Proton launches Arabsat satellite
Posted: Thu, Nov 9, 2006, 8:26 AM ET (1326 GMT)
A Proton rocket launched an Arabsat communications satellite early Thursday, the first launch for the Proton since its commercial marketer changed owners. The Proton M lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 3:01 pm EST Wednesday (2001 GMT Wednesday, 2:01 am Thursday local time) and placed the BADR-4 (formerly Arabsat 4B) satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit about four hours later. The spacecraft, an EADS Astrium Eurostar E2000+ model, weighs 3,280 kg and carries 32 Ku-band transponders, which will provide TV and data services for Arab countries and neighboring regions from 26 degrees east in GEO. The launch was the first since Lockheed Martin sold its majority stake in International Launch Services (ILS) in September to Space Transport, Inc. ILS, which formerly sold both the Atlas and Proton rockets, now exclusively sells Proton launches.
A Proton rocket launched an Arabsat communications satellite early Thursday, the first launch for the Proton since its commercial marketer changed owners. The Proton M lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 3:01 pm EST Wednesday (2001 GMT Wednesday, 2:01 am Thursday local time) and placed the BADR-4 (formerly Arabsat 4B) satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit about four hours later. The spacecraft, an EADS Astrium Eurostar E2000+ model, weighs 3,280 kg and carries 32 Ku-band transponders, which will provide TV and data services for Arab countries and neighboring regions from 26 degrees east in GEO. The launch was the first since Lockheed Martin sold its majority stake in International Launch Services (ILS) in September to Space Transport, Inc. ILS, which formerly sold both the Atlas and Proton rockets, now exclusively sells Proton launches.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, May 2
Texas-built Firefly rocket fails on its sixth flight
San Antonio Express-News — 6:26 am ET (1026 GMT) See inside Cedar Park aerospace company that just landed on the moon
Austin (TX) American-Statesman — 6:25 am ET (1025 GMT) Lohmeier, Nominee for Under SECAF, Defends Record in Confirmation Hearing
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 6:23 am ET (1023 GMT) Senators Voice 'Deep Concerns' About Trump's Pick for Air Force Under Secretary
Military.com — 6:23 am ET (1023 GMT) U.S. Satellite Said To Maneuver Near Chinese Spacecraft
Aviation Week — 6:22 am ET (1022 GMT) |
