ARIANESPACE
Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia
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Dec 19, 2013 at 09:12 UTC
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Gaia’s ambitious mission is to chart a three-dimensional map of the Milky Way, in process revealing the composition, formation and evolution of our galaxy.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz STBAGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
Gaia
MISSION TYPE
Astrophysics
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Earth L2
LAUNCH PAD
Soyuz Launch ComplexLAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 2044f8a1-4dad-4c8b-a3a9-5ecc7045c257
Reported date: Dec 19, 2013 at 09:12 UTC
Last synced: 7 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Soyuz STB →
MANUFACTURER
Progress Rocket Space Center
VARIANT
Fregat-MT
FLIGHTS
5
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The 2.1b version adds an upgraded engine (RD-0124) with improved performance to the second stage. First launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 on 26 July 2008 with a classified military payload. The 2.1b/ST version is sometimes called Soyuz ST-B.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia launch?
The Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 9:12 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Gaia?
The Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia mission uses the Soyuz STB rocket, manufactured by Progress Rocket Space Center. The Soyuz STB has flown 5 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia launching from?
The launch takes place from Soyuz Launch Complex at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is Gaia going to?
The Gaia mission is targeting Sun-Earth L2.
Who is launching Gaia?
The Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Soyuz STB/Fregat-MT | Gaia launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 19, 2013 at 09:12 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
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LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 minutes ago
●Launch Library 27 minutes ago
Launch ID: 2044f8a1-4dad-4c8b-a3a9-5ecc7045c257
●Spaceflight News API6 minutes ago
15 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather1 week ago
Pad weather at 5.3, -52.83
Mission Profile
Gaia was a Soyuz STB Fregat-MT mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Soyuz Launch Complex, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on December 19, 2013. The flight carried its payload on a astrophysics mission to Sun-Earth L2. The launch was a success.