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Fuelling the Trace Gas Orbiter

Fuelling the Trace Gas Orbiter


Date: 21 February 2016
Satellite: ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
Location: Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Copyright: TAS-F/Yannick Le Marchand

One of the Thales Alenia Space France team preparing for fuelling of the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), in the fuelling area at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The TGO has one fuel tank and one oxidiser tank, each with a capacity of 1207 litres. When fuelling is complete, the tanks will contain about 1.5 tonnes of MON (mixed oxides of nitrogen) and 1 tonne of MMH (monomethylhydrazine).

The propellant is needed for the main engine and the 10 thrusters (plus 10 backup thrusters) that are used for fine targeting and critical manoeuvres.

The propellants were procured via Gerling Holz in Germany, brought by ship to St Petersburg in Russia, and then by train to the cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan.

Since fuelling is a hazardous exercise, only essential staff – wearing protective suits – are allowed in the fuelling area.  While this activity is under way, the fire brigade, doctor, security and safety officers are on hand.

Last Update: 1 September 2019
28-Mar-2024 21:29 UT

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