Launch Scheduled For December 17

Payload integration has begun for Arianespace’s ninth and final flight of 2019, which will orbit innovative satellite solutions for European institutional needs using a Soyuz launch vehicle.

To be launched December 17 from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the upcoming mission will deploy a primary passenger into sun-synchronous orbit – COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation and a secondary payload, the Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) – along three auxiliary payloads: OPS-SAT, EyeSat and ANGELS (Argos Néo on a Generic Economical and Light Satellite).

Preparations to date – including separate assembly, fit-check and fueling milestones (where appropriate) – cleared the way for the start of payload integration, with CHEOPS to be installed inside the ASAP-S multi-passenger dispenser system and the auxiliary payloads to be assembled on the ASAP-S platform.

The dispenser system then will be integrated on Soyuz’ Fregat upper stage, followed by integration of COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation atop it. At this point, the combined unit will be encapsulated in Soyuz’ protective payload fairing.

Next week’s launch is set for a December 17 liftoff in the morning hours from the Spaceport’s Soyuz Launch Complex (ELS) in Sinnamary, French Guiana. The mission is designated Flight VS23 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, signifying the 23rd Soyuz liftoff from the Spaceport.

Flight VS23 follows two Arianespace medium-lift Soyuz flights performed from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana – one orbiting OneWeb connectivity spacecraft in February; and the other lofting O3b constellation satellites two months later. Overall, it will be the ninth flight this year using the company’s full family of launchers, which also includes the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and lightweight Vega.

(Source: Arianespace news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.arianespace.com