Arianespace's Sixth Ariane 5 Of 2008 Completes Assembly
Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Dec 17, 2008 Final checkout of Arianespace's sixth Ariane 5 for launch in 2008 is now underway following the completion of payload integration for its two Eutelsat satellite passengers. This mission's upper spacecraft - HOT BIRD 9 - was positioned atop Ariane 5 last Friday (December 12), forming the dual payload "stack." HOT BIRD 9 is encapsulated in the Ariane 5's protective payload fairing, and has been mounted atop a SYLDA payload dispenser system. Positioned below HOT BIRD 9 is the W2M spacecraft, which was integrated December 11 on Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage. Liftoff for Arianespace's year-ending mission is scheduled December 20 at the start of a 59-minute launch window that opens at 6:51 p.m. local time in French Guiana. Ariane 5's mission payload lift performance on the upcoming flight is 9,220 kg. - which includes the satellite's combined 8,340 kg. Mass, along with the accompanying integration hardware and SYLDA dispenser system. After its deployment by Ariane 5, HOT BIRD 9 will provide the relay of digital and new high definition TV channels - along with interactive services. The satellite is to be placed at Eutelsat's premium video neighborhood orbital slot of 13 deg. East. W2M will be positioned at an orbital slot of 16 deg. East, providing television and radio broadcasting services for Eutelsat. Related Links Arianespace Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
Final Payload Integration Begins On Ariane 5's Sixth Flight Of 2008 Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Dec 12, 2008 Preparations for Arianespace's year-end launch of 2008 entered their final phase with the startup of payload integration on the Ariane 5 at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. |
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