Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2017 has been given the “green light” for liftoff on September 5.
The dual-satellite payload of Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a is ready for launch.
With approval granted, Ariane 5 is cleared for its September 4 rollout from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone. Liftoff will occur the following day during a 33-minute launch window that opens at 6:51 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
Total payload lift performance for next week’s liftoff is approximately 10,838 kg., with the Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a satellites being deployed to geostationary transfer orbit during a flight lasting 47 minutes. The mission is designated Flight VA239 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, signifying the 239th with an Ariane family vehicle.
Positioned in Ariane 5’s upper passenger position and encapsulated by the launcher’s ogive-shaped payload fairing, Intelsat 37e – produced by Boeing – is the next satellite in Intelsat’s high-throughput EpicNG series for launch.
Weighing an estimated 6,440 kg. at liftoff, the spacecraft will provide capacity for wireless backhaul, enterprise VSAT and mobility networks, carrying out its mission from a 342 degrees East orbital slot.
BSAT-4a – Flight VA239’s lower passenger, contained in Ariane 5’s SYLDA dispenser system – is being launched by Arianespace as part of a turnkey contract between Japan’s Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) and U.S.-based satellite manufacturer SSL.
To be operated from an orbital position of 110 degrees East, this spacecraft will be used for Direct-To-Home (DTH) television relay in Japan, as well as to expand the availability of advanced television services (such as 4K/8K ultra-high definition TV). BSAT-4a will weight approximately 3,520 kg. at liftoff.
