Ariane Flight VA233

with four Galileo satellites

overview

Launch vehicle
Ariane 5 ES
Launch date
November 17, 2016
Status
Success
Payload(s)
Galileo FOC 15, Galileo FOC 16, Galileo FOC 17, Galileo FOC 18
Customer(s)
European Space Agency (ESA)
Prime contractor(s)
OHB-System
Launch site
Spaceport, French Guiana (Guiana Space Center)
Orbit
Medium-Earth orbit

mission
description

For its ninth launch of the year, and the sixth Ariane 5 liftoff from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana during 2016, Arianespace will orbit four more satellites for the Galileo constellation.

This mission is being performed on behalf of the European Commission under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

For the first time, an Ariane 5 ES version will be used to orbit satellites in Europe’s own satellite navigation system. At the completion of this flight, designated Flight VA233 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, 18 Galileo spacecraft will have been launched by Arianespace.

Arianespace is proud to deploy its entire family of launch vehicles to address Europe’s needs and guarantee its independent access to space.

Galileo, an iconic project for Europe

Galileo is a European initiative to develop a new global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service and will end Europe’s dependence on the American GPS system.

The Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites, along with spares, with 14 already orbited by Arianespace.

Galileo is funded by the European Union. It features innovative technologies developed in Europe for the benefit of all citizens.

Kourou
10:06:48 a.m.
Washington, D.C.
08:06:48 a.m.
Universal Time (UTC)
13:06:48
Paris
02:06:48 p.m.

Payload

Galileo FOC-M6, SAT 15-16-17-18

Galileo_FOC6Galileo is a European initiative to develop a new global satellite navigation system. Under civilian control, it will offer a guaranteed, high-precision positioning service and will end Europe’s dependence on the American GPS system.

The Galileo constellation will comprise a total of 24 operational satellites, along with spares, with 14 already orbited by Arianespace.

Galileo is funded by the European Union. It features innovative technologies developed in Europe for the benefit of all citizens.

countdown
and flight

events
  • Start of final countdown
  • Check of electrical systems
  • Start of filling of EPC with liquid oxygen and hydrogen
  • Chilldown of Vulcain main stage engine
  • show the countdown
  • Liftoff
    00:00
  • show the countdown
  • Separation of the first and third Galileo satellites
  • Separation of the second and fourth Galileo satellites
  • Start of upper stage passivation
  • End of the Arianespace mission