Third Ariane of 2006

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After two successes, Arianespace is preparing for the third Ariane 5 launch of the year.

See also: Second Ariane of 2006

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June 13, 2006

The Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission begins its build-up

Preparations have begun for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 ECA mission in 2006, which will once again demonstrate the heavy-lift launcher's mission flexibility. Scheduled for a liftoff this August, the Ariane 5 ECA flight will carry France's Syracuse 3B military relay platform, along with the Japanese JCSAT-10 telecommunications satellite.

The images below show the initial two days of launch campaign activity at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana:

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The Ariane 5 ECA's cryogenic main stage is raised inside the Launcher Integration Building on June 12, marking the official start for the upcoming dual satellite mission. This stage is the core of Ariane 5's propulsion system, and is powered by an increased-thrust Vulcain 2 main engine. Partly visible behind the stage is the mobile launch table on which the Ariane 5 will be assembled.

Both solid rocket boosters for the Ariane 5 were rolled out today from their preparation facility to the Launcher Integration Building, where they will be mated to the cryogenic main stage. The boosters are mounted on pallets that allow them to be integrated on the mobile launch table. Initial climbout thrust for the Ariane 5 is provided by these boosters, which operate along with the cryogenic main stage.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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June 20, 2006

Ariane 5 ECA receives its increased-performance upper stage

Assembly of the Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission marked another milestone today when the launcher received its cryogenic ESC-A upper stage.

This stage, supplied by EADS Space Transportation, is an element of the upgraded propulsion system that provides increased lift capabilities for the Ariane 5 ECA. The ESC-A system is powered by Snecma Moteurs' proven third stage HM-7B cryogenic engine - which provided reliable service during its many years of service on the Ariane 4 launcher version.

In the photo at left, the ESC-A upper stage is hoisted inside the Launcher Integration Building at Europe's Spaceport for installation atop the Ariane 5, which is partly visible in the background. The ESC-A upper stage burns for approximately 16 minutes during the Ariane 5 ECA's mission, and it injects the launcher's payload into orbit.

Satellite passengers for the upcoming Ariane 5 ECA flight - which is scheduled for August - are France's Syracuse 3B new-generation military communications satellite and the JCSAT-10 telecom relay platform.

JCSAT-10 is a hybrid satellite, equipped with Ku-band high-power transponders and C-band medium-power transponders. Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems of the U.S., JCSAT-10 will be located at 128 degrees East longitude and operated by JSAT Corporation of Japan.

Syracuse 3B was produced by Europe's Alcatel Alenia Space for the French DGA defense procurement agency, and will operate in the SHF (super high frequency) and EHF (extremely high frequency) bands. The satellite has been hardened to resist nuclear attack and is to offer significantly enhanced service in terms of data throughput and resistance to countermeasures.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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June 22, 2006

The Ariane 5 ECA completes its initial build-up at Europe's Spaceport

Initial build-up of the Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift launcher for Arianespace's August dual-satellite mission is complete following the integration of its vehicle equipment bay.

The vehicle equipment bay is lowered for its integration atop the Ariane 5 ECA.

The ring-shaped equipment bay, which weighs approximately 950 kg., was positioned atop the Ariane 5 ECA's core stage during activity in the Launcher Integration Building at Europe's Spaceport this week.

With a height of 1.13 meters, the EADS Astrium-built equipment bay contains the flight control unit, telemetry, power distribution systems and other elements for guidance, orientation and sequencing during the Ariane 5's mission. Highly accurate laser gyros included in the guidance system provide Ariane 5 with the most accurate orbital injection of any commercial launch system.

Once the basic integration activities are complete, the Ariane 5 ECA will be ready for its transfer to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, where the dual payload of France's Syracuse 3B military communications satellite and the Japanese JCSAT-10 telecom relay platform will be installed.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA is set for August, and will be Arianespace's third flight of the heavy-lift launcher in 2006.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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July 14, 2006

The JCSAT-10 satellite arrives in French Guiana for its Ariane 5 ECA mission

The second payload for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 ECA dual-satellite mission is now at the Spaceport in French Guiana following this week's arrival of the JCSAT-10 satellite for Japan's JSAT Corporation.

JCSAT-10 is loaded on a flatbed truck for its

transfer from Cayenne's Rochambeau International

Airport to the Spaceport.

This telecommunications relay platform was flown to Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport aboard a Ukrainian-built Antonov An-124 heavy-lift transport, and was subsequently transferred to the Spaceport for pre-launch preparations.

With a liftoff mass of approximately 4,048 kg., JCSAT-10 will provide supply fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan,the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. The spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and will be positioned at 128 degrees East. It carries 30 Ku-band and 12C-band transponders.

JCSAT-10 will be the fifth JSAT Corp. satellite orbited by Ariane, following JCSAT-8 in March 2002, N-SAT-110 in October 2000, JCSAT-5 in December 1997 and JCSAT-1 in March 1989.

The JCSAT-10 spacecraft will be orbited along with the French Syracuse 3B military telecommunications relay platform, underscoring Ariane 5's ability to accommodate dual payloads serving different missions and customers. Syracuse 3B, which currently is undergoing its checkout at the Spaceport, will weigh approximately 3,700 kg. at liftoff, and is to provide secure military communications with its payload of nine SHF (Super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) transponders.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA with JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B is scheduled for an evening launch window on August 11.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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July 18, 2006

JCSAT-10 begins its preparation for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission

JSAT Corporation's JCSAT-10 satellite is now undergoing check-out inside the massive S5 facility at Europe's Spaceport as it is readied for a dual-passenger Ariane 5 ECA launch on August 11. Our photos below show the payload as it is emerges from its shipping container, and during the first "contact" with launcher hardware:

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Under the watchful eye of mission team members, the shipping container that protected JCSAT-10 during its U.S.-French Guiana airlift is opened in the S5C high bay of the Spaceport's S5 facility. JCSAT-10 was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and will have a liftoff mass of 4,048 kg.

JCSAT-10's antenna array and feeds are seen in this photo as the satellite is lowered onto the cone-shape structure that serves as the installation interface with Ariane 5. To be operated by the Tokyo-based JSAT Corporation, JCSAT-10 carries 30 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders for coverage over Japan, Asia-Pacific and Hawaii.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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July 21, 2006

Arianespace transfers another Ariane 5 ECA to the Final Assembly Building for payload integration

Another Ariane 5 ECA is now in the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport as Arianespace prepares for its third mission in 2006 with the versatile heavy-lift launcher.

The vehicle was transferred yesterday from the Launcher Integration building - where its basic assembly was performed - to the Final Assembly Building for the installation of its dual satellite payload.

This upcoming mission will carry the 4,000-kg. JCSAT-10 communications satellite for Japan's JSAT Corporation, along with the French Syracuse 3B military relay platform, which will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 3,700 kg.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA is planned for August 11. The mission follows Arianespace's record-setting Ariane 5 ECA launch on May 27, which carried the Satmex 6 and Thaicom 5 satellites with a record payload weight of 8,200 kg. to geostationary transfer orbit.

This was preceded by the March 11 flight of an Ariane 5 ECA to loft the HOT BIRDTM 7A and SPAINSAT satellites.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Edited July 27, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

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July 25, 2006

Ariane 5 ECA's civil/military satellite mix demonstrates dual-launch flexibility

Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 ECA flight is once again underscoring the company's flexibility to match up a full range of payloads for its trademark dual-satellite launches.

Syracuse 3B is lowered onto the cone-shaped adapter that serves as the payload interface with Ariane 5.

This next mission, scheduled for August 11, will carry France's Syracuse 3B military relay platform, along with the civilian JCSAT-10 telecommunications spacecraft for Japan's JSAT Corporation.

Both satellites currently are undergoing their final check-out in the modern S5 satellite preparation facility at the Spaceport. This massive facility enables multiple spacecraft to be readied at the same time - with the ability to process sensitive satellites such as military payloads under conditions of total security.

Syracuse 3B will have a liftoff mass of approximately 3,700 kg., and is to operate in the SHF (super high frequency) and EHF (extremely high frequency) bands.

Produced by Europe's Alcatel Alenia Space for the French DGA defense procurement agency, the satellite has been hardened to resist nuclear attack and is to offer significantly enhanced service in terms of data throughout and resistance to countermeasures.

Its JCSAT-10 co-passenger is a hybrid satellite that carries Ku-band high-power transponders and C-band medium-power transponders. It was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems of the U.S., and will be located at 128 degrees East longitude for operation by JSAT Corporation.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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July 27, 2006

JSAT Corporation's JCSAT-10 is fueled at the Spaceport

The JCSAT-10 satellite has completed its fueling process, marking another step in the spacecraft's pre-launch checkout for its upcoming Ariane 5 dual payload heavy-lift mission.

JSAT-10's fueling occurred in the S5A hall of the Spaceport's large S5 payload preparation facility, which is designed to allow multiple satellites to be processed in parallel - even during hazardous operations such as fueling. This allowed checkout activities to continue with the Ariane 5 ECA mission's other payload - France's Syracuse 3B military relay platform - in an adjacent hall of the S5 facility.

To be operated by the Tokyo-based JSAT Corporation, JCSAT-10 is to provide supply fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii.

The 4,048-kg. spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and carries 30 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders. After its launch by Ariane 5, the satellite will be will be positioned at 128 degrees East.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA with JSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B remains on schedule for August 11.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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July 31, 2006

Ariane 5's Syracuse 3B military payload completes its fueling process

The second satellite for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission is now ready for launch following its fueling, which was carried out in the S5 spacecraft preparation facility at Europe's Spaceport.

Syracuse 3B was "topped off" in the 400-sq.-meter S5B hall, completing the same process that was performed last week on the mission's other satellite - Japan's JSAT-10 civilian telecom payload.

Produced by Europe's Alcatel Alenia Space, Syracuse 3B will operate with nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) channels - providing secure voice and data transmission. It has been hardened to resist nuclear attack and will offer significantly enhanced service in terms of data throughput and resistance to countermeasures.

Syracuse 3B is based on Alcatel Alenia Space's Spacebus satellite platform, and will have a liftoff mass of 3,725 kg. The satellite is to join France's Syracuse III third-generation military communications system, which boosts the effectiveness of France's defense forces, as well as providing continuous links between the political and military authorities and operating units deployed around the world.

Alcatel Alenia Space is in charge of satellite construction and in-orbit delivery, along with the supply of satellite and mission control centers and extension of the ground station network in France. This work is carried out under contract to the French DGA defense procurement agency

The initial satellite in the Syracuse III system was the Syracuse 3A relay platform, which Ariane 5 orbited in October 2005 on another dual-satellite mission.

With Syracuse 3B's fueling now complete, preparations remain on schedule for an August 11 launch of the heavy-lift Ariane 5.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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August 3, 2006

JCSAT-10 is installed on Ariane 5's SYLDA 5 dispenser

The first integration phase for Ariane 5's two-passenger payload "stack" is complete following the JCSAT-10 satellite's installation on the SYLDA 5 dispenser system.

JCSAT-10 is hoisted for its installation atop the

SYLDA 5 dispenser, which is visible inside a mating

fixture in the background, at left. To its right is the

payload fairing, which will protect the JCSAT-10/

SYLDA 5 combination during launch.

This activity took place inside the Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where the mating process was performed in clean-room conditions.

The SYLDA 5 dispenser is a key element of Ariane 5's multiple payload deployment system. For the upcoming Ariane 5 mission, JCSAT-10 and the SYLDA 5 form the upper component of the payload "stack." Once the combination has been encapsulated in Ariane 5's protective fairing, it will be lowered over Syracuse 3B, which is to be installed on the Ariane 5's central core stage.

Preparations continue on track for the August 11 liftoff of Ariane 5, which is planned at the start of a launch window that opens at 7:15 p.m. and continues through 8:52 p.m. (local time at the Spaceport).

Total mass of the JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B satellites will be approximately 7,800 kg., which is well within the heavy-lift capabilities of Arianespace's Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle.

JCSAT-10 is to be operated by the Tokyo-based JSAT Corporation, providing fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, it carries a mixed Ku-band and C-band relay payload.

The mission's Syracuse 3B satellite is to join the French Syracuse III third-generation military communications system, providing communications with defense forces and improving relay links between the country's political and military authorities and operating units deployed around the world. Syracuse 3B was produced by Alcatel Alenia Space, and is to operate SHF (super high frequency) and EHF (extremely high frequency) relay channels.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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August 9, 2006

It's a "go" for Friday's Ariane 5 dual-satellite launch!

Arianespace's third heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission for 2006 has been given the go-ahead for its August 11 launch following the readiness review conducted today at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The payload fairing with its JCSAT-10 spacecraft

is lowered into place over the Syracuse 3B satellite

– which is installed atop Ariane 5. This photo was

taken in the upper level of the Final Assembly

Building, and is somewhat distorted due to the use

of a wide-angle lens.

This milestone is one of the final key steps in every Ariane launch campaign, and it validates the readiness of the Ariane 5, its satellite payload, the Spaceport's infrastructure and the down-range tracking stations.

With the readiness review's completion, all is ready for tomorrow's rollout of the Ariane 5 from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone. The launcher carries Japan's JCSAT-10 commercial telecommunications satellite in the upper payload position, while the French Syracuse 3B military relay platform is installed in the lower passenger slot.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is set at the opening of a launch window on Friday that runs from 7:15 p.m. (local time in French Guiana) to 8:52 p.m. Deployment of JCSAT-10 will occur at 27 min. into the mission, followed approximately five minutes later by the separation of Syracuse 3B.

JCSAT-10 is to be operated by JSAT Corporation of Tokyo, providing fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and carries a mixed relay payload of 30 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders. JCSAT-10 is based on Lockheed Martin's A 2100 AX satellite bus, and its liftoff mass is approximately 4,050 kg.

The Syracuse 3B satellite is to operate with nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) secure relay channels, joining France's Syracuse III third-generation military communications system. It will provide communications with defense forces and improve relay links between the country's political and military authorities and operating units deployed around the world. Alcatel Alenia Space produced the Syracuse 3B spacecraft, which utilizes the company's Spacebus 4000 B3 satellite bus and has a mass at liftoff of 3,750.

Launch Window

Kourou, French Guiana

Between 07:15 p.m. and 08:52 p.m. on August 11

GMT

Between 10:15 p.m. and 11:52 p.m. on August 11

Paris, France

Between 00:15 a.m. and 01:52 a.m. on August 12

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Between 06:15 p.m. and 07:52 p.m. on August 11

Tokyo, Japan

Between 07:15 a.m. and 08:52 a.m. on August 12

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Edited August 11, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

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August 10, 2006

Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone with its commercial and military satellite passengers

Another heavy-lift Ariane 5 is in the launch zone at Europe's Spaceport as preparations enter their final phase for tomorrow evening's (August 11) liftoff with a mixed payload of commercial and military telecommunications satellites.

The Ariane 5 ECA emerged from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building this morning under mostly sunny French Guiana skies. Riding atop its massive launch table, the vehicle proceeded along a 2.8-km. dual-rail track to the ELA-3 launch zone, and was positioned over the massive flame trenches at noon.

Tomorrow's launch will be Arianespace's third mission of 2006, continuing the series of dual-payload flights performed by heavy-lift Ariane 5s. The launcher is fitted with France's Syracuse 3B military relay platform and the JCSAT-10 commercial telecommunications satellite for Japan.

This mission underscores Arianespace's ability to team up satellites of varied utilizations on efficient dual-passenger launches. Syracuse 3B has a liftoff mass of 3,750 kg., while JCSAT-10 weighs in at approximately 4,050 kg.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is scheduled for a 37-minute launch window tomorrow that opens at 7:15 p.m. (local time in French Guiana). Release of JCSAT-10 - which is installed in the upper payload position - will occur 27 min. into the mission, followed approximately five minutes later by the release of Syracuse 3B.

After its Ariane 5 launch, JCSAT-10 is to be positioned at 128 deg. East, providing fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. To be operated by JSAT Corporation of Tokyo, the satellite carries a mixed relay package of 30 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders.

The Syracuse 3B satellite will occupy an orbital slot at 5 deg. West after its Ariane 5 deployment, and is to become part of France's Syracuse III third-generation military communications system. Equipped with with nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) secure relay channels, it will provide communications with defense forces and upgrade the relay links between French political and military authorities and operating units deployed worldwide.

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The photo series below highlights today’s rollout of the completed Ariane 5. At top, the launcher is ready to leave the Final Assembly Building, where its dual-satellite payload of JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B were integrated. The Ariane 5’s payload fairing is detailed in the second photo, which also provides a partial view of the Spaceport through the Final Assembly Building’s opened doors. Ariane 5 emerges from the building in photo no. 3, and is framed in the sunshine against a partly cloudy sky in the bottom image. The Ariane 5 rides atop its mobile launch table, which includes the umbilical mast with cryogenic propellant feed arms for the increased-performance ESC-A upper stage.

Launch Window

Kourou, French Guiana

Between 07:15 p.m. and 08:52 p.m. on August 11

GMT

Between 10:15 p.m. and 11:52 p.m. on August 11

Paris, France

Between 00:15 a.m. and 01:52 a.m. on August 12

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Between 06:15 p.m. and 07:52 p.m. on August 11

Tokyo, Japan

Between 07:15 a.m. and 08:52 a.m. on August 12

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

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August 11, 2006: Launch day special update

Ariane 5's final countdown is underway for this evening's dual-satellite launch

Arianespace third heavy-lift mission of 2006 has entered its final countdown as preparations continue on schedule for this evening's liftoff with the JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B satellites.

Fueling of the Ariane 5 ECA's cryogenic main stage with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen began during mid-day at the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone as part of the final pre-launch sequence.

Today's mission highlights Arianespace's ability to team up passengers of varied utilizations on efficient dual-passenger launches: the 3,750-kg. Syracuse 3B is a secure military relay platform, while the 4,050-kg. JCSAT-10 is a commercial telecommunications that weighs in at approximately 4,050 kg. satellite.

Ariane 5 is scheduled for liftoff at the start of a 37-minute launch window that opens at 7:15 p.m. (local time in French Guiana). JCSAT-10 is installed in the upper payload position on the launcher, and its release will occur 27 min. into the mission, followed approximately five minutes later by the separation of Syracuse 3B from the lower passenger slot.

Launch Window

Kourou, French Guiana

Between 07:15 p.m. and 08:52 p.m. on August 11

GMT

Between 10:15 p.m. and 11:52 p.m. on August 11

Paris, France

Between 00:15 a.m. and 01:52 a.m. on August 12

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Between 06:15 p.m. and 07:52 p.m. on August 11

Tokyo, Japan

Between 07:15 a.m. and 08:52 a.m. on August 12

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Edited August 12, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Waspie_Dwarf]

August 11, 2006

Ariane 5 delivers JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B to orbit on a dual-satellite launch success

Arianespace provided another demonstration of Ariane 5's mission capability and flexibility with tonight's launch of a mixed commercial/military satellite payload in the vehicle's third flight of 2006.

After an on-time lift-off at 7:15 p.m. from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 delivered Japan's JCSAT-10 telecommunications spacecraft and the European Syracuse 3B secure military relay platform into geostationary transfer orbit.

Tonight's flight was Ariane 5's 28th mission and marked its 14th consecutive success – underscoring the launcher's maturity. JCSAT-10 was installed in the upper payload position on Ariane 5, and was released approximately 27 min. into the mission. This was followed some 5 minutes later by the separation of Syracuse 3B, which occupied the lower slot in the payload "stack."

"Tonight's success is particularly exemplary, and perfectly illustrates why we have launched a total of 237 satellites during the past 26 years – which, by far, is a world record," said Arianespace Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall in post-launch comments at the Spaceport's Jupiter control center.

Le Gall noted that JCSAT-10 is the sixth satellite entrusted by Japan's JSAT Corporation to Arianespace for launch. It follows the recent orbiting of JCSAT-9 within the framework of the Launch Services Alliance mission industrial grouping – in which Arianespace is a founding member.

Ariane 5 begins its climb-out from Europe’s Spaceport with the Syracuse 3B and JCSAT-10 passengers.

JCSAT-10's liftoff mass was approximately 4,050 kg. and it will be operated from an orbital slot of 128 deg. East to provide fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. It carries a mixed relay payload of 30 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders, and was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems.

In addition, Le Gall said this latest Arianespace mission success reinforces Ariane's role in providing independent access to space for governmental and military spacecraft such as Syracuse 3B. He noted Syracuse 3B was the 27th military payload launched by Ariane, of which the three most recent were lofted by Ariane 5s during the past 10 months.

Built by Alcatel Alenia Space, Syracuse 3B will operate nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) secure relay channels, providing communications with defense forces and upgrading the relay links between French political and military authorities and operating units deployed worldwide. It will be positioned at an orbital slot of 5 deg. West, becoming part of France's Syracuse III third-generation military communications system – joining the Syracuse 3A satellite launched by an Ariane 5 last October.

Le Gall announced that Arianespace will keep up its 2006 mission pace by performing the next Ariane 5 launch on September 19. This Ariane 5 ECA will carry the DIRECTV 9S television broadcast satellite for DIRECTV of the U.S., along with the Optus D1 telecommunications spacecraft for Australia's Optus. An auxiliary payload also will be carried on the flight: the LDREX deployable antenna demonstrator from JAXA (the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates

Edited August 14, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Waspie_Dwarf]

August 11, 2006 - launch day photo special

The successful dual-satellite mission in photos

The Ariane 5 ECA launcher used for today's on-target deployment of the JCSAT-10 and Syracuse is detailed in the following photos, taken in the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport.

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Installed on its mobile launch table, the Ariane 5 ECA is ready for liftoff. The launcher's simplified design uses the core cryogenic stage and two solid rocket motors for the ascent and initial phase of flight. The ESC-A cryogenic stage operates during the latter portion of the mission, bringing the dual-satellite payload to their point of deployment in geostationary transfer orbit.

The Ariane 5 is framed by the ELA-3 launch zone's four tall towers, which provide protection against lightning strikes. To the left and right are the flame ducts for the launcher's two solid rocket motors. Tonight's mission was the 28th Ariane 5 launch - all of which have been performed from the ELA-3 facility.

A French Guiana sunset brovides the background for this image of Ariane 5 during the final countdown. Visible in the photo are the cryogenic feed arms that extend from the umbilical mast and which are used to fuel Ariane 5's ESC-A upper stage.

Source: Arianespace Mission Updates