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28.09.2015
Ariane Flight VA227
The Spaceport’s ability to conduct two parallel Ariane 5 launch campaigns is being demonstrated again as a new heavy-lift launcher takes shape for an Arianespace liftoff from French Guiana in November, which will carry the Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 telecommunications satellites.
During activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5 for this upcoming mission has undergone the first build-up steps, with the core cryogenic stage positioned over one of two operational launch tables and the mating of two solid propellant boosters. It will be followed by installation of the cryogenic upper stage.
The November mission with Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 is designated Flight VA227 in Arianespace’s numbering system, signifying the 227th launch of an Ariane vehicle since the series of European-built launchers began operation in 1979.
Once the Ariane 5 for Flight VA227 completes its build-up and checkout by prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers, it will be ready for transfer to the Final Assembly Building, where the Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 passengers will be installed under Arianespace’s responsibility.
The Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building currently is occupied by an Ariane 5 for Flight VA226, which will roll out to the ELA-3 launch zone tomorrow, September 29, for liftoff September 30 on another dual-payload mission – carrying the Sky Muster and ARSAT-2 relay satellites.
Both payloads on Flight VA227 in November are for long-time Arianespace customers, continuing the company’s relationships with Arab nations and India.
Arabsat-6B is a sixth-generation satellite for Arabsat – the inter-governmental organization founded by the Arab League in 1976. The spacecraft was built in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space, supplier of the Eurostar E3000 platform and the satellite’s integrator; along with Thales Alenia Space, which designed and built the communications payload.
Weighing in at a liftoff mass estimated at 6,100 kg., Arabsat-6B will provide telecommunications and TV broadcasting services for the Middle East and Africa.
Flight VA227’s other payload, GSAT-15, was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and will deliver C- and Ku-band telecommunications services. GSAT-15 will have a liftoff mass of approximately 3,150 kg.
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Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 30.09.2015
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Ariane 5 rolls out for Arianespace’s launch tomorrow; two other missions are in preparation with Ariane 5 and Vega
The cryogenic upper stage for Flight VA227 is moved into position for installation atop the Ariane 5 in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building.
Ariane 5’s two passengers to be deployed in geostationary transfer orbit
To be released first during the mission is Sky Muster, which will deliver broadband services to more than 200,000 rural and remote Australians. It is the initial satellite to be orbited by Arianespace for nbnTM, a Commonwealth of Australia-owned company.
Riding in Ariane 5’s lower payload position is ARSAT-2, to be operated by the state-owned Argentinian operator ARSAT – providing direct-to-home television (DTH), Internet access services for reception on VSAT antennas, along with data transmission and IP telephony.
As the final countdown begins for Flight VA226, the Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s Flight VA227 continues to take shape in the Launcher Integration Building at the Spaceport, where its cryogenic upper stage has now been integrated. With this step completed, Flight VA227’s Ariane 5 will be readied for transfer to the Final Assembly Building, where the mission’s Arabsat-6B satellite (for the Arab League’s Arabsat organization) and GSAT-15 (for the Indian Space Research Organisation) will be installed.
A busy November, with Ariane 5 and Vega missions scheduled
Flight VA227 is scheduled for a November liftoff, and will be the 227th launch of an Ariane since the European launcher series entered operation in 1979.
In another area of the Spaceport, the assembly of a light-lift Vega has begun for the sixth launch of this smallest vehicle in Arianespace’s launcher family, targeted to send Europe’s LISA Pathfinder on its way for a pioneering space science mission.
The build-up process began when Vega’s P80 solid propellant first stage was moved to the Spaceport’s ZLV facility and positioned on the launch pad. This will be followed by the stacking of the launcher’s solid propellant second and third stages, as well as integration of the Attitude and Vernier Upper Module (AVUM) liquid bipropellant upper stage – and then “topped off” with its payload: LISA Pathfinder.
Arianespace on track for a record 12 launches in 2015
Vega has been previously been launched five times from French Guiana since its introduction at the Spaceport in 2012, deploying a full range of satellite payloads. For the November mission, identified as Flight VV06, the launcher will place LISA Pathfinder in a slightly elliptical parking orbit. The spacecraft subsequently will use its own propulsion module to reach the final operational orbit: a 500,000-km.-by-800,000-km. halo orbit around the first Sun-Earth Lagrange point, 1.5 million km. from Earth.
Vega and Ariane 5 are two of the three members in Arianespace’s launcher family, which are joined at the Spaceport by the medium-lift Soyuz. Utilizing this complete inventory, the company is targeting a total of 12 missions during 2015.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 6.10.2015
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Ariane Flight VA227
The Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 telecommunications satellites are now in French Guiana – setting the stage for Arianespace’s next heavy-lift mission, which is scheduled for an early November liftoff.
Arabsat-6B was delivered to Felix Eboué International Airport near French Guiana’s capital city of Cayenne earlier this month via cargo aircraft. It joins GSAT-15 in French Guiana, which previously was airlifted to the South American country in preparation for Arianespace’s sixth Ariane 5 flight of 2015.
As part of this familiar step in mission preparations, satellites delivered via cargo jetliner are unloaded at Felix Eboué International Airport then readied for transfer by road to the Spaceport for on-site payload processing, including fit-checks, fueling and integration with launcher.
Arabsat-6B is being orbited in the framework of a turnkey contract between Airbus Defence and Space, along with Thales Alenia Space, and operator Arabsat – an Arab League intergovernmental organization. Once operational, the approximately 6,100-kg. relay platform will provide telecommunications and TV broadcasting services for the Middle East and Africa.
India’s Indian Space Research Organisation national space agency developed the GSAT-15 spacecraft, which will have a mass of some 3,150 kg. and deliver C- and Ku-band telecommunication services.
Designated Flight VA227 in Arianespace’s numbering system, this November mission will be the 227th with an Ariane series vehicle, as well as the company’s 10th overall launch in 2015 across its complete launcher family, which also comprises the lightweight Vega and medium-lift Soyuz.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 17.10.2015
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Ariane Flight VA227
Pre-launch activity at the Spaceport for Arianespace’s November 10 Ariane 5 mission is gearing up – with both satellite passengers undergoing preparations in French Guiana.
Designated Flight VA227 in Arianespace’s numbering system, the upcoming heavy-lift flight will orbit Arabsat-6B along with GSAT-15 on the company’s 10th overall mission in 2015 and sixth launch of Ariane 5 this year.
Arabsat-6B has been topped off for flight, following completion of fueling inside the S3B payload preparation facility in French Guiana. Following this step, the telecommunications satellite will be transferred to the Final Assembly Building and subsequently integrated with Ariane 5 as the mission’s upper passenger.
The Arabsat-6B satellite is being lofted for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Arabsat, an Arab League intergovernmental organization. Once in orbit, it will be operated as BADR-7 by Arabsat and provide telecommunications and TV broadcast services for the Middle East and Africa.
In other payload preparation activity, pre-flight checkout is underway for GSAT-15 inside the S1B preparation hall with antenna reflector deployment testing. The Indian Space Research Organisation-developed GSAT-15 – which will be riding in Ariane 5’s lower position – is to offer C- and Ku-band telecommunications services.
Arianespace has performed nine successful launches to date this year with its complete launcher family from French Guiana: five with Ariane 5, and two missions each for the light-lift Vega and medium-weight Soyuz vehicles.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 24.10.2015
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Ariane Flight VA227
Arianespace has received the sixth Ariane 5 for launch in 2015, keeping the company on track for a record year of mission activity with its complete launcher family at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
The heavy-lift Ariane 5 was transferred this week from the Launcher Assembly Building, where it underwent the integration process performed by prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers, to the Final Assembly Building for installation of this mission’s two payloads – Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 – under Arianespace responsibility.
Designated Flight VA227, the upcoming mission is scheduled for a November 10 liftoff from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone.
Riding in the Ariane 5’s upper payload will be Arabsat-6B, to be lofted for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Arabsat – an Arab League intergovernmental organization. Operated by Arabsat, the satellite is to be renamed BADR-7 once in orbit, providing telecommunications and TV broadcast services for the Middle East and Africa.
The mission’s GSAT-15 passenger will be deployed from Ariane 5’s lower payload position. This spacecraft was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to provide C- and Ku-band telecommunications services.
Arianespace is targeting a total of 12 launches from the Spaceport in 2015, marking its busiest year ever. In addition to the five heavy-lift Ariane 5 flights already performed since January, the company has conducted two with the medium-lift Soyuz and another two with the lightweight Vega.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 31.10.2015
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Ariane Flight VA227
Preparations for Arianespace’s sixth heavy-lift mission of 2015 have advanced into the payload integration phase, with the Indian GSAT-15 satellite passenger making its first contact with launcher hardware.
The milestone for Arianespace Flight VA227 occurred this week at the Spaceport in French Guiana with GSAT-15’s installation atop the cone-shaped adapter that will serve as its interface with Ariane 5. This was followed by the transfer of GSAT-15 from the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility to the launcher Final Assembly Building, where it will be readied for installation atop its Ariane 5.
Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GSAT-15 will be riding in the lower passenger position, installed inside the SYLDA dispenser system – on which the mission’s other passenger, Arabsat-6B, will be placed.
GSAT-15 is to provide telecommunications services, as well as dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services for India. With a liftoff mass set by ISRO at 3,164.5 kg., the relay platform has a design lifetime of 12 years and will operate from an orbital slot at 93.5° East.
Flight VA227 is set for a November 10 liftoff from the ELA-3 launch zone. This will mark Arianespace’s 10th launch in a busy year at the Spaceport that targets a total of 12 flights with the company’s complete launcher family, which also includes the medium-weight Soyuz and light-lift Vega.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 3.11.2015
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Arianespace to soon decide on launching Indian GSAT-15
European space agency Arianespace will have its Launch Readiness Review (LRR) this Friday for the November 10 flight of Ariane 5 rocket with Indian communication satellite GSAT-15, the agency said.
In a statement Arianespace said: "The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on Friday, November 6, 2015 in Kourou, to authorize the start of operations for the final countdown."
As of now the Ariane 5 rocket is scheduled to lift off on November 10 from the space port at Kourou in French Guiana between 6.34 p.m. and 7.17 pm or 3.04 a.m and 3.47 a.m. on November 11.
According to Arianespace, the whole mission is expected to last about 43 minutes. The rocket will carry a total payload of 9,810 kg, including approximately 8,962 kg for the two satellites-GSAT-15 and ARABSAT-6B.
GSAT-15 is the 18th satellite built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and 19th payload launched by Arianespace, the statement said.
"Since the launch of the experimental satellite Apple on Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 86 percent of the contracts for geostationary launches that India opened to bids by non-Indian launch systems," the European space agency said.
GSAT-15 will provide telecommunications services, as well as dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services for India.
The Indian satellite with a design life of 12 years will have 24 Ku-band transponders (automatic receivers and transmitters of radio signals) and two GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) transponders.
Quelle: The Statesman
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Update: 5.11.2015
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Ariane 5 “stands tall” for Arianespace’s heavy-lift mission with Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15
Ariane Flight VA227
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s sixth heavy-lift mission in 2015 is now complete after the integration of its dual-satellite payload at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
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Flight VA227’s upper component – consisting of Arabsat-6B, the Sylda dispenser system, and Ariane 5’s protective payload fairing – is lowered over GSAT-15 during activity in the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building.
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This activity occurred in the Ariane 5’s Final Assembly Building, where the GSAT-15 satellite was installed atop the launcher’s cryogenic core. It was followed by placement of the mission’s upper component – consisting of Arabsat-6B, the Sylda dispenser system and Ariane 5’s protective payload fairing – over GSAT-15.
With the launcher’s build-up now complete, final check-out will be performed in the coming days, enabling the mission’s launch readiness review on November 6. The Ariane 5 is to be transferred from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone on November 9, clearing the way for an evening liftoff on November 10.
GSAT-15 is designed to provide telecommunications services, as well as dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services, for India. Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it has a liftoff mass set at 3,164 kg., and will be the 19th payload launched by Arianespace for this space agency.
Arabsat-6B will be lofted for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat. To be renamed BADR-7 once in orbit, this spacecraft is the first of a sixth generation of satellites to join the Arabsat fleet, and the ninth orbited by Arianespace for operation by Arabsat. The relay platform will provide broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, and has a liftoff mass calculated at 5,798 kg.
The November 10 mission is designated Flight VA227 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system and keeps the company on track for a record 12 launches in 2015 using the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
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India’s GSAT-15 is shown installed atop its Ariane 5 in the Final Assembly Building’s upper level. With this passenger in place, the launcher was ready to receive Arabsat-6B, which previously was integrated in Ariane 5’s payload fairing along with the Sylda dispenser system.
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Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 7.11.2015
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ARIANESPACE FLIGHT VA227 - ARABSAT-6B (BADR-7) /GSAT-15
THE LAUNCH READINESS REVIEW (RAL) took place in Kourou on Friday, November 6, 2015 and authorized count-down operations for the ARABSAT-6B (BADR-7)/GSAT-15 launch.
On the 10th launch of the year from the Guiana Space center in French Guiana, and the sixth with an Ariane 5, Arianespace will orbit 2 satellites: ARABSAT-6B(BADR-7), for ARABSAT in Saudi Arabia and GSAT-15 for ISRO, Indian Space Agency. It will be launched from the Ariane 5 launch complex N° 3 (ELA3), in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Ariane 5 ECA launcher is scheduled to lift off on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 as early as possible within the following launch window:
• Between 06:34 pm and 07:17 pm, Kourou time,
• Between 04:34 pm and 05:17 pm, Washington DC time
• Between 09:34 pm and 10:17 pm, Universal Time (UTC)
• Between 10:34 pm and 11:17 pm, Paris time
• Between 00:34 am and 01:17 am, Riyad time, on November 11, 2015
• Between 03:04 am and 03:47 am, Bangalore time, on November 11, 2015.
Our website www.arianespace.com has upgraded to high-speed transmission and a full-screen HD format to make it easier for you to follow the company’s activities and to enjoy future launch webcasts. Webcast starts 15 minutes before. You can also watch the video transmission live on your iPad, iPhone or Android 4+ devices, the Arianespace HD App is available for free.
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Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 8.11.2015
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Ariane Flight VA227
Arianespace’s busy year of launch activity continues with the go-ahead for its 10th flight in 2015: the November 10 dual-passenger mission with Ariane 5 from the Spaceport in French Guiana.
The authorization was provided after today’s Launch Readiness Review, which confirmed the status of this mission’s heavy-lift Ariane 5, its payload of the Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) and GSAT-15 telecommunications relay platforms, as well as the ground-based tracking network that will follow the trajectory to satellite deployment into geostationary transfer orbit.
Planned during a 43-minute launch window that opens at 6:34 p.m. (local time in French Guiana), the Ariane 5 mission will have a total payload lift performance of 9,810 kg. This includes the two satellites’ mass at liftoff – 5,798 kg. for Arabsat-6B and 3,164 kg. for GSAT-15 – along with launcher integration hardware and Ariane 5’s dual-passenger deployment system.
Arabsat-6B, to be renamed BADR-7 once in orbit, will be the ninth satellite orbited by Arianespace for use by the operator Arabsat, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the initial sixth-generation satellite for Arabsat’s fleet, providing broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
The spacecraft will be launched by Arianespace for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of their turnkey contract with Arabsat. Airbus Defence and Space supplied the Eurostar E3000 platform and handled satellite integration, while Thales Alenia Space supplied the telecommunications relay payload.
GSAT-15 is designed to deliver telecommunications services, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services, for India. Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it will be the 19th payload launched by Arianespace for this customer – which is one of the world’s six largest space agencies.
The November 10 mission is designated Flight VA227 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system and maintains the company on track for a record 12 launches in 2015, using the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega. Flight VA227 will be the sixth Ariane 5 mission this year, which was accompanied by two launches each with Soyuz and Vega.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 10.11.2015 / 16.15 MEZ
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Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone for Arianespace’s November 10 mission
Ariane Flight VA227
Arianespace has delivered another Ariane 5 to the launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, positioning this workhorse vehicle for liftoff tomorrow with a pair of telecommunications satellites: Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) and GSAT-15.
The launcher rolled out today from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building for Ariane 5 to the ELA-3 launch zone, where it is scheduled for liftoff during a 43-minute window that opens November 10 at 6:34 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
For this 83rd overall flight of an Ariane 5, the payload lift performance is estimated at 9,810 kg. – a total that includes the two relay platforms, plus the launcher’s dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.
Arabsat-6B will be lofted for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat. To be renamed BADR-7 once in orbit, this spacecraft will provide broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
GSAT-15 – which was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – is designed to deliver telecommunications services, as well as dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services, for India.
Quelle: arianespace
...20.40 MEZ
Ariane Flight VA227
The final countdown is underway for Arianespace’s Ariane 5 launch that will orbit two telecommunications satellites – Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) and GSAT-15 – from the Spaceport in French Guiana.
Liftoff is planned during a 43-minute launch window that opens at 6:34 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
Designated Flight VA227 in the company’s numbering system, today’s mission will be the sixth Ariane 5 flight from the Spaceport in 2015, as well as the 83rd launch overall for this heavy-lift workhorse.
Ariane 5 will loft approximately 9,810 kg. on the mission – including the dual-passenger payload and its associated hardware – releasing Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) at 27 minutes after liftoff, which is to be followed by GSAT-15’s deployment some 16 minutes later.
Quelle: arianespace
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Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 11.11.2015
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Flight VA227 - Successful launch - Arianespace orbits Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 satellites for Arabsat and ISRO
Arianespace successfully launched two satellites this evening: Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) for the operator Arabsat, and GSAT-15 for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). The company's tenth launch of the year from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), and sixth with the Ariane 5 heavy launcher, took place on November 10 at 6:34 pm local time in Kourou, French Guiana. Through this mission, the 69th successful launch in a row by Ariane 5, Arianespace is proud to deliver reliable, sustainable solutions to Arabsat and ISRO, two loyal customers for over 30 years.
Arianespace, a long-standing partner of Arabsat, the Arab world’s leading regional satellite operator
Arabsat is the leading regional satellite telecommunications operator in the Middle East and Africa. Arabsat-6B (BADR 7) is the ninth satellite orbited by Arianespace for this operator since the launch of Arabsat-1A in 1985. This satellite is the first of the sixth generation of satellites in the Arabsat fleet. It will provide telecommunications and directto- home (DTH) TV broadcast services for the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. In 2012 Arabsat also confirmed its goal of bolstering its position in the Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) zone by acquiring the company Hellasat.
Arianespace will be launching another Arabsat satellite, Hellasat-4.
ISRO and Arianespace: a strategic partnership
GSAT-15 is the 19th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It will provide telecommunications services for the country, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services. Arianespace has launched 91% of ISRO's geostationary satellites that used non-Indian launch systems, dating back to the launch of the country's experimental satellite APPLE on Flight L03 in 1981.
The favored relationship between Arianespace and ISRO reflects the exemplary collaboration in the space sector between France and India, a partnership that will help ISRO realize its aim of using space to foster the development of the Indian sub-continent through a full range of satellite applications, for Earth observation, telecommunications, science and navigation.
Six more successful Ariane 5 launches in 2015
This evening's launch from the French Guiana Space Center, was the last of the year for Arianespace's heavy launcher. Ariane 5 carried out six launches in 2015, all successful, orbiting 12 telecommunications satellites for 12 different operators, both government and private, from around the world. More than ever, today's most reliable and available commercial launch vehicle enabled Arianespace to meet all commitments to all customers.
Shortly after the announcement that the two satellites had been injected into orbit, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: "Arianespace is very proud this evening to have carried out another successful mission for our two faithful customers, who implement a wide range of practical applications based on satellite telecommunications. One of these customers, Arabsat, the inter-governmental organization leader of satellite operators in the Arab world; and ISRO, the Indian space agency that promotes a particularly ambitious space program. I would like to thank Arabsat and ISRO for their renewed trust. Launch after launch for more than 30 years, this expression of confidence honors us and also encourages us to keep meeting and exceeding their expectations.”
"I also would like to thank all our partners involved in this 10th successful launch of the year, which is in line with our ambitious schedule for 2015: ESA, responsible for the Ariane program; the Airbus Safran Launchers joint venture, and the entire European space industry, for the outstanding reliability and availability of Ariane 5 ECA – which this evening logged its 69th consecutive successful launch; CNES-CSG and all of the industrial companies who work at the launch base for their mobilization at our side; and, of course, the men and women of Arianespace for their professionalism and their customer commitment."
Quelle: arianespace
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