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Waspie_Dwarf

Jan 24 2007, 11:27 AM

First Ariane Mission of 2007

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January 11, 2007

The Skynet 5A military communications satellite arrives for Arianespace's first Ariane 5 mission in 2007

The initial payload for Arianespace's first launch of 2007 arrived in French Guiana this week, with the touchdown of the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A satellite at Rochambeau International Airport near Cayenne.

A Ukrainian-built An-124 cargo jetliner flew the military communications platform from Europe, where Skynet 5A was built by EADS Astrium. After its landing at Rochambeau airport, the spacecraft was unloaded for its transfer by road to the Spaceport.

Skynet 5A is the first in a series of next-generation military relay satellites that will provide secure communications services for the British armed forces, NATO and a number of other countries. It will be operated for the U.K. Ministry of Defence by Paradigm Secure Communications, a commercial organization.

EADS Astrium has contracted to orbit the Skynet 5A, 5B and 5C spacecraft on Ariane 5, reinforcing Arianespace's role as the launch services provider of choice for a growing number of manufacturers and operators of military satellites.

As Skynet 5A begins its checkout process at the Spaceport, the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's initial flight of 2007 is now taking shape at the launch site. This upcoming mission will be another dual-satellite flight, with Skynet 5A being joined on the heavy-lift vehicle by India's INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite.

As announced earlier this week by Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, the company foresees launching six Ariane 5s in 2007, along with three Soyuz vehicles operated by its Starsem affiliate from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Jan 24 2007, 11:38 AM

January 22, 2007

Skynet 5A is installed on the payload interface adapter for its upcoming Ariane 5 launch

The first in a series of new-generation secure military communications satellites has made initial contact with Ariane 5 hardware as pre-launch preparations continue with the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A spacecraft at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Built by EADS Astrium, Skynet 5A is one of two payloads to be orbited by the first Arianespace heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2007. It was installed on the cone-shape payload adapter structure that serves as the satellite's interface with Ariane 5 (see photo above).

EADS Astrium selected Ariane 5 to orbit all three Skynet 5-series satellites, underscoring the vehicle's role as a launcher of choice for a growing number of government and military payloads.

Skynet 5 spacecraft are to provide secure communications services for the British armed forces, NATO and a number of other countries. Their design is based on the new high-power E3000 variant of EADS Astrium's proven Eurostar satellite bus, which has accumulated over 200 years operational life. Each Skynet 5 will have a launch mass of approximately 5 metric tons, and is to operate with a payload power of 5 kW - which is up to 4 times more than the previous-generation Skynet 4 satellites.

The Skynet 5 platforms will be operated for the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence by Paradigm Secure Communications Limited, a commercial organization that is a wholly-owned EADS SPACE Services subsidiary

For Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 launch, Skynet 5A will be joined by India's INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite on the dual-payload mission. The mission - Arianespace's first in 2007 - is scheduled for early March.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Feb 2 2007, 01:13 AM

February 1, 2007

The second satellite for Ariane 5’s next mission is delivered to the Spaceport

Payload preparations for Arianespace’s upcoming heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight are in full stride following the arrival of India’s INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite at Europe’s Spaceport this week.

INSAT 4B’s protective shipping container is opened
inside the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation building.

INSAT 4B was delivered to French Guiana by an Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner, which landed yesterday at Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne. The spacecraft then traveled to the Spaceport by road, and was removed from its protective shipping container inside the large S5 payload preparation building.

The Indian technical team for INSAT 4B also has come to French Guiana, where its members will perform the satellite’s final checkout process. Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), INSAT 4B carries 12 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders, and it will join one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in operation over the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the second in India’s INSAT 4 series of relay platforms, and follows the INSAT 4A spacecraft – which was launched by Arianespace in December 2005 aboard another dual-payload Ariane 5 flight.

Accompanying INSAT 4B on the upcoming Ariane 5 mission is the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A secure military communications satellite, which is well advanced in its pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 with Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B is targeted for March 9, kicking off another active year of Arianespace commercial space launch missions.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Feb 8 2007, 03:27 AM

February 7, 2007

INSAT 4B "reaches out" at the Spaceport

Preparations for INSAT 4B's upcoming launch on Ariane 5 included deployment tests for the Indian telecommunication satellite's antennas at Europe's Spaceport this week.

As detailed in the images above, these tests validated the antenna opening sequence - providing a final pre-launch check of the process before INSAT 4B is encapsulated in Ariane 5's payload fairing. (Click on the images for a larger version).

INSAT 4B is equipped with a pair of transmit/receive antennas, which are installed on opposite sides of the cuboid-shaped spacecraft bus. One will handle the satellite's Ku-band relay duties, while the other is to accommodate its C-band services.

Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation, INSAT 4B is the second in India's INSAT 4 series of relay platforms. It follows INSAT 4A, which was launched by Ariane 5 in December 2005.

Arianespace has targeted March 9 for the upcoming liftoff of INSAT 4B, which will be orbited along with the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A secure military communications satellite.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Feb 15 2007, 03:40 PM

February 14, 2007

Solar panel deployment for INSAT 4B is tested at the Spaceport

The solar panel deployment sequence for India's INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite was validated today during a full-scale test at Europe's Spaceport.

This test used an overhead latticework that helped support the solar panel's weight - simulating zero gravity conditions of space. The panel was allowed to open to its full length, confirming the correct extension process. Today's evaluation was performed in the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility, and is detailed in the photo series above. (Click on the individual images for a larger version).

INSAT 4B has two deployable solar panels, which will give the satellite a 15.16-meter span when they are extended to their full length in orbit. The panels are designed to generate 5.5 kW of electrical power, the highest so far for India's family of telecommunications satellites.

Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, INSAT 4B is the second in the INSAT 4 series of relay platforms to be launched by Ariane 5. It follows the INSAT 4A payload - which was orbited in December 2005.

Both INSAT 4 satellites are identical, carrying 12 Ku-band transponders to meet the requirement of direct-to-home (DTH) television services, plus 12 C-band transponders to augment the INSAT system's capacity for communication and DTH services.

The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is a joint venture of the country's Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, Meteorological Department, All India Radio and Doordarshan. Established in 1983, INSAT is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia/Pacific region.

INSAT 4B is scheduled to be launched March 9 on a dual-payload Ariane 5 mission that also will carry the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A secure military communications satellite.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Feb 23 2007, 03:05 AM

February 22, 2007

Ariane 5 is ready for its dual-satellite payload

The heavy-lift launch vehicle for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission has moved to the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport, where it will be fitted with its dual-satellite payload.

This milestone marks the completion of Ariane 5's basic build-up, which began January 4 in the Launcher Integration Building. Rollout of the Ariane 5 to the final assembly facility occurred on February 20, when the vehicle was transferred along a 2.5-km. semi-circular rail line.

Our photo series (above) details the rollout process as the Ariane 5 rides atop its massive mobile launch table – which is one of two in service at the Spaceport for the heavy-lift vehicle.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is scheduled for the evening of March 9. It will be the Ariane launcher family's 175th mission – and the 31st for Ariane 5. The flight will carry India's INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite, along with the Skynet 5A secure military communications relay platform for the United Kingdom.

Arianespace's upcoming launch is to kick off a busy year for the company, which is targeting six heavy-lift Ariane 5 missions in 2007, along with three medium-class Soyuz launches by its Starsem affiliate.

Payload lift performance for the Ariane 5 will be 8,700 kg., of which 7,785 kg. is the combined mass of INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A. The remaining mass includes the satellite payload adapters and Ariane 5's multiple deployment system, which enables the launcher to perform its trademark dual-spacecraft launches.

The March 9 mission's liftoff is set at the opening of a 33-minute launch widow, which is detailed below:

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Feb 28 2007, 01:57 AM

February 27, 2007

India's INSAT 4B is fueled for launch on Ariane 5

The INSAT 4B telecommunications satellite has completed its fueling process, marking another key step in preparations for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission.

Fueling of the Indian telecommunications satellite was carried out in the S5A hall of Europe Spaceport's large S5 payload preparation facility.

Both the INSAT 4B and its mission co-passenger - the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A satellite - are undergoing their final checkout in the S5 facility's multiple clean rooms.

INSAT 4B is equipped with a 440-Newton liquid apogee motor, which will raise the satellite to geostationary orbit after its deployment by Ariane 5. The apogee motor uses Mono Methyl Hydrazine (MMH) as fuel and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON-3) as oxidizer.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 with INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A is planned for March 9 during a 33-minute nighttime launch window.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 5 2007, 11:08 PM

March 5, 2007

INSAT 4B is installed on its Ariane 5 launcher

Preparations for Arianespace's upcoming heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission are moving into their final phase as its dual-satellite payload is integrated on the launch vehicle at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

This activity began on Saturday, March 3 when INSAT 4B was installed atop the Ariane 5. With the Indian telecommunications satellite now mated to the launcher, all is ready for integration of the second payload, the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A military communications satellite.

Our photo series, below, details INSAT 4B's integration process on Ariane 5 (click on the images for a larger version):

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INSAT 4B is hoisted upward from the satellite preparation area inside Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building for its installation atop the launch vehicle. This underside view shows the 440-Newton liquid apogee motor on the 3,028 kg. satellite, along with its solar panels and two reflectors for C-band and Ku-band communications.

The Indian satellite reaches the upper level of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building. Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation, INSAT 4B is equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders for relay coverage over the Indian mainland, along with 12 C-band transponders for a coverage footprint that extends from India over regions to the northwest and southeast.

Launch team members watch as INSAT 4B is lowered for its mating to the Ariane 5, whose upper portion is surrounded by access scaffolding. INSAT 4B is riding in the lower passenger on the upcoming heavy-lift mission, and will be released following Ariane 5's deployment of the Skynet 5A satellite. Skynet 5A will be installed over INSAT 4B utilizing Ariane 5's Sylda 5 dual satellite deployment system.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 8 2007, 05:33 AM

March 6, 2007

Ariane 5 is ready for launch with its Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B dual-satellite payload

Arianespace has completed integration of its dual satellite payload for the upcoming Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission, clearing the way for the launch vehicle's roll-out later this week at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Our picture series, above, details the final installation steps, in which the United Kingdom's Skynet 5A spacecraft was positioned atop India's INSAT 4B to create the payload "stack."

In the photo at left, the payload fairing containing Skynet 5A is hoisted from the encapsulation hall area of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building. It is lifted by an overhead crane, which carries the payload through an opening in the hall's ceiling - providing access to the launcher.

In the next image, the payload fairing with Skynet 5A nears the end of its upward climb inside the Final Assembly Building, and is ready to be brought forward for installation over INSAT 4B, which is visible atop the Ariane 5.

The two photos at right show the payload fairing/Skynet 5A combination being lowered over the INSAT 4B to complete the integration process.

Skynet 5A has a liftoff mass of approximately 4,700 kg., and will provide secure communications for the British armed forces, NATO nations and other countries. Built by Astrium, it will be operated by the private company Paradigm Secure Communications for Britain's Ministry of Defence.

INSAT 4B weighs approximately 3,000 kg. for launch, and carries a payload of 12 C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders for television/telecommunications coverage over India.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 with INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A is set for Saturday, March 10, at the opening of the following launch window:

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 9 2007, 02:16 AM

March 8, 2007

The go-ahead is given for this weekend's Ariane 5 mission, while preparations begin for Arianespace's subsequent heavy-lift launch

Mission activity at Europe's Spaceport is in full swing as preparations advance for Arianespace's two upcoming Ariane 5 missions, which will place a total of four commercial payloads into orbit.

Ariane 5's large cryogenic core stage is
erected inside the Launcher Integration
Building at Europe's Spaceport. This
marks the initial preparatory step for
Arianespace's newest mission campaign.

In parallel action at the Spaceport, the green light was given today for the liftoff of an Ariane 5 on Saturday (March 10) with the INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A payloads, while several kilometers away, another Ariane 5 began taking shape for Arianespace's subsequent dual-satellite mission.

Approval for the March 10 flight was given this afternoon following a successful completion of the Launch Readiness Review, which is one of the final milestones in preparations for every Ariane mission. The review brought together all players involved in the mission, and validated the readiness of the Ariane 5, its dual-satellite payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport and the network of ground tracking stations.

With the go-ahead, Ariane 5 is now cleared for its rollout tomorrow to the ELA-3 launch zone, where the final countdown will begin for a planned liftoff at 7:25 p.m. local time on March 10.

The mission will mark the 175th launch of an Ariane family vehicle, and it will kick off Arianespace's busy 2007 flight schedule.

As this Ariane 5 was being readied for rollout from the Final Assembly Building, a second Ariane 5 began its build-up process approximately two kilometers away in the Launcher Integration Building. The second launch vehicle arrived in French Guiana on March 6, and the erection of its cryogenic core stage the following day officially initiated the new launch campaign.

The Ariane launch system is designed specifically for such rapid-paced mission activity. It is supported by a sustained production rate for Ariane 5, and is backed up by the multiple-mission preparation flow at Europe's Spaceport (which includes the separate launch vehicle integration and final assembly buildings, two fully operational mobile launch tables, and clean room facilities capable of processing six satellites simultaneously).

Arianespace is targeting six Ariane 5 launches for 2007. Its Ariane 5 mission rate will accelerate to a stabilized capability of eight per year from 2009, providing approximately 16 payload slots annually for the customers of Arianespace.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

See also: Second Ariane Mission of 2007

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 10 2007, 03:48 AM

March 8, 2007

Ariane 5 rolls out to the launch pad for its dual-payload mission

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's first heavy-lift mission of 2007 is now on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport, clearing the way for tomorrow evening's liftoff with a dual-satellite payload that will serve India and the United Kingdom.

Rollout of the Ariane 5 occurred this afternoon when the vehicle left the Final Assembly Building for its 2.8-km. transfer to the ELA-3 launch zone.

The Ariane 5's liftoff is scheduled during a 33-minute launch window that opens at 7:25 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Passengers for this flight are India's INSAT 4B, which will provide television and telecommunication relay services over India, and the Skynet 5A secure relay platform for the British Ministry of Defence.

Payload lift performance for the Ariane 5 mission is approximately 8,600 kg., of which 7,785 kg. is the combined mass of INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A. The remaining weight includes payload adapters for the satellites, as well as Ariane 5's multiple deployment system - which enables the launcher to perform its trademark dual-spacecraft launches.

INSAT 4B was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and is the second INSAT 4-series relay platform to be launched by Ariane 5. Equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders, it follows the INSAT 4A payload that was orbited by Arianespace in December 2005.

Skynet 5A is the first in a series of next-generation military relay satellites built to provide secure communications services for the British armed forces, NATO and allied countries. It was built by EADS Astrium and is to be operated for the U.K. Ministry of Defence by Paradigm Secure Communications, a commercial organization.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 10 2007, 03:53 AM

INSAT-4B Ready for Launch on March 11, 2007

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) press release is reproduced below:

March 8, 2007

Preparations are in final stages for the launch of ISRO's latest satellite, INSAT-4B, on board Ariane-5 ECA launch vehicle from Kourou, French Guyana. The launch window for the Ariane-5, carrying INSAT-4B and its co-passenger, Skynet 5A, of EADS Astrium, is fixed between 03:55 am and 04:28 am Indian Standard Time on March 11, 2007. INSAT-4B

linked-image

INSAT-4B is the second satellite to be launched in the INSAT-4 series. INSAT-4B carries 12 high power Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders to augment the capacity for Direct-To-Home (DTH) television services apart from augmenting the INSAT capacity for other communication and television services.

The Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka is in readiness to take control of INSAT-4B soon after Ariane-5 places it in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) of 250 km x 35,886 km. In the following days after launch, MCF will conduct orbit raising manoeuvres to take the satellite into the final 36,000 km circular Geosynchronous Orbit followed by deployment of solar arrays and antennas. INSAT-4B will be positioned at 93.5 degree East longitude along with INSAT-3A. This will be followed by in-orbit test of the communication payloads. MCF will also carry out regular operations and control of the satellite during its service life.

Source: ISRO Press Release

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 10 2007, 10:31 PM

March 10, 2007

Arianespace's first mission of 2007: final countdown underway

The kick-off mission for Arianespace's busy 2007 launch schedule with Ariane 5 is set for launch this evening from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

This view, which looks upward from the launch table, shows the liquid oxygen/
hydrogen feed arms for Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage.

Its final countdown began in the morning, followed by the startup of main cryogenic stage fueling with liquid oxygen and hydrogen at approximately five hours before liftoff.

This heavy-lift launch will be another dual passenger mission for Ariane 5, carrying India's INSAT 4B, along with Skynet 5A for the United Kingdom.

The flight profile calls for Skynet 5A - which is riding in the upper payload position - to be separated at 26 min. into the mission, followed four minutes later by the deployment of INSAT 4B.

The Ariane 5's payload lift performance for today's mission is approximately 8,600 kg., of which 7,785 kg. represents the combined mass of INSAT 4B and Skynet 5A. The remaining weight includes payload adapters for the satellites, as well as the elements for Ariane 5's Sylda 5 multiple deployment system.

Arianespace plans to perform six Ariane 5 launches in 2007. The mission rate for Ariane 5 is accelerating to a stabilized capability of eight per year from 2009, which will provide approximately 16 payload slots annually for customer satellites.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 10 2007, 10:42 PM

March 10, 2007

Arianespace's first mission for 2007: launch hold

A short launch hold has been instituted for tonight's Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission.

This hold – which is estimated at approximately 15 minutes – was called to reverify the status of the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport.

The launch window for tonight's mission has a 33-minute duration.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 10 2007, 11:31 PM

March 10, 2007

Ariane 5 launch: mission postponed

Tonight's Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission has been postponed to validate the proper operation of a launch pad water deluge system at Europe Spaceport's ELA-3 launch site.

This deluge system provides a high-volume flow of water for launch pad acoustic damping and temperature control during Ariane 5's engine ignition and liftoff.

The countdown was stopped before the scheduled 7:25 p.m. liftoff to verify sensor readings concerning the water deluge system's operational sequence. Ariane 5 and its dual-satellite payload of Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B were immediately placed in the safe mode.

Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said the launch is expected to be rescheduled for tomorrow evening.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 11 2007, 09:38 PM

March 11, 2007

Countdown resumes for the Ariane 5 launch with Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B

Countdown operations for Arianespace's launch with the Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B satellites resumed today at Kourou, French Guiana with the chill-down of cryogenic fueling lines for the launch vehicle.

The mission is now planned during the night of March 11-12 at the start of a launch window that opens at 22h03 GMT on March 11 (19h03 at Kourou; 5:03 p.m. at Washington, D.C.; 23h03 in Paris, France; and 3:33 a.m. in Bangalore, India on March 12).

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 11 2007, 10:07 PM

March 11, 2007

Arianespace launch with Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B: Liftoff!

The Ariane 5 with the two satellite passengers has lifted off on Arianespace's first mission of 2007.

Payloads for this heavy-lift mission are Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B.

The profile for today's launch calls for Skynet 5A to be delployed at 26 minutes into the mission, followed four minutes later by INSAT 4B.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 11 2007, 10:51 PM

March 11, 2007

Arianespace begins its 2007 mission activity with a successful dual-payload launch

Ariane 5 underscored its mission capability and operational maturity with tonight's successful dual-passenger mission, which placed the Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.

linked-image

The March 11 mission was Ariane 5's
31st liftoff from the Spaceport and
the launch vehicle's 17th consecutive
success.

The on-target flight was another Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission carrying two passengers: a unique capability among launch vehicles in the commercial marketplace. Skynet 5A weighed in at approximately 4,700 kg. at liftoff, while INSAT 4B had a launch mass of about 3,000 kg.

Skynet 5A is the first in a series of next-generation secure military relay satellites that will serve British armed forces, NATO and allied countries, and it is the fifth launched for the U.K. Ministry of Defence by Arianespace. The EADS Astrium-built Skynet 5A is to be operated by Paradigm Secure Communications, a commercial organization.

Le Gall noted that Ariane vehicles have orbited a total of 26 military payloads to date, ensuring European autonomy in telecommunications, Earth observation/reconnaissance, navigation and intelligence. Two additional Skynet 5-series satellites are part of Arianespace's backlog for future launches.

INSAT 4B was the 13th satellite launched by Ariane for the Indian Space Research Organisation in a cooperation that dates back to 1981. The INSAT 4B will be dedicated to television and telecommunications services, carrying 12 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders for coverage primarily over the Indian sub-continent.

Tonight's mission is the first of six Ariane 5 flights planned in 2007 by Arianespace. The company is building up to a stabilized rate of eight Ariane 5 missions annually by 2009.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 12 2007, 02:35 AM

The March 11 mission was Ariane 5's
31st liftoff from the Spaceport and
the launch vehicle's 17th consecutive
success.

Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 deployed Skynet 5A at 26 minutes into the mission, followed four minutes later by INSAT 4B.

"With this first launch of the year 2007, Arianespace has once again demonstrated its leadership," said CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. "The satisfaction of every customer is our keyword, offering the best possible Service & Solutions to each one."

The on-target flight was another Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission carrying two passengers: a unique capability among launch vehicles in the commercial marketplace. Skynet 5A weighed in at approximately 4,700 kg. at liftoff, while INSAT 4B had a launch mass of about 3,000 kg.

Skynet 5A is the first in a series of next-generation secure military relay satellites that will serve British armed forces, NATO and allied countries – and it is the fifth launched for the U.K. Ministry of Defence by Arianespace. The EADS Astrium-built Skynet 5A is to be operated by Paradigm Secure Communications, a commercial organization.

Le Gall noted that Ariane vehicles have orbited a total of 26 military payloads to date, ensuring European autonomy in telecommunications, Earth observation/reconnaissance, navigation and intelligence. Two additional Skynet 5-series satellites are part of Arianespace's backlog for future launches.

INSAT 4B was the 13th satellite launched by Ariane for the Indian Space Research Organisation in a cooperation that dates back to 1981. The INSAT 4B will be dedicated to television and telecommunications services, carrying 12 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders for coverage primarily over the Indian sub-continent.

Ariane 5 and Soyuz missions are planned for May

Tonight's mission is the first of six Ariane 5 flights planned in 2007 by Arianespace. The company is building up to a stabilized rate of eight Ariane 5 missions annually by 2009.

"As you know, we have – together with our industrial partners – been working very hard to increase our launch regularity and our launch rate, with the target of reaching the eight Ariane 5 launches per year in 2009," Le Gall said. "Tonight's launch shows that we are on the right track."

Le Gall also announced Arianespace's next Ariane 5 launch from Europe's Spaceport: a dual-payload flight in early May with Astra 1L for SES Astra and Galaxy 17 for Intelsat.

In addition, Arianespace's Starsem affiliate has scheduled a launch in May that will use a Soyuz vehicle to carry a cluster of four Globalstar constellation satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Astrium and ISRO: two highly satisfied customers

Arianespace's two customers served by tonight's Ariane 5 mission expressed their thanks for the accurate in-orbit delivery of their Skynet 5A and INSAT 4B spacecraft.

François Auque, CEO of Astrium, noted his company had a major stake in this launch. In addition producing Skynet 5A and being the satellite's operator (via the Astrium Services subsidiary, Paradigm Secure Communications), Astrium also is the industrial prime contractor for Ariane 5.

"You don't change when you have a winning team," Auque said in comments following the successful mission. "When you have a launch as important as one tonight, it represents a major 'bet' – and when you are with Ariane, it is a very logical 'bet' to have."

G Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, congratulated the Ariane team for delivering INSAT 4B into an excellent orbit. The accuracy was confirmed by India's master control facility in Hassan with telemetry received from the spacecraft immediately after its separation from Ariane 5.

"Ariane's precise launch has once again proved that it can do the job, giving an orbit with textbook precision," Nair added. "My heartiest congratulations to you."

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 12 2007, 06:17 PM

March 11, 2007

Successful dual launch for Arianespace: Skynet 5A and Insat 4B in orbit

On Sunday evening, March 11, Arianespace placed two satellites into geostationary transfer orbit: the military communications satellite Skynet 5A for the British Ministry of Defense (MoD), and the civil communications satellite Insat 4B for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

31st Ariane 5 launch, 17th success in a row

The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the first in 2007, confirms that Arianespace's Services & Solutions best meet the needs of both private and governmental operators around the world.

Arianespace continues to set the launch service standard for all telecom operators worldwide, whether military or civil.

Today, Ariane 5 is the only commercial launcher in service capable of simultaneously launching two payloads.

Civil and military communications payloads

The launch of Skynet 5A reflects the strategic role played by Arianespace, which guarantees independent access to space for European governments. Skynet 5A is the 26th military payload entrusted to the European launcher. Ariane had already orbited the Skynet 4B, 4C, 4E and 4F satellites for the British MoD and NATO. Arianespace has two more MoD satellites in its launch backlog, Skynet 5B and Skynet 5C.

Insat 4B is the 13th ISRO satellite to use the European launcher. Since the launch of the experimental satellite Apple on Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited a dozen Indian satellites.

Skynet 5A/Insat 4B 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 Sunday, March 11, at 7:03 pm local time in Kourou (5:03 pm in Washington, DC, 22:03 UT, 11:03 pm in Paris, and on Monday, March 12 at 3:33 am in Bangalore).

Provisional parameters at injection of the cryogenic upper stage (ESC-A) were:
Perigee: 249.8 km for a target of 250.0 km (±3)
Apogee: 35,952 km for a target of 35,970 km (±160)
Inclination: 4.5 degrees for a target of 4.5 degrees (±0.06°)

Skynet 5A is being orbited on behalf of EADS Astrium, which is delivering the satellite in orbit for the private company Paradigm. The company Paradigm Secure Communications will offer secure communications services for the British armed forces, NATO and other countries. Built by EADS Astrium Ltd. in Stevenage, United Kingdom, the Skynet 5A satellite weighed about 4,700 kg at launch.

Insat 4B is dedicated to television and telecommunications services, with 12 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders. It primarily covers the Indian sub-continent. Designed, assembled and integrated by the Indian Space Research Organization in Bangalore, Insat 4B weighed about 3,000 kg at launch

Source: Arianespace Press Release

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 12 2007, 06:27 PM

INSAT-4B Launched Successfully

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) press release is reproduced below:

March 12, 2007

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SRO's latest satellite, INSAT-4B, was successfully launched early this morning (March 12, 2007) by the European Ariane-5 ECA launch vehicle of Arianespace. The 3,025 kg INSAT-4B is the second satellite in the INSAT-4 series. An identical satellite, INSAT-4A, was launched by Ariane-5 on December 22, 2005.

With 12 high power Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders, INSAT-4B will further augment the INSAT capacity for Direct-To-Home (DTH) television services and other communication and TV services.

The 31st flight in Ariane-5 series, carrying ISRO's INSAT-4B and its co-passenger, Skynet-5A of EADS Astrium, lifted off at 03:33 am Indian Standard Time (IST) from Kourou, French Guyana. About 30 minutes after lift-off, INSAT-4B was placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in 3-axis stabilised mode. INSAT-4B is now orbiting the earth with a perigee (nearest point to earth) of 243 km and an apogee (farthest point to earth) of 35,876 km and an inclination of 4.52 deg with respect to the equator. The orbital period is about 10 hours 34 minutes.

The Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka acquired the first signals from INSAT-4B at 4:02 am IST. The initial checks on the satellite have indicated normal health of the satellite. MCF subsequently issued commands to the satellite to make the earth viewing face to orient towards earth. The calibration of the gyros on board the satellite was also carried out.

INSAT-4B is being tracked, monitored and controlled from MCF. During the initial phase operations, MCF also utilises INMARSAT Organisation's Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) ground stations at Beijing (China), Fucino (Italy) and Lake Cowichan (Canada) besides the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command (ISTRAC) Network station at Biak in Indonesia. The satellite's orbit is being precisely determined by continuous ranging from the participating ground stations.

In the coming days, INSAT-4B will be manoeuvred to its final geostationary orbit, which is about 36,000 km above the equator, by firing its 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM). When the satellite reaches near geosynchronous orbit, deployment of its solar panels and the two antennas will be carried out and the satellite put in its final 3-axis stabilised mode. This will be followed by trim manoeuvres to take the satellite to its designated orbital slot at 93.5 degree East longitude where it will be co-located with INSAT-3A. The payloads will be checked out before the commissioning of the satellite.

INSAT-4B carries the following payloads:

12 Ku- band 36 MHz and 27 MHz usable bandwidth Transponders (9 and 3 numbers respectively) employing 140 W TWTAs to provide an EIRP of 52 dBW over the footprint covering Indian main land.
12 C-band 36 MHz bandwidth transponders employing 63 W TWTA to provide an EIRP 39 dBW with expanded coverage encompassing Indian geographical boundary, area beyond India in southeast and northwest regions.

INSAT-4B measures 15.4 metre with its solar arrays are fully deployed in orbit. The satellite will be 3-axis body stabilised in orbit using earth sensors, momentum and reaction wheels, magnetic torquers and eight 10 Newton and eight 22 Newton Reaction Control Thrusters. The satellite has two solar arrays together generating 5,860 Watt of electrical power backed up by three 100 Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The satellite has two deployable antennas for various transmit and receive functions.

With ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, as the lead Centre, INSAT-4B was realised with major contributions from Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala and Bangalore, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) at Thiruvananthapuram and Laboratory for Electro Optic Sensors at Bangalore. Besides, several industries in both public and private sectors have contributed to the realisation of INSAT-4B. MCF is responsible for initial phase and in-orbit operation of all geostationary satellites of ISRO.

Established in 1983, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) is the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia Pacific Region with nine satellites in operation. It provides services in telecommunication, television broadcasting, meteorology including disaster warning, tele-education and telemedicine. The system has 175 transponders at present for communication services besides meteorological instruments (Very High Resolution Radiometer and Charged Coupled Device (CCD) cameras) for providing meteorological data. With the addition of INSAT-4B, the communication capacity will be further increased to 199 transponders.

Source: ISRO Press Release

Waspie_Dwarf

Mar 12 2007, 06:36 PM

First Ariane 5 launch of 2007

On 11 March 2007, Ariane 5 ECA flight V175 lifts off from
the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana,
carrying Skynet 5A and Insat 4B into geostationary transfer orbit.

Credits: ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE-Service Optique CSG

12 March 2007
On 11 March 2007, 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 V175 took place at 22:03 GMT/UTC (19:03 local time, 23:03 CET/Paris). The satellites were accurately injected into the correct transfer orbits about 30 minutes later.

The payload comprised Skynet 5A, a secure telecommunications satellite for the British armed forces, and Insat 4B, which will provide fixed television and telecommunications services for the Indian subcontinent.

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 2min:19sec after main engine ignition, and the fairing protecting the payload during the climb through the Earth’s atmosphere was discarded at 3min:16sec. The launcher’s main engine was shut down at 8min:58sec and the main cryogenic stage separated from the upper stage and its payload just over nine minutes into the flight.

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On 11 March 2007, Ariane 5 ECA flight V175 climbs away
from the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport in French
Guiana, carrying Skynet 5A and Insat 4B into geostationary
transfer orbit.

Credits: ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE-Service Optique CSG

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 24min:47sec into the flight, at which point the launch vehicle was travelling at over 9330 metres per second (nearly 33 600 km/h) at an altitude of 678.8 kilometres and the conditions for geostationary transfer orbit injection had been achieved.

The provisional orbital parameters at injection were:

perigee: 249.8 km (target 250.0 km ±3.0 km)
apogee: 35 952 km (target 35 970km ±160 km)
inclination: 4.5° (target 4.5° ±0.06°)

At 26min:40sec after main engine ignition, Skynet 5A separated from the launcher, followed by Insat 4B at 31min:02sec.

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

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