Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia

A Soyuz STB rocket launched Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, targeting L2.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Arianespace
Mission type
Astrophysics
Rocket
Soyuz STB
Launch site
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Launch pad
Soyuz Launch Complex
Payload
—
Target orbit
L2
Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2013-12-19T09:12:19.000Z
    Liftoff
    Soyuz STB roars off the pad at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in L2.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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