Arianespace has successfully launched the Intelsat 39 and EDRS-C satellites, which were deployed to geostationary transfer orbit on its latest flight using a workhorse Ariane 5.
This mission – designated Flight VA249 in Arianespace’s numbering system – was performed from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone in French Guiana, with Ariane 5 deploying its passengers during a mission lasting 33 minutes from liftoff to final separation.
The Ariane 5 lifted off as scheduled at 4:30 p.m. (local time in French Guiana), providing an excellent view of the launcher’s initial trajectory during its daytime launch – including separation of the two solid propellant boosters at just over two minutes into the flight.
Ariane 5 – which is delivered to Arianespace by ArianeGroup as production prime contractor – provided an estimated total lift performance of 10,260 kg. on today’s mission, factoring in Intelsat 39 and EDRS-C, plus hardware for the dual-payload deployment system.
“With this third Ariane 5 of the year orbiting our fifth and sixth GEO [geostationary orbit] satellites, our heavy-weight launcher reasserts its leading position on the GEO market,” said Luce Fabreguettes, Arianespace’s Executive Vice President – Missions, Operations & Purchasing.
“Indeed, VA249 marks the 377th and 378th GEO satellites orbited by Arianespace! Let me congratulate all our partners who played their part in this success.”
“Intelsat 39 adds to the breadth of services and vast geographic reach that our global network provides,” said Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s CEO.
“Businesses and communities across three continents will have greater access to robust, reliable and resilient connectivity services whenever and wherever they need it.”
Deployed first in the flight sequence, Intelsat 39 is designed with both wide and high-powered steerable spot beams to meet the needs of broadband networking, video and government customers across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Indian Ocean region. The steerable spot beams provide flexibility within the payload and enable customers to rapidly and efficiently respond to shifts in geographic or application requirements.
Built by Maxar Technologies, the satellite features C-and Ku-band capabilities to provide additional scale for Intelsat’s Flex managed service and enhance mobile connectivity for aero, maritime and government users operating across these regions.
Intelsat 39 is the 61st Intelsat spacecraft launched on an Arianespace mission, continuing a partnership that extends back to 1983. The satellite will replace Intelsat 902 – lofted by Arianespace in 2011 – at an orbital position of 62 degrees East.
