Soyuz launch from Kourou space Center Today

Dear followers,

An +Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS05, will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America this night. The Soyuz will carry four satellites for O3b Networks, which will provide broadband service to developing countries. Usually Soyuz rockets lifts off from Baikonur in Russia, However, Since October 2011  Soyuz could be launched from Kourou in Guiana. Actually, the first Soyuz launch from ELS was postponed several times, but launched on October 21, 2011.

Credits: AFP 2013 - Jody Amiet

The O3b Networks satellites are designed and built by Thales Alenia Space to become a part of the first medium Earth orbit satellite constellation providing broadband internet access in remote areas of the world.

Four O3b satellites are to be taken to orbit this year and four in 2014. To reduce cost and latency, the satellites will be orbiting at an average altitude of about 8,000 km, or about four times closer than regular geostationary satellites.

The Soyuz 2-1b rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. +Arianespace will oversee the launch.

The launch is scheduled for 6:53 p.m. GMT.

[Edit] : You could follow the live steam below: start of the live @ 8:33 pm lift-off @ 8:53