ARIANESPACE / ESA - Ariane Flight VA218 Mission poster.
September 11, 2014
Ariane Flight VA218
Image above: The Ariane 5 launcher for Flight VA218 is shown in the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone, ready for liftoff from French Guiana with the MEASAT-3b and Optus 10 spacecraft. Image Credit: Arianespace.
An Ariane 5 ECA has successfully launched two telecommunication satellites on Thursday. Optus 10 and MEASAT-3b both rode uphill on the Arianespace workhorse out of the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, following lift off late in the launch window – due to two technical holds – at 22:05 GMT.
Liftoff of Arianespace’s Ariane 5 for a dual-passenger mission with Optus 10 and MEASAT-3b
Video above: Ariane 5 has lifted off from the Spaceport in French Guiana for Arianespace’s mission to deploy two commercial telecommunications satellites for Asia-Pacific operators. Video Credit: Arianespace.
Designated Flight VA218 in Arianespace’s numbering system, today’s mission with MEASAT-3b and Optus 10 is the 75th launch of an Ariane 5 to date and the vehicle’s fourth liftoff this year.
Liftoff! Arianespace TV Screen Capture by Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
Ariane 5 will loft approximately 10,090 kg. on today’s flight – including the dual-passenger payload and its associated hardware – releasing MEASAT-3b nearly 27 minutes after liftoff, which is to be followed by Optus 10’s deployment some seven-and-a-half minutes later.
Optus 10 satellite. Image Credit: SSL
With a mass of some 5,900 kg., MEASAT-3b – built by Airbus Defence and Space – will expand direct-to-home and VSAT (very small aperture terminal) services across Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Australia for Malaysian-based MEASAT.
MEASAT-3b satellite. Image Credit: Airbus Defence and Space
Australia’s Optus will deploy the SSL (Space Systems/Loral)-built Optus 10, which has a mass of approximately 3,270 kg., to provide direct TV broadcast, Internet connectivity, telephone and data transmission services for Australia, New Zealand and the Antarctic region.
MEASAT-3b was released first into geostationary transfer orbit, followed by separation of the SYLDA dispenser – enabling Optus 10’s subsequent deployment.
About Arianespace:
Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence.
As of September 9, 2014, 218 Ariane launches, 35 Soyuz launches (9 at the Guiana Space Centre and 26 at Baikonur with Starsem) and three Vega launches have been performed. The company’s headquarters is in Evry, near Paris, and has local offices in Washington DC (United States), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore.
For more information about Arianespace, Visit: http://www.arianespace.com/index/index.asp
Images (mentioned), Text, Credits: Arianespace / Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
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