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Fourth Ariane 5 Mission of 2007




September 4, 2007

The fifth Ariane 5 launcher of 2007 arrives in French Guiana

Arianespace is maintaining its mission pace with the arrival of a new Ariane 5 to French Guiana for the fifth dual-satellite payload launch in 2007.

This latest Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift vehicle was delivered by the MN Colibri, which is one of two roll-on/roll-off transport vessels operated for Arianespace. After completing its trans-Atlantic voyage from Europe, the MN Colibri docked at Kourou's Pariacabo port, where its payload of Ariane launcher components was unloaded and transferred to the Spaceport.


The MN Colibri reaches the shores of French Guiana with
another Ariane 5 launch vehicle.

Arianespace is on track to perform six Ariane 5 flights in 2007, launching a total of 12 satellites with the vehicle's dual-passenger capability.

Three Ariane 5 ECA missions have been conducted so far this year, lofting the following satellites for Arianespace's international customers: Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B (on March 11), ASTRA 1L and Galaxy 17 (on May 4) and SPACEWAY 3 and BSAT-3a (on August 14).

Preparations for the fourth flight of 2007 are well advanced for a liftoff scheduled at the end of September. Initial assembly of the Ariane 5 GS vehicle for this mission is complete at the Spaceport, and the satellite payloads - Intelsat 11 and Optus D2 - now undergoing their checkout at the French Guiana launch site.

Arianespace is in the process of accelerating its Ariane 5 launch rate to meet customer demand, building to a stabilized pace of eight Ariane 5 missions annually by 2009.

The Starsem affiliate of Arianespace also has a busy year of activity, with its next Soyuz launcher mission planned later this year from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome. This mission will be Starsem's second flight of the year, carrying a cluster of four satellites for the Globalstar constellation. It follows the May 30 Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome, which also carried four Globalstar spacecraft.[/font]

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

September 14, 2007

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s fifth mission of 2007 takes shape at Europe’s Spaceport

Another Ariane 5 launcher has begun its integration at the Spaceport in French Guiana, demonstrating Arianespace’s ability to maintain a sustained mission rate in response to market demand for its commercial launch services.

The vehicle that is now taking shape is a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA version, which will be used for an early November flight to orbit a dual satellite payload.

As the assembly of this Ariane 5 ECA moves ahead in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, an Ariane 5 GS is ready to receive its dual satellite payload for Arianespace’s upcoming launch in the next several weeks. The Ariane 5 GS is in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, and it will carry a dual payload of the Intelsat 11 and Optus D2 satellites.




The Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace’s November mission begins its integration process with the preparation of its core cryogenic stage. Clearly visible in this photo is the Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2 main engine and nozzle. The stage is raised to a vertical position, and then is moved to the mobile launch table, where it will be mated with two solid rocket boosters.



One of the Ariane 5 ECA’s two solid rocket boosters is moved from its assembly facility to the Launcher Integration Building at the Spaceport, where it is to be mated with the core cryogenic stage. During the launch sequence, Ariane 5’s core stage Vulcain 2 cryogenic motor will be started first, allowing for the validation of its operation before the two solid boosters are ignited – committing the launcher to liftoff.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

October 9, 2007

Star One C1 arrives in French Guiana for the fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007

The second satellite for Arianespace's next dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission has been delivered to the Spaceport in French Guiana, moving launch campaign activity into full swing for the November 9 liftoff.

Thales Alenia Space's Star One C1 spacecraft arrived at Cayenne Rochambeau International Airport aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo airliner, and was transported to the Spaceport's S1B clean room for its initial check-out.


Star One C1 emerges from its protective shipping container
in the S1B clean room

To be utilized by Brazilian satellite operator Star One – which is owned by Embratel and GE International Holdings – Star One C1 will provide telecommunications, multimedia and high speed internet services to South America.

The spacecraft is based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus 3000 B3 platform, and carries 28 C-band transponders, 14 Ku-band transponders and 1 X-band transponder. It will have a mass at liftoff of 4,100 kg., and is to be positioned at 65° West after its deployment by Ariane 5.

Joining Star One C1 on the November 9 launch will be the United Kingdom's Skynet 5B secure military communications satellite. Skynet 5B was delivered to the Spaceport in September, and is continuing the pre-launch preparation process. It will be the second Skynet 5-series spacecraft launched by Arianespace in 2007, following the orbiting of Skynet 5A on an Ariane 5 mission in March.

Arianespace is targeting a total of six Ariane 5 flights in 2007. Its most recent success lofted the Intelsat 11 and Optus D2 spacecraft on October 5. The other Ariane 5 flights performed so far this year were on August 14 with the SPACEWAY 3 and BSAT-3a payloads; on May 4, with ASTRA 1L and Galaxy 17; and on March 11, with Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

October 23, 2007

Arianespace takes delivery of its fifth Ariane 5 in 2007

Preparations for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission entered their final phase this week following the Ariane 5 ECA launcher's delivery to Arianespace at the Spaceport in French Guianat.


Riding atop its mobile launch table, the Ariane 5 for
Arianespace's November 9 mission is visible, at left, during
its transfer to the final assembly building at Europe's
Spaceport. In the foreground is the second launch table,
which is ready to receive another Ariane 5 for the following
mission.

This transfer marked the completion of Ariane 5's basic build-up, which was performed in the Spaceport's integration building under the responsibility of industrial prime contractor Astrium Space Transportation. With its transfer to the final assembly building yesterday, the vehicle was delivered to Arianespace for the payload integration, final checkout and launch.

The upcoming heavy-lift mission is scheduled for November 9, and is to carry the United Kingdom's Skynet 5B military communications satellite, along with Brazil's Star One C1 telecommunications platform.

Skynet 5B is to be launched for spacecraft manufacturer EADS Astrium, which will provide an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications, a private company. Paradigm provides survivable, resilient and secure communications services to military and government users with the Skynet series of relay satellites.

Thales Alenia Space is the producer of the mission's Star One C1 satellite payload, which it booked with Arianespace for the Ariane 5 launch. Star One C1 will be operated by Brazil's Star One, the largest regional satellite service operator in Latin America. The satellite is equipped with 45 C, Ku and X-band transponders, and will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services for the Latin American market.

The November 9 launch will be Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007, following successful flights in March, May, August and October - which delivered eight telecommunications satellites weighing more than 29,000 kg. into highly accurate geostationary transfer orbit.

Arianespace plans a total of six Ariane 5 missions this year as it accelerates the launch rate to meet customer demand, building to a stabilized pace of eight Ariane 5 flights annually by 2009.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

October 26, 2007

Skynet 5B and Star One C1 are readied for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 mission

Both satellites for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight are in the final preparation phase at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. They will be lofted by the fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007, which is scheduled for liftoff on November 9. Our images below show Skynet 5B and Star One C1 spacecraft as they are readied in the Spaceport’s state-of-the-art S5 payload processing facility. (Click on the photos for a larger version):




The Skynet 5B military communications satellite is secured on its cone-shape adapter unit, which will serve as the interface when mounted atop Ariane 5’s SYLDA 5 payload dispenser system. This fully-hardened spacecraft carries advanced UHF and SHF communications payloads with extensive channel-to-beam flexibility, along with multiple antennas for global and regional beams. Skynet 5B was built by EADS Astrium, which will provide an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications.



Thales Alenia Space’s Star One C1 satellite is topped off with its onboard propellant in the S5A fueling hall of the Spaceport’s S5 satellite preparation facility. Equipped with 45 C-, Ku- and X-band transponders, Star One C1 will be utilized by Brazil's Star One satellite operator to provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services for the Latin American market. When integrated on the Ariane 5 launcher, Star One C1 will be in the lower payload position – riding inside the SYLDA 5 dispenser.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

October 30, 2007

A heavyweight payload is readied for Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007

Final payload integration activity is in full swing for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 ECA mission, as its two satellites are readied for their November 9 liftoff from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This launch will be the fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007, and will deliver a heavyweight payload of the Skynet 5B and Star One C1 communications spacecraft. Our photos below highlight their integration for the Ariane 5’s dual payload “stack.” (Click on the images for a larger version):




Ariane 5’s payload fairing is lowered into place over Skynet 5B, which was previously installed atop the canister-shaped SYLDA 5 dispenser system. Skynet 5B will ride in the upper payload position on Ariane 5, and is to be deployed approximately 27 minutes into the flight. This satellite is being launched by Arianespace on behalf of Astrium, which is providing an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications. Once operational, Skynet 5B will handle secure communications services for the United Kingdom’s armed forces, NATO and other countries.



Star One C1 is mated to its cone-shaped adapter, which will serve as the payload’s interface with Ariane 5. The satellite will then be installed atop Ariane 5’s core stage, positioned below the Skynet 5B spacecraft in the dual-payload “stack.” Deployment of Star One C1 will occur at about 34 minutes after Ariane 5’s liftoff from the Spaceport. Built by Thales Alenia Space for Brazil’s Star One, the satellite will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services for South America.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 5, 2007

Payload integration is completed for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2007

The two payloads for this week's heavy-lift Arianespace mission have completed their integration on the Ariane 5 as preparations continue for Friday evening's liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Our photos below detail the installation of Brazil's Star One C1 satellite and the United Kingdom's Skynet 5B, which occurred in the upper levels of the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building. (Click on the images for a larger version):




The upper component of Ariane 5's dual payload "stack" is ready to be positioned atop the launch vehicle. The ogive-shaped payload fairing contains Skynet 5B, along with the SYLDA 5 payload dispenser. It will be placed over the Star One C1 spacecraft, which is partly visible in the foreground atop the Ariane 5's core stage. Skynet 5B was produced by Astrium for an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications and has a liftoff mass of 4,653-kg. When operational, Skynet 5B will handle secure communications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries.



Star One C1 is shown after its installation atop the Ariane 5's core stage. This Thales Alenia Space-built relay platform weighs 4,100 kg. for liftoff. It will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services over South America for Brazilian satellite operator Star One – which is owned by Embratel and GE International Holdings. With a mixed payload of C-, Ku- and X-band transponders, Star One C1 has a liftoff mass of 4,100 kg.



Members of the mission's launcher and satellite teams work together as Ariane 5's dual-satellite payload is secured in place. During the flight sequence on November 9, Skynet 5B will be released first from its upper payload position at 27 minutes into the mission. It will be followed by Star One C1, which is to be deployed at 33 min. 40 sec. after liftoff.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 7, 2007

The fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007 is cleared for liftoff

Arianespace's upcoming dual-payload Ariane 5 mission has been given the green light for liftoff on Friday, November 9, following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.


With Ariane 5's final assembly complete, the launcher
was declared "ready for flight."

This review - which is conducted prior to every Ariane mission - validated the readiness of the Ariane 5, its Skynet 5B and Star One C1 satellite passengers, the infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport and the network of downrange tracking stations.

All is now ready for tomorrow's transfer of the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA from its final assembly building to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone. The vehicle is scheduled to lift off Friday night during a 55-minute launch window that opens at 7:04 p.m. local time.

The mission is Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2007. During the previous four flights from January through October, the workhorse vehicle successfully lofted eight payloads – representing 80 percent of the world's telecommunications satellites carried to geostationary orbit during this period.

Riding in upper payload position on the upcoming mission is Skynet 5B, which was produced by Astrium for an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications. Skynet 5B has a liftoff mass of 4,635-kg., and when operational, it will handle secure communications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries.

The Ariane 5's lower passenger on Ariane 5 is Star One C1, a 4,100 kg. satellite built by Thales Alenia Space for Brazilian satellite operator Star One. Equipped with a mixed payload of C–, Ku- and X-band transponders, it will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services over South America.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 8, 2007

Ariane 5 rolls out for Arianespace's fifth launch of 2007

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 of 2007 was transferred to the launch pad today at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, readying this heavy-lift vehicle for liftoff tomorrow night with its dual-satellite payload.

Rolling out from Final Assembly Building under sunny skies at 11:15 a.m. local time, Ariane 5 completed the 2.8-km. trip to the ELA-3 launch zone in one hour. Its mobile launch table was then secured in place over the launch pad's flame ducts for Ariane 5's powerful core cryogenic stage and two solid rocket motors.

All is ready for the final countdown leading to tomorrow's liftoff, which is scheduled at the start of a 55-minute launch window that opens at 7:04 p.m.

Ariane 5 carries the Skynet 5B and Star One C1 satellites - a heavyweight payload with a total combined mass at liftoff of 9,535 kg. This includes 8,735 kg. for the two satellites, along with the associated installation/interface hardware and Ariane's SYLDA 5 dual payload dispenser system.

Skynet 5B was built by Astrium, and will be delivered in orbit to Paradigm Secure Communications. This spacecraft follows five other Skynet-series satellites launched by Ariane, and is to provide military telecommunications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries.

The mission's Star One C1 payload is a Thales Alenia Space-manufactured satellite, which will be used by Brazilian satellite operator Star One for communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services over South America.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 9, 2007

Arianespace Flight Skynet 5B – Star One C1: Launch postponed

Arianespace has postponed tonight's Ariane 5 lift-off following the detection of an anomaly on the launch vehicle. Additional verifications on the launcher are being performed.

A new launch date will be announced shortly.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 9, 2007

Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission is postponed

Tonight's Ariane 5 lift-off has been postponed by Arianespace following the detection of an anomaly on the launch vehicle.


Following its November 8 transfer to the launch zone,
Ariane 5 is being moved back to its final assembly building
for additional verifications.

Both the launcher and its dual-satellite payload are in a safe mode, and the Ariane 5 is being moved back to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building for additional verifications.

This flight will be Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007, and the launcher carries the Skynet 5B and Star One C1 satellites.

Skynet 5B was built by Astrium, and will be delivered in orbit to Paradigm Secure Communications. The spacecraft is to provide military telecommunications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries.

Star One C1 is a Thales Alenia Space-manufactured satellite, which will be used by Brazilian satellite operator Star One for communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services over South America.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 9, 2007

The Ariane 5 launch with Skynet 5B - Star One C1 is set for Monday, November 12

Following the testing and replacement of an equipment component on the launch vehicle, Arianespace has authorized a restart of the final countdown for its mission with the Skynet 5B - Star One C1 satellites.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now set for the night of Monday, November 12 at the opening of the following launch window:

From 7:06 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana
From 5:06 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
From 8:06 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro
From 10:06 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. GMT
From 11:06 p.m. to 00:00 a.m. in Paris.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 12, 2007

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2007 is set for liftoff tonight

Arianespace's heavy-lift mission to orbit the Skynet 5B and Star One C1 satellites is scheduled for liftoff this evening, following the replacement of a launch vehicle equipment component over the weekend.


The Ariane 5 ECA is shown in the
ELA-3 launch zone, ready for tonight's
heavy-lift mission.

Timely detection of the equipment anomaly demonstrates the Arianespace team's quick-response capability as it supports the company's accelerating mission rate for the workhorse launch vehicle.

With Ariane 5 rolled back to the launch zone at Europe's Spaceport yesterday, the countdown is underway for a liftoff during a 54-minute window that opens at 7:06 p.m.

For this fifth flight of 2007, the Ariane 5's heavyweight payload weighs in at a total combined liftoff mass of 9,535 kg. This includes 8,735 kg. for the Skynet 5B and Star One C1 satellite passengers, along with the associated installation/interface hardware and Ariane's SYLDA 5 dual payload dispenser system.

Skynet 5B is in the upper payload position, and was designed to handle secure communications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries. The satellite was produced by Astrium for an in-orbit delivery to Paradigm Secure Communications.

Ariane 5's lower passenger is Thales Alenia Space's Star One C1 relay platform, which was built for Brazilian satellite operator Star One. This spacecraft carries a mixed payload of C-, Ku- and X-band transponders, and will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services over South America.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 12, 2007

Arianespace Flight Skynet 5B – Star One C1: Launch postponed

Arianespace has postponed tonight's Ariane 5 lift-off following the detection of an anomaly during preparation for fueling of the launch vehicle.

A new launch date will be announced shortly.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 14, 2007

Arianespace launch with Skynet 5B – Star One C1: The liftoff is set for Wednesday, November 14


Following the corrective actions on the ground hydrogen feed line of the cryogenic upper stage, Arianespace has decided to restart the final countdown for its mission with the Skynet 5B - Star One C1 satellites.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now set for the night of Wednesday, November 14 at the opening of the following launch window:

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

November 14, 2007

Arianespace marks another Ariane 5 payload record performance by orbiting Skynet 5B and Star One C1

Ariane 5 achieved another heavy-lift record tonight, successfully placing a U.K. military relay platform and Brazil’s new multi-mission telecommunications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.


The Ariane 5 ECA utilized for today’s
mission carried a total payload of
9,535 kg., and it lifted off from the
ELA-3 launch zone at Europe’s
Spaceport.

The mission’s total payload delivery weight was 9,535 kg., which included 8,735 kg. for the two satellites, along with the associated installation/interface hardware and Ariane's SYLDA 5 dual payload dispenser system.

Ariane 5 lifted off right on schedule at 7:06 p.m. local time in French Guiana, and climbed through a deck of broken low clouds over the Spaceport. Tracking cameras followed the trajectory as the launcher came back into view, clearly showing the jettisoning of Ariane 5's solid rocket boosters at an altitude of 65.5 km.

This flight was another demonstration of Arianespace’s flexibility to accommodate a variety of satellites on its family of launchers, as well as to support the mission needs of key customers.

It also continued the company’s launch rate acceleration, marking the fifth Ariane 5 dual-satellite success of 2007 – and clearing the way for a record sixth flight in December.

Skynet 5B was the 28th national security satellite lofted by Arianespace, and the 6th platform in the Skynet series orbited aboard Ariane. This 4,635-kg. spacecraft was built by Astrium, and will be delivered in orbit to Paradigm Secure Communications.

When operational, it will handle secure communications services for the United Kingdom's armed forces, NATO and other countries. Arianespace’s order backlog includes another Skynet-series spacecraft to be launched, Skynet 5C.

Star One C1 was the seventh Brazilian satellite to ride aboard Ariane. Launched by Arianespace for satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space, this 4,100 kg. spacecraft will be operated by the largest regional satellite service provider in Latin America – Star One. Arianespace has an additional satellite, Star One C2, to be launched for the Brazilian operator.

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said tonight’s mission came just eight months after Ariane 5 launched Skynet 5A for the British Ministry of Defence. He also noted that Star One C1 continues a more than 20-year relationship with Brazil, pointing out that all seven satellites in the Star One C1 fleet had orbited by Arianespace.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA occurred from Europe’s Spaceport ELA-3 launch zone, and Skynet 5B was deployed by the launcher approximately 27 minutes into the flight. Star One C1 was released about six minutes later.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

14 November 2007



Yesterday evening, an Ariane 5 ECA launcher lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two satellites into geostationary transfer orbits. Lift-off of flight V179 took place at 22:06 GMT/UTC (19:06 local time, 23:06 CET/Paris). The satellites were accurately injected into the correct transfer orbits about 30 minutes later.

The payload comprised Skynet 5B, a secure telecommunications satellite for the British armed forces, and Star One C1, a C-, Ku-, and X-band telecommunications, multimedia and broadband internet satellite that will serve South America. The payload mass was 9535 kg; the satellite masses totalled 8753 kg, with payload adapters and dispensers making up the additional 782 kg. This is a new record for an Ariane 5 ECA.

This fifth launch of the year keeps Arianespace and Europe's Spaceport on target to perform six Ariane 5 launches in 2007 as they head towards their target of seven to eight missions per year in the coming years. Preparations for the sixth flight of 2007 are already under way.

Flight timeline

The Ariane 5's cryogenic, liquid fuelled, main engine was ignited first. Seven seconds later, the solid fuel rocket boosters were also fired, and a fraction of a second after that, the launch vehicle lifted off.

The solid boosters were jettisoned 2 min: 19 sec after main engine ignition, and the fairing protecting the payload during the climb through the Earth's atmosphere was discarded at 3 min: 10 sec. The launcher's main engine was shut down at 8 min: 58 sec; six seconds later the main cryogenic stage separated from the upper stage and its payload.

Four seconds after main stage separation, the engine of the launcher's cryogenic upper stage was ignited to continue the journey. The upper stage engine was shut down at 24 min: 56 sec into the flight, at which point the launch vehicle was travelling at 9377 metres per second (just over 34 800 km/h) at an altitude of 626.1 kilometres and the conditions for geostationary transfer orbit injection had been achieved.

At 27 min: 12 sec after main engine ignition, Skynet 5B separated from the launcher, followed by Star One C1 at 33 min: 47 sec.


Ariane 5 ECA

Ariane 5 ECA is the latest version of the Ariane 5 launcher. It is designed to place payloads weighing up to 9.6 tonnes into geostationary transfer orbit. With its increased capacity Ariane 5 ECA can handle dual launches of very large satellites.

Source: ESA - News

Arianespace Press Release


Kourou, French Guiana, November 14, 2007

Arianespace boosts Skynet 5B and Star One C1 into orbit: Sets new record

On Wednesday evening, November 14, Arianespace boosted two satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO): the Astrium Paradigm Skynet 5B military communications satellite for the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Star One C1 commercial communications satellite built by Thales Alenia Space for Brazilian operator Star One.

35th Ariane 5 launch, 21st success in a row, and a new payload weight record

The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the fifth in 2007, confirms that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions continues to set the standard for all telecom operators worldwide, whether civil or military. Since the beginning of 2007, Arianespace has successfully launched 10 of the 12 commercial telecommunications satellites placed in geostationary orbit.

The Ariane 5 ECA launcher set a new record on this mission, orbiting a total payload of more than 8,700 kg.

Ariane 5 is the only commercial launcher in service today capable of simultaneously launching two payloads, and gives Arianespace customers unrivaled performance, flexibility and competitiveness.

One more Ariane 5 launch is scheduled by the end of the year.

A launch for civil and military telecom operators

The launch of Skynet 5B clearly reflects Arianespace's strategic role in guaranteeing independent access to space for European governments. Skynet 5A is the European launcher's 28th military payload. Arianespace has already orbited Skynet 4B, 4C, 4E, 4F and 5A for the British MoD and NATO. Arianespace's backlog of orders includes one more MoD satellite, Skynet 5C.

Star One C1 is the seventh Brazilian satellite launched by Arianespace. Star One is the largest regional satellite service operator in Latin America. Arianespace has one more satellite to be launched for the Brazilian operator, Star One C2.

Record order book

Since the beginning of 2007 Arianespace has signed 12 new Service & Solutions contracts for launches into geostationary transfer orbit, along with four contracts for low Earth orbit (LEO) launches. Following this launch, Arianespace still holds a record backlog of orders:

• 25 satellites to be launched into GTO, using Ariane 5 and possibly Soyuz for the smaller payloads.
• 11 government launches using Ariane 5, including 9 to launch the ATV cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station.
• 9 specific Soyuz launches (3 in Baikonur via Starsem, 6 from the Guiana Space Center).

Skynet 5B/Star One C1 mission at a glance

The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Wednesday, November 14, at 07:06 p.m. local time in Kourou (22:06 UT, 8:06 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro, 5:06 p.m. in Washington, D.C., and 11:06 p.m. in Paris).

Provisional parameters at injection of the Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage (ESC-A) were:

Perigee: 250 km for a target of 250 km (±4)
Apogee: 35,953 km for a target of 35,786 km (±240)
Inclination: 6.00 degrees for a target of 6.00 degrees (±0.06°)

Skynet 5B is being launched on behalf of Astrium, which is delivering the satellite in orbit to Paradigm. The private company Paradigm will offer secure communications services for British armed forces, NATO and other countries. Built by Astrium using a Eurostar 3000 platform, Skynet 5B weighs about 4,700 kg. It will be positioned at 56 degrees East.

The Star One C1 satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Brazilian operator Star One. Based on a Spacebus 3000 B3 platform, it weighs about 4,100 kg at launch. It will be positioned at 65 degrees West. Star One C1 is fitted with 28 C-band transponders, 14 Ku-band transponders and one X-band transponder. Star One C1 will provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services for South America.

Source: Arianespace Press Release

September 14, 2007

The record heavy-lift Ariane flight in photost

Arianespace’s fifth flight of 2007 maintained the company’s mission pace and extended the workhorse launcher’s record of success with a full range of customer payloads.

The following photos provide highlights from this latest launch, which lofted a record heavy-lift payload of the United Kingdom’s Skynet 5B military relay platform and the Star One C1 multi-role civilian telecommunications satellite for Brazil.



Under the watchful eye of two helicopters, the Ariane 5 for tonight’s successful mission is transferred to the ELA-3 launch zone. This vehicle was the 179th in the Ariane family of launchers, and it marked the 35th flight of an Ariane 5.



The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is shown in profile at the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone. It is installed on one of two mobile launch tables for Ariane 5, which includes a fixed umbilical mast with the propellant feed arms for the vehicle’s cryogenic upper stage.



This close-up details the base of Ariane 5’s cryogenic core stage, including a portion of its Vulcain 2 main engine. The two ball-shaped bottles (which are covered with silver-colored protective wrapping) contain helium for pressurization of the core stage’s liquid oxygen propellant tank and for the stage’s control system. Visible at the left is one of Ariane 5’s two solid propellant boosters, which is mated to the cryogenic stage with connecting struts.




The Spaceport’s state-of-the launch vehicle control center oversees Ariane 5 operations during the vehicle’s preparation and launch. This facility was developed specifically for the Ariane 5, and can handle two launch campaigns in parallel.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates