SERVIS-2

SERVIS-2, or Space Environment Reliability Verification Integrated System 2, is a Japanese technological research satellite which was launched in 2010. It was constructed by Mitsubishi Electric, and will be operated by the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer, USEF. It follows on from the SERVIS-1 spacecraft, which was launched in 2003.

Launch

The launch of SERVIS-2 was conducted by Eurockot, using a Rokot carrier rocket with a Briz-KM upper stage. The launch occurred from Site 133/3 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. Eurockot, who were also responsible for launching the SERVIS-1 spacecraft, were awarded the contract to launch SERVIS-2 on 21 February 2007.

SERVIS-2 arrived at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 26 April 2010. Prior to launch, the spacecraft underwent final testing and fuelling, and was subsequently attached to its launch adaptor on 22 May. This was attached to the upper stage the next day, and the day after that the spacecraft was encapsulated in the payload fairing. Under terminology used by Eurockot, as well as several other launch service providers, the combination of spacecraft, adaptor, upper stage and fairing was designated the Upper Composite. This was transported to the launch pad on 27 May for integration with the first two stages of the rocket. The launch occurred successfully at 01:59 UTC on 2 June 2010.