The Ariane 5 is ready to launch two communication satellites, Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn, today (March 30). Preparations now are underway for the final countdown leading to liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:45 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:52 p.m.
Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat set for March 29
The upcoming Ariane 5 mission with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn is set for March 29. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s second launch of 2011 is now in the final assembly building at Europe’s Spaceport, where it will be fitted with the dual payload.
Ariane to launch Yahsat 1A and Intelsat
The 57th Ariane 5 to be launched from French Guiana has completed the initial build-up process, preparing it to receive a dual-payload of the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites.
Eutelsat contracts Arianespace for 2012 launch
Eutelsat has signed a new contract with Arianespace for a further satellite launch during 2012.
Hispasat 1E launch set for December 28
Arianespace has announced that the last Ariane 5 fight for this year has been rescheduled to December 28, allowing one of the mission’s customers to perform complementary checks on its payload.
Hispasat 1E set for end-of-year launch
Preparations for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission have entered a new phase with the arrival of its Hispasat 1E telecommunications relay platform at the Spaceport. The satellite is due to be launched before the end of the year.
Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 ready to board
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s fifth heavy-lift mission of 2010 has moved to the Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where the dual-passenger payload of the Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 satellites are now ready to board.
Eutelsat W3B considered lost
Eutelsat W3B, launched in the early hours of Friday morning, is considered lost following an otherwise smooth start to the Ariane 5 mission it shared with the BSAT-3b satellite. According to Eutelsat, an anomaly occurred with the satellite’s propulsion subsystem.
Watch Eutelsat 3WB launch live
WATCH VIDEO. Tonight, Thursday October 28, the 197th Ariane mission will place into geostationary transfer orbit two communications satellites: W3B for Eutelsat, and BSAT-3b for Japanese operator Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT).
Arianespace readies Eutelsat W3B launch
Arianespace has announced that the fourth Ariane 5 launcher of 2010 is ready to receive its dual-passenger payload. The operator will perform three more launches this year.