Arianespace/Starsem Flight ST12 – The fueled AMOS 2 is prepared for liftoff

The launch campaign for Arianespace/Starsem Flight ST12 is entering its final phase as the mission’s AMOS 2 payload is readied for integration on the Soyuz/Fregat vehicle.

Fueling of the Israel Aircraft Industries-built telecommunications satellite has been completed in the Baikonur Cosmodrome hazardous processing facility (HPF), clearing one of the final milestones before the spacecraft is mated to its launcher.

The HPF is part of the state-of-the art facilities developed by Starsem at Baikonur Cosmodrome for use by its commercial customers.

Following the fueling procedure, AMOS 2 was installed on a cone-shape adapter that will serve as the interface between the satellite and its Soyuz/Fregat launch vehicle.

In parallel with this satellite activity, the Soyuz launcher and Fregat upper stage are proceeding through their final preparations as the mission nears its late December liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

AMOS 2 originally was scheduled for launch on Ariane 5, but it was transferred to the Soyuz/Fregat to meet requirements of the customer.

This change was the result of a joint decision by Israel Aircraft Industries, Arianespace and Starsem, which was made in agreement with Spacecom Ltd. – the Israeli company that will operate AMOS 2.

The ability to change a payload from Ariane 5 to Soyuz/Fregat results from the launcher family policy developed by Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate to best respond to the needs of their clients.