Satellite News

Rocket: Proton M/Briz M; Payload: Yamal-401; Date. 15 December 2014, oo16 UTC; Launch site: Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The successful launch was the 400th mission for the Proton launch vehicle since its first flight in 1965.

The first experimental suborbital flight of India’s latest generation Launch Vehicle – GSLV Mk-III, carrying the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE), is scheduled on 18 December 2014 from SDSC SHAR.

A Russian Strela rocket with the Kondor-E 2 Earth observation satellite on board is due to be launched from the Baikonur space in Kazakhstan on 18 December at 0455 UTC.

Eutelsat Communications and Polish pay-TV provider nc+ announced the signature of a major contract for the renewal of nine transponders at Eutelsat’s Hotbird video neighbourhood.

Rocket: Chang Zheng 4C; Payload: Yaogan 25; Date: 10 December 2014, 1933 UTC; Launch site: Jiuquan satellite launch centre, China. State media said the launch was successful.

The fifth SpaceX cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract now is scheduled to launch no earlier than 1820 UTC on 19 December from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

O3b Networks’ four-satellite payload for Arianespace’s next Soyuz flight has been integrated on the launcher’s Fregat upper stage, marking another milestone at the Spaceport in preparations for the mission from Sinnamary, French Guiana on 18 December. Lift-off is scheduled for 1837 UTC.

Intelsat S.A. announced that current Intelsat President and Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Spengler has been promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.