update
The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle. This stage continues to use the RD-0110 engine. The 2.1a/ST version is sometimes called Soyuz ST-A.
Length
46.3 m
Diameter
2.95 m
Launch Mass
312 t
LEO Capacity
7,020 kg
GTO Capacity
2,810 kg
SSO Capacity
4,230 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2011
Fastest Turnaround
27d 15h
Total Launches
8
Successful
8
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
8
Maiden flight: Dec 17, 2011
The Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz (ELS) is a launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou/Sinnamary, French Guiana. It was used by Soyuz-ST rockets: modified versions of the Soyuz-2 optimised for launch from Kourou under Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre programme.
Total Launches
26
Orbital Attempts
26
Fastest Turnaround
27d 15h
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
Founded
1980
Administrator
CEO: David Cavaillolès
Total Launches
326
Successful
311
Failed
15
Pending
29
Consecutive Success
14
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Timezone
America/Cayenne
Local Launch Time
May 18, 2017, 8:54 AM
Total Launches
333
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
5.1690, -52.6903