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7.12.2015
Launcher integration is underway for Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 mission of 2016
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The Ariane 5 for January 27’s mission with Intelsat 29e takes shape, beginning with the positioning of its cryogenic core stage over the launch table in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building. One of the two solid propellant boosters is transferred to the Launcher Integration Building, and Ariane 5 is initially “topped off” with its upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
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Ariane Flight VA228
Build-up of the initial Ariane 5 to be launched in 2016 has begun at the Spaceport in French Guiana, continuing Arianespace’s sustained mission pace and readying an unusual single-payload flight for the heavy-lift workhorse.
With liftoff scheduled on January 27, the Ariane 5 is to loft Intelsat 29e – the first of the Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellites. This relay platform will have one of the most advanced digital payloads commercially available, delivering enterprise-grade, broadband services to fixed and mobile network operators, aero and maritime mobility service providers, and government customers operating throughout the Americas.
As the 56th Intelsat spacecraft to be orbited by Arianespace, Intelsat 29e has the distinction of being a solo telecommunications satellite on a dedicated Ariane 5 flight – instead of the typical two-passenger configuration for the launcher on missions to geostationary transfer orbit.
Intelsat 33e also to be launched by Arianespace in 2016
Intelsat expects to launch its second Intelsat EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 33e, in the third quarter of 2016, also using Arianespace launch services. Intelsat 33e will serve Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The January 27 mission with Ariane 5 and Intelsat 29e is designated Flight VA228 in Arianespace’s numbering system, notating the 228th launch of an Ariane since this series of European vehicles entered service in 1979.
Flight VA228’s Ariane 5 is taking shape inside the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building where the activity began with the cryogenic core stage’s positioning over one of two launch tables for the heavy-lift vehicle. The side-mounted solid propellant boosters were then integrated, followed by installation of the combined upper stage and vehicle equipment bay atop the core stage.
Once the basic build-up is complete, Ariane 5 will be ready for transfer to the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building – where launcher prime contractor Airbus Defence and Space hands over responsibility to Arianespace for Intelsat 29e’s integration, final checkout and rollout to the launch pad for liftoff.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 14.12.2015
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A Truly “Epic” Satellite Arrives In French Guiana For Its Ariane 5 Launch
The Intelsat 29e relay platform for Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 flight of 2016 is now in French Guiana, enabling payload preparations to begin for a January 27 flight from the Spaceport.
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Intelsat 29e is moved into position for an initial integration check with its Ariane 5 adapter during activity in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility.
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Touching down at Cayenne’s Félix Eboué Airport, this passenger – the first of the Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellites – was delivered to French Guiana aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft, then transferred by road to the Spaceport.
The Boeing-built Intelsat 29e is now set to undergo final checkout and integration with the launcher ahead of next month’s liftoff from the South American launch facility – where Arianespace operates its family of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-weight Soyuz and light-lift Vega vehicles.
As the 56th Intelsat spacecraft to be orbited by Arianespace, Intelsat 29e has the distinction of being a solo telecommunications satellite on a dedicated Ariane 5 flight – instead of the typical two-passenger configuration for the launcher on missions to geostationary transfer orbit.
The Ariane 5 flight with Intelsat 29e is designated Flight VA228 in Arianespace’s numbering system, representing the 228th launch of an Ariane since this series of European vehicles entered service in 1979.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 18.01.2016
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Intelsat’s initial EpicNG high-throughput satellite has been fueled at the Spaceport, readying it for the first Arianespace mission of 2016 – which will utilize a heavy-lift Ariane 5 operated from French Guiana on January 27.
Named Intelsat 29e, this relay platform is based on the Boeing 702MP spacecraft design and will be a solo passenger on the year-opening flight. This liftoff is the first of up to 11 missions planned with Arianespace’s launcher family during the coming 12 months, with as many as eight utilizing the workhorse Ariane 5.
As the series-opening Intelsat EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 29e has one of the most advanced digital payloads commercially available, operating in the C, Ku and Ka frequency bands. It will offer enterprise-grade broadband services to fixed and mobile network operators, aero and maritime mobility service providers, along with government customers. Coverage area is the Americas and over the North Atlantic (for sea and aviation routes).
With the propellant that was loaded during operations this week in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility, Intelsat 29e will have a liftoff mass of just over 6,550 kg.
Integration of Intelsat 29e on its Ariane 5 is planned for next week, enabling the completed vehicle’s rollout to the launch pad on January 26. Liftoff of the mission – designated Flight VA228 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system – is targeted for the following night.
Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 25.01.2016
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Green Light! Arianespace’s Year-Opening Ariane 5 Mission Is Approved For Launch
The first Arianespace flight in 2016 has been given the “go” for its liftoff on Wednesday following today's successful launch readiness review, conducted at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
This milestone – held prior to each of the company’s missions – confirms that the Ariane 5 launch vehicle and its Intelsat 29e payload are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport’s infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.
With the “green light” given, Ariane 5 is now cleared for its rollout tomorrow from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone – where it will be readied for liftoff on January 27 during a 1-hour, 20-minute launch window that opens at 8:20 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
As Intelsat’s series-opening EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 29e has one of the most advanced digital payloads commercially available – operating in the C, Ku and Ka frequency bands. Built by Boeing, it will offer enterprise-grade broadband services to fixed and mobile network operators, aero and maritime mobility service providers, along with government customers. Its coverage area is the Americas and over the North Atlantic (for sea and aviation routes).
Wednesday’s mission is designated VA228, marking the 228th flight using an Ariane vehicle since this European series of launchers entered service in 1979. It kicks off another busy year of activity for Arianespace, which has the objective of performing up to 11 missions in 2016 with its full launcher family – consisting of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
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Quelle: arianespace
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Update: 26.01.2016
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Quelle: arianespace
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