Eurockot Launch Services CRYOSAT Rokot / Briz-KM
About the CRYOSAT Mission
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
CryoSat-1 was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia on October 8, 2005, using a Rockot launcher. (Rockot is a modified SS-19 rocket which was originally an ICBM designed to deliver nuclear weapons, but which Russia is now eliminating in accordance with the START treaties.) According to Mr. Yuri Bakhvalov, First Deputy Director General of the Khrunichev Space Centre, when the automatic command to switch off the second stage engine did not take effect, the second stage continued to operate until it ran out of fuel and as a consequence the planned separation of the third (Breeze-KM) stage of the rocket which carried the CryoSat satellite did not take place, and would thus have remained attached to the second stage. The upper rocket stages, together with the satellite, probably crashed in the Lincoln Sea. Analysis of the error revealed that it was caused by faults in the programming of the rocket, which had not been detected in simulations.
Launch Pad & Location
133/3 (133L)
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
The 133/3 (133L) launch pad has hosted 159 rocket launches, including 159 orbital launch attempts. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation launch site has been the location for 1681 total rocket launches.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
Russian Aerospace Defence Forces Rokot/Briz-KM Rocket
Learn more about the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces Rokot/Briz-KM Rocket
About Eurockot Launch Services
Eurockot Launch Services GmbH is a commercial spacecraft launch provider and was founded in 1995. Eurockot uses an expendable launch vehicle called the Rockot to place satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Eurockot is jointly owned by ArianeGroup, which holds 51 percent, and by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, which holds 49 percent. Eurockot launches from dedicated launch facilities at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT launch scheduled?
The Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT mission launch from?
The Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM rocket launched from 133/3 (133L) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation. Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
What rocket was used for the CRYOSAT mission?
The CRYOSAT mission launched aboard a Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT launch?
The Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM CRYOSAT launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the CRYOSAT mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Eurockot Launch Services live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.