Ariane 5 is ready to orbit ARSAT-2

It follows an article published today on the Arianespace website, highlighting that Ariane 5 rocket is ready for final countdown to the September 30 evening liftoff, through which ARSAT-2 and Sky Muster telecommunications satellites will be orbited.

ARIANE FLIGHT VA226

Mission activity is in full swing at the Spaceport to support Arianespace’s busy 2015 launch manifest – with the latest completed Ariane 5 rolling out for a liftoff tomorrow from French Guiana.

Flight VA226’s Ariane 5 nears the ELA-3 launch pad during today’s rollout.

The Ariane 5 that was transferred today from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building to the facility’s ELA-3 launch zone is now ready for final countdown to the September 30 evening liftoff. It is carrying the Sky Muster and ARSAT-2 telecommunications satellites for Australia and Argentina, respectively.

This mission is designated Flight VA226 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, and will be the fifth Ariane 5 launch of 2015. Its total lift performance is set at more than 10,200 kg., which includes approximately 6,440 kg. for Sky Muster, the estimated 2,977 kg. mass of ARSAT-2, and the hardware for Ariane 5’s SYLDA dispenser system that accommodates the dual payload.

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.

Source: ArianeSpace