What happens at liftoff into geostationary orbit?
The launcher lifts off vertically, powered by the main stage engine and the boosters. After approximately five seconds it banks progressively towards the east to put it into geostationary transfer orbit. It takes about 2 mins to reach a height of around 60 km, at which point the two boosters separate and fall into the sea. The main stage burns for about 12 mins. During this time the launcher continues its ascent in preparation for the horizontal trajectory which is handled by the upper stage. As the launcher is now above the Earth’s atmosphere the fairing, which protected the satellites, is no longer needed and is jettisoned. It is during the upper stage burnout lasting approximately 13 mins. that the launcher reaches its highest velocity of around 8 km/s. At this point the launcher’s upper stage engine is cut and the computer on board commands the satellites(s) to spin on their axis. This puts them into the correct position to continue their journey into space alone. The launcher is s
