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Ariane 4 Fuels Up For Dual Satellite Launch
Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Aug 10, 2009 Both payloads for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 flight have been fueled at the Spaceport as preparations continue for the workhorse vehicle's fourth heavy-lift launch of 2009 from French Guiana. Propellant loading of the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 spacecraft was performed in separate activity at the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility, readying these relay platforms for their integration with the Ariane 5. The upcoming Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for later this month, and carries this pair of U.S.-manufactured spacecraft for two of Arianespace's Asia-Pacific customers. JCSAT-12 is a high-power hybrid relay platform that will provide coverage of Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii with 30 active Ku-band transponders and 12 active C-band transponders. Built in Newtown, Pennsylvania by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems with the company's A2100 spacecraft bus, it is to be operated by Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation - which is one of Asia's largest satellite operators. The Optus D3 payload was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation at its Dulles, Virginia manufacturing facility using the company's STAR-2 platform. It will be utilized by the Australian Optus telecommunications provider, and is equipped with 24 active Ku-band transponders for fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. A total of seven Ariane 5 missions are planned in 2009 - the busiest year ever for Arianespace's heavy-lift launcher. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Arianespace Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
Pre-Launch Preparations Are Underway With Optus D3Paris, France (SPX) Jul 24, 2009 The Optus D3 telecommunications satellite is undergoing its pre-launch checkout at Europe's Spaceport in preparation for an August liftoff on Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009. Following its delivery to French Guiana on Tuesday, Optus D3 was transferred to the S5C hall in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility. Optus D3 is the latest geostationary ... read more |
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