Sentinel-1B launch coundown resumed
Following an anomaly observed during the countdown for the launch of Soyuz flight VS14 carrying Sentinel-1B, the countdown on 24 April was halted.
The launch vehicle and satellites were switched into a completely safe standby mode.
Updates posted below:
UPDATE 25 April 10:30 CEST: activities are underway in Kourou to replace the inertial unit of Soyuz VS14 that was affected by an outage during yesterday's launch countdown. The result of a new technical review is expected around 13:30 CEST/11:30 UTC. Liftoff of the Soyuz launcher is currently targeted for 25 April at 23:02 CEST/21:02 UTC, pending the outcome of the review.
UPDATE 25 APRIL 14:15 CEST: technical anomaly has now been resolved, the launch of Soyuz flight VS14 carrying Sentinel-1B and three CubeSats is now planned for Monday, 25 April, at 23:02 CEST (21:02 GMT)
UPDATE 25 APRIL 18:21 CEST: With the successful completion of operations to replace the Soyuz launcher’s inertial system that experienced a technical fault – along with the associated checks – Arianespace has decided to resume the launch chronology.