Arianespace Kicks off 2017 with Soyuz Launch
For its first mission in 2017, Arianespace launched a Russian-built Soyuz ST-B rocket on Jan. 27 and successfully delivered the Spanish communication satellite Hispasat 36W-1 into orbit.
Milestone First Mission
For the Soyuz family of rockets, this launch was a milestone first mission to geostationary orbit from the Guiana Space Center in Korou, French Guiana.
Soyuz Soars into Space
Hispasat 36W-1 joined the Hispasat fleet of geostationary telecom satellites that provide Europe, the Canary Islands and the Americas with faster multimedia service.
Liftoff!
The mission, designated flight VS16, lifted off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 8:03 p.m. EST on Jan. 27 (01:03 GMT on Jan. 28).
Year-opening Flight
Arianespace's first flight of 2017 was the launch of Hispasat 36W-1, which is the first spacecraft built using Europe's new SmallGEO platform.
SmallGEO
Hispasat 36W-1 is the first telecommunications satellite to use the European Space Agency's new small SmallGEO platform.
Launch of Small GEO
The Soyuz ST-B rocket fires its engines on the launchpad at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Arianespace Liftoff Poster
Arianespace issued this special Soyuz launch poster for the Hispasat 36W-1 mission.
Pre-Launch Tests
The Hispasat 36W-1 satellite went through a series of tests at the Airbus Defence and Space’s Compact Antenna Test Range in Ottobrunn, Germany on Sept. 1.
Rail Line Transfer
The Soyuz was transferred via rail line from the Spaceport's MIK launcher assembly facility to the ELS launch zone on Jan. 24.
Putting It in Place
Soyuz is positioned on the launchpad by its transporter/erector rail car.
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