Eurockot Launch Services GRACE Rokot / Briz-KM
About the GRACE Mission
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) was a joint mission of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Twin satellites took detailed measurements of Earth's gravity field anomalies from its launch in March 2002 to the end of its science mission in October 2017.
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 1685 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 GRACE launch scheduled?
The Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM GRACE launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM GRACE 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 GRACE mission?
The GRACE 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 GRACE launch?
The Eurockot Launch Services Rokot/Briz-KM GRACE 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 GRACE 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 GRACE 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.