For news of the first Ariane launch campaign of 2008 see: The Automated Transfer Vehicle



February 8, 2008

Another Ariane 5 is delivered for Arianespace's busy 2008 launch schedule

Arianespace is keeping up its pace of launch activity with this week's arrival of another Ariane 5 at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift vehicle was delivered to French Guiana yesterday by the MN Colibri, which is one of two sea-going ships used to transport launcher components from Europe to South America. Unloading of the MN Colibri was performed this morning, with the Ariane 5's major elements transferred in their protective shipping containers to the Spaceport.


An Ariane 5 ECA element is unloaded from the MN Colibri
roll-on/roll-off ship at Paricabo dock.

Build-up of the new Ariane 5 will occur in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building. This vehicle will be used for an upcoming flight with a dual-satellite payload.

The Launcher Integration Building has been occupied since December by an Ariane 5 ES version, which will be used for Arianespace's March 8 mission with the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). Integration of this Ariane 5 is now complete, clearing the way for its rollout to the Final Assembly Building, where the large ATV payload will be installed.

Arianespace is targeting seven Ariane 5 missions in 2008, beginning with the milestone ATV mission in March. Built by Europe, the 19.4-metric ton ATV resupply spacecraft will be placed in low Earth orbit for rendezvous and docking with the international Space Station - where it will deliver propellant, oxygen, equipment, systems, food and water to the facility.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

February 19, 2008

The second Ariane 5 for launch in 2008 begins its assembly at Europe’s Spaceport

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s second flight of 2008 is taking shape, underscoring the Spaceport’s flexibility to meet the company’s ramp-up in mission activity for this workhorse launch vehicle.


ATV Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage is raised
from the protective shipping container, readying
it for installation over the mobile launch table
inside the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration
Building.

Following its arrival in French Guiana earlier this month, the Ariane 5 ECA’s core cryogenic stage has now been erected over its launch table inside the Launcher Integration Building at the Spaceport. This clears the way for its mating with the two solid rocket motors and installation of the cryogenic upper stage.

The heavy-lift vehicle will be used for an upcoming launch with a dual payload of telecommunications satellites, and is to be part of the seven missions planned in 2008 – a record pace for Arianespace with the Ariane 5.

This is the second Ariane 5 currently undergoing processing at Europe’s Spaceport. In the nearby Final Assembly Building, an Ariane 5 ES version is almost complete following the integration of its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) payload.

The ATV will be Ariane 5’s largest payload ever, with the liftoff of this 19-metric-ton spacecraft scheduled for the early hours of March 8 on a resupply flight to the International Space Station.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

February 20, 2008

Ariane 5 is ready for its liftoff “boost”

The two solid-propellant strap-on boosters for Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 flight of 2008 are ready for integration with their heavy-lift launch vehicle.

These large boosters rolled out of the assembly facility yesterday at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (photo at left), and were transferred to the Ariane 5 Launcher Integration Building for mating with the vehicle’s core cryogenic stage,



Standing 31 meters tall, the boosters contain 240 tons of solid propellant each. They are ignited on the launch pad approximately six seconds after the startup of Ariane 5’s core stage Vulcain 2 main cryogenic engine. Together, the boosters and cryogenic main engine provide the thrust for Ariane 5’s liftoff and initial ascent. The boosters are jettisoned after some 140 seconds of operation – leaving the launcher’s core stage to continue with its climb-out.

The vehicle currently being assembled in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building is a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA version, which will carry a dual-passenger payload of commercial telecommunications satellites.

Its flight will follow the March 8 launch of an Ariane 5 ES version with Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) on a re-supply mission for the International Space Station. The Ariane 5 ES is nearly complete in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building after the integration of its ATV payload last week.

Arianespace plans a total of seven Ariane 5 flights in 2008 as the company continues a ramp-up in the mission pace to meet a growing demand for its commercial launch services.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

February 27, 2008

Arianespace prepares for its first two Ariane 5 missions in 2008

Preparations for the initial two Ariane 5 flights of 2008 are in full swing at Europe's Spaceport as Arianespace continues to demonstrate its ability to provide launch capacity and mission flexibility that meet customers' needs.

The two vehicles currently being readied at the Spaceport are an Ariane 5 ECA for an April liftoff with a pair of commercial telecommunications satellites, and the Ariane 5 ES for Arianespace's historic March 8 launch with the International Space Station's Automated Transfer Vehicle resupply spacecraft.

For the April mission, initial build-up of its Ariane 5 is nearing completion inside the Launcher Integration Building, where the cryogenic core stage has been mated with its two solid rocket boosters, and the cryogenic upper stage also has been installed.


The Star One C2 satellite for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission in 2008 is unloaded
from its protective shipping container at the Spaceport (left-hand photo). In the right-
hand image, the cryogenic upper stage for this mission's Ariane 5 is hoisted inside the
Launcher Assembly for installation atop the heavy-lift vehicle, which is partly visible in
the background.

This heavy-lift Ariane 5 is scheduled for liftoff during the first half of April, and will carry Star One C2 for Brazilian operator Star One, along with a second telecom platform on another of Arianespace's trademark dual-payload missions.

Star One C2 arrived in French Guiana earlier this week aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft, and is now undergoing initial pre-launch checkout in one of the Spaceport's clean rooms.

The Star One C2 satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and carries a mixed C-, Ku- and X-band transponders relay payload. It will handle both direct TV broadcasts for South America and international and domestic long-distance telephony for Brazil and Mexico.

As the Ariane 5 ECA mission preparations move ahead, final steps are being completed for Arianespace's March 8 mission with the European-built Automated Transfer Vehicle. The launch vehicle for this flight is in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, where integration of the Ariane 5 ES is complete and the last series of verifications are being performed. (See our Mission Update from February 26 for details on this Ariane 5 flight).

The European-built ATV resupply spacecraft will deliver propellant, oxygen, equipment, systems, food and water for the International Space Station and its crew, and is the first of nine ATV missions currently on Arianespace's order book for launch during the next several years to the manned orbital facility.

Arianespace's two upcoming flights in March and April are the first of seven Ariane 5 missions planned in 2008. Subsequent launches during the year will orbit the Herschel and Planck scientific payloads, as well as TerreStar 1 – the largest geostationary commercial communications satellite ever built.

In parallel, Arianespace's Starsem affiliate has set April 26 for a Soyuz launch from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome with Giove-B, the second demonstration satellite for Europe's Galileo satellite navigation constellation.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

March 10, 2008

Vietnam's VINASAT-1 satellite is readied for Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission in April

The second of two commercial telecommunications satellite passengers for Arianespace's next heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight is undergoing pre-launch checkout in preparation for a mid-April liftoff from Europe's Spaceport.

VINASAT-1 arrived in French Guiana late last week and is now in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility. This spacecraft is part of a turnkey telecommunications satellite system being provided by Lockheed Martin – the first ever procured by the nation of Vietnam.


VINASAT-1 begins its initial processing in the S5C high
bay area of the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility.

The VINASAT-1 telecommunications platform is based on Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems' A2100A spacecraft bus, and will have a mass at liftoff of about 2,600 kg. Equipped with 20 C- and Ku-band transponders, VINASAT-1 will provide radio, television and telephone transmission services for all of Vietnam and the Asia Pacific region from its geostationary orbit position of 132 degrees East.

VINASAT-1 will be lofted along with the Star One C2 satellite for Brazilian telecommunications operator Star One. Star One C2 was delivered to the Spaceport on February 25, and is continuing its checkout process at the launch site's clean room facilities.

Thales Alenia Space produced Star One C2 using the company's Spacebus 3000B3 platform, and the spacecraft carries 28 transponders in C-band, 16 in Ku-band and 1 in X-band. With a mass at liftoff of 4,100 kg., Star One C2 will be positioned at an orbital slot of 70° West following its deployment by Ariane 5.

The upcoming mission with VINASAT-1 and Star One C2 will be Arianespace's second flight of 2008, and will use a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA launcher version. This follows the highly successful March 9 launch of an Ariane 5 ES version, which orbited Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle for a rendezvous with the International Space Station.

For 2008, Arianespace is planning seven Ariane 5 missions – the busiest year of mission activity with this workhorse launcher since its commercial introduction in 1999.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

March 31, 2008

VINASAT-1 is readied for Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 mission of 2008

The VINASAT-1 payload for Arianespace’s upcoming dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission has been fueled at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a key milestone in its pre-launch preparations.

Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, VINASAT-1 is the first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite. Its relay services will improve the nation’s communication networks infrastructure, removing the dependence on ground networks and allowing all of Vietnam's rural communities and hamlets to be equipped with telephones and televisions.


VINASAT-1 is fueled in the large S5 payload preparation
facility at Europe’s Spaceport.

Fueling of VINASAT-1 was performed in the state-of-the-art S5 payload preparation facility at Europe’s Spaceport, which is dimensioned to handle multiple satellites in support of Arianespace’s increasing Ariane 5 launch pace.

VINASAT-1 is based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100A spacecraft bus, and will have a mass at liftoff of about 2,600 kg. The satellite is equipped with a mix of C- and Ku-band transponders, and will operate from a geostationary orbit position of 132 degrees East.

The VINASAT spacecraft is the latest A2100-series spacecraft entrusted to Ariane 5. Last year, Ariane 5 successfully orbited two other satellites of this type: ASTRA 1L in May, and BSAT-3a in August – both of which were carried on the launcher’s trademark dual payload missions.

For the upcoming Ariane 5 flight– which is targeted for mid-April – VINASAT-1 will be orbited along with the Star One C2 satellite for Brazilian telecommunications operator Star One. Star One C2 also is undergoing its checkout and preparation process at the Spaceport.

Arianespace is targeting a total of seven Ariane 5 missions for this year, marking the highest annual level of launch activity since the launcher’s commercial service entry in 1999. The first flight of 2008 was performed earlier this month, when an Ariane 5 lofted Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicle on March 9 for a rendezvous with the International Space Station.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

This photo shows the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming dual-satellite mission (visible in the background) as it is transferred atop its mobile launch table to the Final Assembly Building. In the foreground is the other Ariane 5 launch table, which is ready to be moved into the Launcher Integration Building for the following mission.

April 2, 2008

Arianespace takes delivery of another heavy-lift Ariane 5

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission has moved to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, marking delivery of the second workhorse launcher in 2008.

With this milestone, preparations continue on schedule for the heavy-lift Ariane 5's April 18 launch, which will carry the Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 telecommunications satellites.

Ariane 5's rollout from the Launcher Integration Building to the Final Assembly Building occurred yesterday, using the Spaceport's rail transportation infrastructure. The transfer represented this vehicle's formal handover from industrial prime contractor Astrium – which was responsible for its build-up, to Arianespace for payload installation and the subsequent launch operations.

The April 18 mission will carry a combined satellite payload mass of approximately 6,700 kg. In the Ariane 5's dual-passenger configuration, Star One C2 will be riding in the upper payload position and is to be released first during the flight sequence. VINASAT-1 is the mission's lower passenger, housed inside the Sylda 5 dispenser system, and it will be deployed approximately 31 minutes after liftoff.

Star One C2 was built by Thales Alenia Space for Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator, and carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders, and 1 X-band transponder. It is based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus 3000B3 platform, and will have a liftoff mass of 4,100 kg.

VINASAT-1 is a Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems-produced spacecraft for operation by the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group. This is the first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite, and the 2,600-kg. platform is equipped with 20 C- and Ku-band transponders.

Arianespace is planning seven Ariane 5 missions in 2008, making it the busiest year of mission activity since the launcher's commercial introduction in 1999. The first flight of 2008 was performed on March 9, when an Ariane 5 lofted the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for the International Space Station.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

April 10, 2008

VINASAT-1 is installed on Ariane 5 for Arianespace's April 18 launch

Preparations for Arianespace's second mission of 2008 moved into their final phase when the first of its two satellite payloads was installed atop the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA launcher at Europe's Spaceport today.

VINASAT-1 was positioned on Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage during integration activity inside the Final Assembly Building (see photo at right). This Lockheed Martin-built spacecraft is Vietnam's initial telecommunications satellite, and it will ride as the lower passenger in Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack" during the April 18 launch.



Today's activity clears the way for installation of the flight's upper passenger – the Star One C2 satellite for Brazilian operator Star One. The spacecraft was prepared earlier this week for launch, having been mated with Ariane 5's SLYDA dispenser system and encapsulated inside the launcher's payload fairing.

As the final activity is completed on the April 18 mission's Ariane 5, another heavy-lift vehicle continues to take shape inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building for the next dual-satellite flight. The designed-in flexibility at Europe's Spaceport enables such parallel processing of two Ariane 5s, allowing Arianespace to meet its customers' launch timing requirements.

Arianespace is planning a total of seven Ariane 5 flights in 2008 – the busiest year of activity for the workhorse launcher since its commercial introduction in 1999. The first mission of this year was the March 9 flight of an Ariane 5 ES vehicle, which orbited Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle resupply spacecraft for its subsequent docking with the International Space Station.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

April 15, 2008

Arianespace completes final assembly of its second Ariane 5 for 2008

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace’s April 18 dual-payload mission is now complete at Europe’s Spaceport, following the installation of its upper satellite passenger, Star One C2.

This spacecraft joined VINASAT-1, which was installed previously on the Ariane 5 during integration activity in the Final Assembly Building. (The photo at left shows Ariane 5’s payload fairing with Star One C2 being lowered over VINASAT-1).



For its second launch of 2008, the Ariane 5 will be carrying a total payload of approximately 7,760 kg. – of which more than 6,730 is the combined mass of Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 at liftoff, with the remaining weight represented by the payload adapters, SYLDA dispenser and other integration hardware.

Star One C2 will be the eighth Brazilian satellite to use the Ariane launcher. It will join the fleet of Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator, and carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders, and 1 X-band transponder. The spacecraft is to provide communications, multimedia and broadband services for South America, and is based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus 3000B3 platform, which will operate from an orbital position of 70 deg. West.

VINASAT-1 was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newton, Pennsylvania for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, and is the first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite. After its deployment by Ariane 5, it will be positioned at an orbital slot of 132 deg. East. The satellite’s payload of 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders will improve the nation’s communication networks infrastructure, removing the dependence on ground networks and allowing all of Vietnam's rural communities and hamlets to be equipped with telephones and televisions.

The upcoming Arianespace mission will be 38th launch of an Ariane 5, and is the second of seven flights planned for the workhorse vehicle in 2008 – the busiest year of activity since Ariane 5’s commercial introduction in 1999.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Hoang Minh Thong, VINASAT program manager for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (at left) joins a group of visiting Vietnamese journalists at the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation building. VINASAT-1 is one of two payloads for Ariane 5's launch on April 18, and will be Vietnam's first telecom satellite.

April 16, 2008

It's a "go" for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of 2008

The second Ariane 5 flight of 2008 was given a green light for its April 18 liftoff following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This review, which is conducted prior to each mission, validated the readiness of Ariane 5, its dual-passenger payload of the Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 satellites, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations.

All is now ready for the Ariane 5's rollout tomorrow from its Final Assembly Building to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone. This will clear the way for a final countdown to Friday's liftoff, which is scheduled at the 7:17 p.m. opening of a 1-hour 7-min. launch window.


The launch readiness review was conducted in Arianespace's Galilée
operations facility at Europe's Spaceport, and brought together all
of the mission's key participants.

Arianespace's April 18 launch will be the 34th commercial flight for Ariane 5. The configuration used for Friday's mission is the launcher's most powerful version – an Ariane 5 ECA. Its total payload delivery performance on this flight is approximately 7,760 kg. – which includes the 4,100-kg. mass of Star One C2 and the 2,637-kg. VINASAT-1, along with integration hardware such as the payload adapters and SYLDA 5 satellite dispenser system.

VINASAT-1 is the mission's lower payload, and is installed inside the 6.4-meter tall SYLDA 5 dispenser. Riding above it is Star One C2, which has been encapsulated in Ariane 5's 17-meter-tall payload fairing.

The VINASAT-1 spacecraft is Vietnam's first telecommunications satellite, and will be positioned at an orbital slot of 132 deg. East after its deployment by Ariane 5. Built by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, VINASAT-1 carries a payload of 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders.

Star One C2 was produced by Thales Alenia Space, and is to be utilized by Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator. It carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders, and 1 X-band transponder, and will be located at an orbital position of 70 deg. West.

As preparations for the April 18 mission are nearing completion in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, another Ariane 5 is taking shape in the nearby Launcher Integration Building. This vehicle also is a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA, and it will carry another dual-satellite payload.

Arianespace is targeting a total of seven missions in 2008, making it the most active year of launches since the vehicle's 1999 commercial introduction. The first Arianespace mission of 2008 was conducted March 9, when an Ariane 5 ES launcher version orbited the no. 1 Automated Transfer Vehicle, which subsequently docked with the International Space Station.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

The Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

Lockheed Martin-Built VINASAT-1 Satellite Ready To Be Launched For Vietnam Posts And Telecommunications Group

NEWTOWN, Pa, April 16th, 2008 -- The VINASAT-1 communications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam, is ready for launch on April 18 aboard an Ariane 5-ECA launch vehicle provided by Arianespace.

VINASAT-1 is based on Lockheed Martin's A2100A spacecraft platform and represents the first satellite system ever procured by the nation of Vietnam. VINASAT-1 features 12 operating Ku Band transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and part of Myanmar. The spacecraft also features 8 C-Band primary transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Southeast Asia, India, Japan and Australia. VINASAT-1 is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years and will be located at orbital slot 132 degrees east.

The turnkey satellite system is expected to improve telecommunications in Vietnam by transmitting radio, television and telephone communications to all corners of the country. The spacecraft will enable state-of-the-art communications, providing the Vietnamese people the opportunity to use multiple new services such as mobile broadcasting, direct- to-home television, video conferencing and data transmission. In addition, VINASAT-1 will improve the nation’s communication networks infrastructure by removing dependence on ground networks and allowing 100% of Vietnam's rural communities to be equipped with telephones and televisions.

In addition to VNPT, Lockheed Martin has delivered 18 spacecraft to Asian customers, including eight A2100 satellites. The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft’s design accommodates a large range of communication payloads. This design modularity also enables the A2100 spacecraft to be configured for missions other than communication. The A2100 design is currently being adapted for geostationary earth orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions and is currently the baselined platform for Lockheed Martin’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) proposal. The A2100 also serves as the platform for critical government communications programs including Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Mobile User Objective System and is the foundation for Lockheed Martin's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) offering for the U.S. Government.

About VNPT Group
VNPT Group (_www.vnpt.com.vn) of Vietnam is tasked with the exploration, consultation, design, installation and maintenance of telecommunications and information technology for the nation of Vietnam. VNPT has organized multiple major business ventures in primarily the posts, information technology and telecommunications sectors. By mobilizing all economic segments of the nation of Vietnam, VNPT will modernize the nation’s technological infrastructure by implementing high-speed, high-capacity and high-quality telecommunications systems.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems is a unit of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Nguyen Hong Thao, +84 4 9436494; e-mail, thaonh@vnpt.com.vn

Dee Valleras, +1 215 497 4185; e-mail, dee.valleras@lmco.com



Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release

April 17, 2008

Ariane 5 is on the launch pad for its April 18 liftoff

Arianespace today rolled out the Ariane 5 for its second mission of 2008, clearing the way for a final countdown to its liftoff tomorrow evening with the Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 telecommunications satellites.

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA emerged from its Final Assembly Building at 10:45 a.m., and arrived in the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone at 12:00 noon.



This transfer utilized a 2.8-km. section of the dual-rail system that links the Spaceport's major launch infrastructure elements. The Ariane 5 rode atop one of two mobile launch tables developed for the workhorse vehicle.

Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 will be deployed during the Ariane 5's 31-minute-long flight, with liftoff from French Guiana scheduled at the 7:17 p.m. opening of a 1-hour, 7-min. launch window.

Today's Ariane 5 rollout opens the Final Assembly Building for the arrival of another Ariane 5 ECA vehicle, which currently is completing its build-up in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building.

Arianespace is targeting a total of seven missions in 2008, making this the most active year since the Ariane 5's commercial introduction in 1999. The initial Arianespace flight of 2008 was conducted March 9, when an Ariane 5 ES launcher version orbited the no. 1 Automated Transfer Vehicle for the International Space Station.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

April 18, 2008

Final countdown underway for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of 2008

The final fueling process for Ariane 5 is underway as the countdown continues for this evening's liftoff from Europe's Spaceport with a dual satellite payload for Brazil and Vietnam.

Fueling of the heavy-lift launcher's cryogenic upper stage began approximately five hours before the start of a 1-hour, 7-min. launch window, which will open at 7:17 p.m. local time in French Guiana.



This will be Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of 2008, and it is to deploy Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 during a 31-min. flight.

Star One C2 is the upper passenger on today's flight, and will be released approximately 26 minutes after liftoff. The spacecraft was built by Europe's Thales Alenia Space, and will be used by Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator. With a liftoff mass of 4,100 kg., it carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders and 1 X-band transponder.

VINASAT-1 is the lower passenger in the Ariane 5 payload "stack," and will be separated from the launcher 31 minutes into the mission. Built by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, VINASAT-1 is Vietnam's first telecommunications satellite, and is configured with a payload of 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders. It will be operated by the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, and has a liftoff weight of 2,637 kg.



Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

April 18, 2008

Ariane 5 orbits Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 on its 24th consecutive successful launch

Arianespace tonight launched telecommunications satellites for Brazil and Vietnam on the 24th consecutive mission success of Ariane 5 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA deployed Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 into geostationary transfer orbit during a 31-minute mission, which began with an on-time liftoff from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone at 7:17 p.m. local time.


The Ariane 5 delivered its Star One C2 and
VINASAT-1 payloads into a highly accurate
geostationary transfer orbit.

This is the second of seven flights planned in 2008 with the workhorse Ariane 5 as Arianespace delivers on its Service & Solutions commitment to the company’s international customers.

"Ariane 5's new success tonight further strengthens Arianespace's no. 1 position worldwide," said Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall after the mission. "This did not happen by chance – it is the result of our strategy to perform dual-payload missions with the same launcher configuration every time: the Ariane 5 ECA. It's a winning strategy that allows the match-up [of payloads] for successful launches, on time, which is what our clients want."

Le Gall noted that as Ariane 5's mission rate continues to accelerate at Europe's Spaceport, the vehicle will soon be complemented by operations of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega launchers from French Guiana.


Ariane 5 made an on-time liftoff from
Europe Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone in
French Guiana

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Arianespace Press Release


Kourou, April 18, 2008

Arianespace orbits Star One C2 and VINASAT-1: Second successful launch in 2008

On Friday evening, April 18, Arianespace boosted two communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO): Star One C2 for Brazilian operator Star One, as part of a turnkey contract with Thales Alenia Space, and VINASATt-1, built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) for operator Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (VNPT).

38th Ariane 5 launch, 24th success in a row

The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the second in 2008, comes just five weeks after the flawless launch of the Jules Verne ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) to the International Space Station. It confirms that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions continue to set the standard and guarantee independent access to space for all stakeholders, whether national or international space agencies, private or government operators.

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.

A boost for a new customer

Arianespace is particularly proud of being selected to launch VINASAT-1, Vietnam's first communications satellite. Through VINASAT-1, the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) will be able to offer a wide range of telecommunications services across the country.

VINASAT-1 is the 39th Lockheed Martin platform to be launched by Arianespace.

Long-standing customers and partners

Star One C2 is the eighth Brazilian satellite to use the European launcher. Star One is the largest regional satellite service operator in Latin America.

Arianespace and Thales Alenia Space have established relations of mutual trust that reach back many years. Arianespace has launched nearly two-thirds of all satellites built by Thales Alenia Space to date. Star One C2 is the 52nd platform built by Thales Alenia Space to be launched by Europe's Ariane rocket.

Star One C2/VINASAT-1 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 Friday, April 18, at 7:17 pm local time in Kourou (7:17 pm in Rio de Janeiro, 22:17 UTC, and on Saturday, April 19 at 12:17 am in Paris, and 5:17 am in Hanoi).

Provisional parameters at injection of the cryogenic upper stage (ESC-A) were:
Perigee: 249.6 km for a target of 249.7 km (±4)
Apogee: 35,928 km for a target of 35,928 km (±240)
Inclination: 2.00 degrees for a target of 2.00 degrees (±0.06°)

The Star One C2 satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space in a turnkey contract with Brazilian operator Star One. Based on a Spacebus 3000 B3 platform, the satellite weighed 4,100 kg at launch. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 70 degrees West. Star One C2 is fitted with 28 C-band, 16 Ku-band and one X-band transponder, and is designed to provide communications, multimedia and broadband Internet services for South America.

VINASAT-1, weighing 2,600 kg at launch, was built by LMCSS in Newton, Pennsylvania, using an A2100A platform. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 132 degrees East, and offers a design life exceeding 15 years. Fitted with 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders, VINASAT-1 is designed to provide radio, television and telephone transmission services throughout Vietnam and Asia countries.

Source: Arianespace Press Release

April 18, 2008

Ariane 5’s dual-payload success: a photo report

Ariane 5’s April 18 mission with Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 continued the string of consecutive successes for Arianespace’s workhorse launcher at the service of customers around the world.

The flight was performed from Europe’s Spaceport, where our photo report provides a look at activity from Ariane 5’s rollout on April 17 to its on-time liftoff April 18. (Click on the images for a larger version).




This image, taken from an upper level of the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, shows a portion of Ariane 5’s payload fairing and provides a view of the dual-rail track leading to the ELA-3 launch zone. The Spaceport’s launch infrastructure flexibility allows two Ariane 5s to be prepared in parallel – one in the Final Assembly Building, and the other in the nearby Launcher Integration Building.



The Ariane 5 is ready for its rollout from the Final Assembly Building during the morning hours of April 17. The vehicle is installed on one of two mobile launch tables used for Ariane 5 missions, which is moved by a special-purpose tug vehicle at a speed of approximately 4 km./hr.



Ariane 5 is poised for liftoff from the ELA-3 launch zone. Surrounding the launcher are four large towers that provide protection from possible lightning strikes. Also visible is the network of pipes that deliver a water deluge to the launch pad for acoustic damping during the Ariane 5's propulsion system startup and liftoff.



Two propellant feed arms provide liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to the Ariane 5 ECA’s cryogenic upper stage. These arms are retracted several seconds prior to the ignition of Ariane 5’s main engine and the launcher’s two solid rocket boosters.



The April 18 dual-satellite mission used a 17-meter-tall payload fairing to protect the Star One C2 upper payload during initial climbout, while the VINASAT-1 lower payload was installed inside a 6.4-meter tall SYLDA 5 payload dispenser.



Arianespace’s nighttime liftoff is reflected along the French Guiana shores as Ariane 5 ascends on the power of its cryogenic main engine and two solid rocket boosters. The Spaceport’s location close to the equator is ideally situated for missions into geostationary orbit.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates