European Space Agency confirms Galileo navigation satellites failed to reach correct orbit following launch

(The satellites’ successful lift off – Photo Credit: ESA/Arianespace)

On August 22nd, a Soyuz VS09 rocket launched two Galileo navigation satellites from the European Space Agency’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket was scheduled to propel the duo into medium-Earth orbit, however the ESA have now confirmed that an anomaly occurred during flight and the satellites were not inserted into their correct trajectories.

Galileo launch rescheduled

(The Galileo satellites – Photo Credit: ESA/Arianespace)

Arianespace and the European Space Agency were forced to postpone the launch of Soyuz flight VS09, which would have carried Europe’s Galileo navigation satellites into medium-Earth orbit, due to unfavourable weather conditions over the Guiana Space Centre.

European Space Agency prepares for Galileo satellite launch

(Artist’s view of the Soyuz rocket carrying the two satellites into orbit – Photo Credit: ESA/J. Huart)

Final testing of the European Space Agency’s twin Galileo navigation satellites has been completed at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, signalling that the agency are on track to launch the duo into medium-Earth orbit on August 21st.

Progress 56 delivers 3 tons of cargo to International Space Station

(Photo Credit: Roscosmos)

The ISS Progress 56 cargo spacecraft, carrying nearly three tons of crew supplies and hardware, has arrived at the International Space Station, performing a flawless four-orbit automatic rendezvous and docking less than six hours after its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 23rd.

Soyuz rocket delivers first Scottish satellite safely into orbit

(A previous Soyuz launch – Photo Credit: Roscosmos)

A Russian Soyuz 2-1B rocket has successfully delivered two British satellites, including the first made in Scotland, into orbit.

Image of the Day: 27/05/14

(Photo Credit: ESA/Samantha Cristoforetti)

With less than 32 hours until liftoff, Expedition 40/41 Soyuz’s rocket is now ready to launch.

While the rocket was being vertically aligned, future astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti, snapped this brilliant picture from underneath the engines.

It really demonstrates the sheer size and power of the craft.

Crew members Gerst, Wiseman and Suraev have now been given the go ahead to travel to the International Space Station tomorrow.

Click here for more information on the crew and launch.