Launcher integration moves into final phase for the Soyuz 2 mission with six Globalstar satellites

Soyuz Flight ST22

Final launcher integration is now underway for next week’s Soyuz 2 mission, which will orbit six Globalstar second-generation satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz upper composite is shown mated to launcher’s third stage in the MIK 40 vehicle assembly building at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The launcher’s upper composite – which is composed of the six Globalstar spacecraft and their dispenser system, along with the ST payload fairing that protects the satellites during ascent and the Fregat upper stage – has been mated to the Soyuz 2’s Block I third stage.

This activity occurred in the Cosmodrome’s Soyuz vehicle assembly building, known as MIK 40, where the upper composite was transferred during the night of October 12-13.  It clears the way for final integration to complete the four-stage launcher.

The October 19 mission will be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the first of four flights to orbit 24 of Globalstar’s second-generation spacecraft – ensuring continuity for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Each of the six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the 1-hr., 40-min. flight weigh approximately 700 kg., and are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

Soyuz 2 is the evolved version of Russia’s venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system.  Arianespace will utilize Soyuz 2 at the Spaceport in French Guiana beginning next year, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicle and the future Vega lightweight launcher.