Arianespace announced today that it will launch two satellites for DirecTV and has the option of launching another two satellites for the US-based direct-to-home TV platform.
Arabsat/SES-2 launch postponed
Arianespace will announce a new launch date for its upcoming dual-passenger mission following supplementary checks to be performed on the engine that powers Ariane 5’s cryogenic upper stage.
Arabsat-5C and SES-2 set for September 9 launch
The Arabsat-5C communications satellite has been fueled as preparations continue for the spacecraft’s September 9 launch on Arianespace’s next dual-passenger Ariane 5 flight from French Guiana.
Astra 1N readies for a July 1 liftoff
The Astra 1 satellite for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight is undergoing its processing at the Spaceport in French Guiana, in preparation for a July 1 liftoff.
Satellites for Asia and India orbited
Lifting off on time from the Spaceport in French Guiana at 5:38 pm, the heavy-lift vehicle deployed its Asian/Indian payload of the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellite passengers during a 31-minute mission that marked Ariane 5’s third launch this year.
Next Ariane 5 launch set for May 20
Arianespace’s third Ariane 5 flight of 2011 has been approved for its May 20 liftoff following a successful launch readiness review performed at the Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch will bring two communication satellites, ST-2 and GSAT-8, into orbit.
Ariane 5 ready for launch on April 22
Arianespace’s mission with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites is on track for its liftoff this evening, April 22, following Ariane 5’s rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
April 22 launch for Yahsat 1A, Intelsat New Dawn
Arianespace has said it is on track for the rescheduled April 22 liftoff of its Ariane 5mission with the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite payloads after replacement of actuators on the heavy-lift launcher’s Vulcain 2 cryogenic main engine.
Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat set for April 22 launch
Arianespace has set a new date for flight VA201, which will carry Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn. Liftoff is now scheduled for Friday, April 22, 2011. Astra 1N will be launched in June.
Countdown of Ariane VA201 interrupted
In the last seconds of Ariane Flight VA201’s launch countdown as the Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine was being ignited, the checkout process detected an anomaly on the launcher, interrupting the final countdown.