Author Topic: LIVE: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 15, 2012  (Read 40343 times)

Offline jacqmans

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Ariane 5 is readied for a dual-satellite Arianespace launch at the service of Asia-Pacific telecom operators


February 24, 2012 – Ariane Flights VA206

The second Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 by Arianespace has completed its initial assembly at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a preparation milestone for this dual-payload mission to orbit a pair of satellites for Asia-Pacific: Japan’s JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 for Vietnam.
 
During activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5 ECA vehicle took shape with the mating of its two solid rocket boosters and core cryogenic stage, followed by the initial top-off with the upper composite – consisting of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
 
Both passengers on this flight are to be orbited for repeat Arianespace customers in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. 

JCSAT-13 will be the latest in a series of satellites lofted by Arianespace for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, the broadcasting and communications services provider that started in 2008 through the merger of JSAT Corporation, SKY Perfect Communications, Inc., and Space Communications Corporation.
 
VINASAT-2 is the second telecommunications platform entrusted to Arianespace for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), and comes four years after Arianespace launched VINASAT-1 as Vietnam’s first communications satellite –which was carried by an Ariane 5 in April 2008.
 
The mission with VINASAT-2 and JCSAT-13 is targeted for mid-May, and uses the VA206 flight designation, signifying the 206th launch of an Ariane family vehicle. 

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/884.asp
« Last Edit: 05/15/2012 05:54 pm by Chris Bergin »
Jacques :-)

Online Nicolas PILLET

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #1 on: 03/14/2012 12:38 pm »
According to Air&Cosmos, the slip from mid-april to mid-may was due to satellite JCSat-13.
Nicolas PILLET
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Offline satlaunch

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Offline bolun

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #3 on: 04/12/2012 07:50 pm »
A double arrival for Arianespace's next dual-payload Ariane 5 mission

April 12, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA206

The two Lockheed Martin-built satellites for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 dual-payload mission are now at the Spaceport for a fast-paced launch campaign that will lead to the orbiting of JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 from French Guiana on May 15.

Both spacecraft arrived yesterday aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner, which touched down at Cayenne’s Rochambeau International Airport on a charter flight from the United States.  VINASAT-2 and JCSAT-13 were then transferred by road to the Spaceport, where they were readied for their pre-launch checkout.

Both satellites are to be launched by Arianespace for repeat customers in the Asia-Pacific region. 

JCSAT-13 will be utilized by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, the broadcasting and communications services provider created through the merger of JSAT Corporation, SKY Perfect Communications, Inc., and Space Communications Corporation.  Arianespace’s most recent mission with a satellite for this operator was BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R, orbited last August by an Ariane 5.

VINASAT-2 is to serve the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), and follows Arianespace’s launch of VINASAT-1 as Vietnam’s first communications satellite – which was lofted by an Ariane 5 in April 2008.

In related activity, the Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s May 15 flight was transferred yesterday from the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building – where it was assembled, to the Final Assembly Building – where the VINASAT-2 and JCSAT-13 will be installed.

This mission marks Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 flight of 2012, and comes after the heavy-lift workhorse’s March 23 orbiting of Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for resupply of the International Space Station.  The May 15 flight will be the 206th liftoff of an Ariane-series launch vehicle, and it therefore carries the VA206 designation in Arianespace’s numbering system for its launcher family, consisting of Ariane 5, the medium-lift Soyuz and light-lift Vega.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/898.asp

Offline bolun

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #4 on: 04/25/2012 04:53 pm »
A “mirror image” payload refueling for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission

April 25, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA206

The two “sister” satellites for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 flight are poised for their fueling at the Spaceport this week, marking a new milestone in preparations for Arianespace’s May 15 mission from French Guiana.
 
Both payloads on this heavy-lift launch – JCSAT-13, produced for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation of Japan; and VINASAT-2, manufactured for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group of Vietnam – are Lockheed Martin spacecraft based on the company’s A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series.  They are the milestone 100th and 101st commercial geostationary communications satellites built by Lockheed Martin.
 
These two relay platforms will be fueled during the next four days in parallel activities that benefit from the processing capacity in clean room facilities at the Spaceport’s state-of-the-art S5 payload preparation center, according to Arianespace Mission Director Thierry Wilmart.  JCSAT-13 is in the S5B hall for its fueling “top off” process, while VINASAT-2 has been located in the adjacent S5A hall.
 
JCSAT-13 is configured with an all Ku-band payload, comprising 44 high-power communication channels with uplink and downlink coverage over Japan, Indonesia, the Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania.  Designed for a 15-year operating lifetime, it will be located at 124 degrees East longitude after deployment by Ariane 5.
 
VINASAT-2 – Lockheed Martin’s second satellite built for Vietnam – will provide fixed satellite service to Vietnam and neighboring countries. It features 24 Ku-band channels providing uplink and downlink coverage, and will be positioned at 131.8 degrees East longitude. VINASAT-2 has a design life of 15 years, with additional fuel reserves to maximize maneuver life.
 
The Ariane 5 mission with JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 will be the 206th flight of an Ariane vehicle, and therefore carries the VA206 designation in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/901.asp

Offline woods170

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #5 on: 04/25/2012 05:40 pm »
According to Air&Cosmos, the slip from mid-april to mid-may was due to satellite JCSat-13.
On a side note: the majority of Ariane 5 launch slips are a direct result of payload slips.

Offline arkaska

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #6 on: 04/26/2012 05:40 pm »
According to Air&Cosmos, the slip from mid-april to mid-may was due to satellite JCSat-13.
On a side note: the majority of Ariane 5 launch slips are a direct result of payload slips.

That is precisely why they need the ability to process 2 vehicles at the same time.

Offline woods170

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #7 on: 04/26/2012 09:12 pm »
According to Air&Cosmos, the slip from mid-april to mid-may was due to satellite JCSat-13.
On a side note: the majority of Ariane 5 launch slips are a direct result of payload slips.

That is precisely why they need the ability to process 2 vehicles at the same time.

Oh, here we go again. Yes, Arianespace would do itself a huge favor in having two bays at the final assembly building. No need for a second Ariane 5 launchpad though...

Offline arkaska

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #8 on: 04/27/2012 01:54 pm »
[img]
Oh, here we go again. Yes, Arianespace would do itself a huge favor in having two bays at the final assembly building. No need for a second Ariane 5 launchpad though...

Never said anything about a second launchpad...but I'm surprised that a second bay in the assembly build hasn't been under serious consideration. ESA is always complaining that Arianespace can make a profit. If they could launch more frequently that would probably help make Ariane 5 more profitable

Offline bolun

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #9 on: 04/27/2012 02:33 pm »
A highly symbolic mission is reflected in words and images on Ariane 5's payload fairing

April 26, 2012

http://www.arianespace.com/news-feature-story/2012/4-26-2012-va206-logos.asp

Offline bolun

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #10 on: 05/14/2012 11:05 am »
Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission with twin telecommunications satellites is approved for launch
 
May 12, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA206

The Ariane 5 mission with a “mirror” pair of relay satellites for Japan and Vietnam has been given the go-ahead for liftoff on May 15 from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Approval for this flight was issued following today’s launch readiness review, which is held prior to every Ariane mission – confirming the “green” status of the Ariane 5 vehicle, its JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 satellites, the Spaceport’s infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.
 
Both passengers on the Ariane 5 were built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems based on the company’s A2100 platform design – providing an unusual combination of similar satellites from a single manufacturer. 

In addition, these are the 100th and 101st commercial geostationary communications satellites from Lockheed Martin since the company’s first such spacecraft was orbited in December 1975.  To date, 41 Lockheed Martin payloads have been entrusted to Arianespace for its launch services.
 
Weighing approximately 4,530 kg. at launch, JCSAT-13 will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 124 degrees East, with a design life exceeding 15 years for the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation. It is fitted with 44 Ku-band transponders and will provide direct TV broadcast links to all of Japan as a replacement satellite for JCSAT-4A, and also will meet satellite relay coverage demands in Southeast Asia.

VINASAT-2 has an estimated liftoff mass of 2,970 kg., and is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders to provide radio, television and telephone links for all of Vietnam from its orbit of 131.8 degrees East.  As with its JCSAT-13 “sister” payload on the upcoming Ariane 5 flight, VINASAT-2’s design life exceeds 15 years.   This will be the second satellite launched by Ariane 5 for use by the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, following VINASAT-1 in April 2008.

Launch window for VA206

- Universal time (GMT) Between 10:13 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. on May, 15-16 2012

- Paris, France Between 12:13 a.m. and 2:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012
 
- Kourou, French Guiana Between 7:13 p.m. and 9:13 p.m. on May 15, 2012

- Washington D.C., USA Between 6:13 p.m. and 8:13 p.m. on May 15, 2012
 
- Hanoi, Vietnam Between 5:13 a.m. and 7:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012

- Tokyo, Japan Between 7:13 a.m. and 9:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/908.asp
« Last Edit: 05/14/2012 11:16 am by bolun »

Offline Lewis007

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #11 on: 05/15/2012 07:18 am »
The Arianespace launchkit is attached

Offline Lewis007

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #12 on: 05/15/2012 11:24 am »
he EADS-Astrium launch kit has just been published (see attachment)

Offline bolun

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #13 on: 05/15/2012 01:14 pm »
Ariane 5 is moved to the launch zone for Arianespace's second heavy-lift flight of 2012

May 14, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA206

Arianespace’s mission with the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 spacecraft is on track for liftoff tomorrow evening, following the Ariane 5’s rollout to its ELA-3 launch zone today at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Riding atop its mobile launch table, this heavy-lift workhorse was transferred to the launch pad from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building – where Ariane 5 received its dual-satellite payload. With this rollout now completed, the final countdown will begin for a May 15 liftoff at the start of a two-hour launch window that opens at 7:13 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

This will be the second Ariane 5 flight of 2012, with a payload performance of over 8,300 kg. – which includes a combined mass of more than 7,500 kg. for JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2, along with the launcher’s dual-payload dispenser system and associated integration hardware.

Ridding as the upper passenger in Ariane 5’s payload “stack” is JCSAT-13, which will be released at approximately 26 minutes into the flight. Produced for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, this telecommunications spacecraft will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 124 degrees East – from which it is to provide direct TV broadcast links to all of Japan as a replacement satellite for JCSAT-4A, and also will meet satellite relay coverage demands in Southeast Asia.
 
VINASAT-2 – which is to be operated by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group – will be deployed from Ariane 5’s lower passenger position at just over 36 minutes after liftoff. From an orbital position of 131.8 degrees East, this satellite will provide fixed satellite service to Vietnam and neighboring countries.
 
Both payloads on this heavy-lift launch are Lockheed Martin spacecraft based on the company’s A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series.  They are the milestone 100th and 101st commercial geostationary communications satellites built by Lockheed Martin.
 
Tomorrow’s mission is designed VA206, signifying the 206th launch of an Ariane family vehicle since 1979.

Launch window for VA206

- Universal time (GMT) Between 10:13 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. on May, 15-16 2012

- Paris, France Between 12:13 a.m. and 2:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012
 
- Kourou, French Guiana Between 7:13 p.m. and 9:13 p.m. on May 15, 2012

- Washington D.C., USA Between 6:13 p.m. and 8:13 p.m. on May 15, 2012
 
- Hanoi, Vietnam Between 5:13 a.m. and 7:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012

- Tokyo, Japan Between 7:13 a.m. and 9:13 a.m. on May 16, 2012

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/909.asp
« Last Edit: 05/15/2012 01:16 pm by bolun »

Offline Lewis007

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Re: Ariane Flight VA206 - JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 - May 2012
« Reply #14 on: 05/15/2012 03:49 pm »
It seems Arianespace posts less pictures with each new Ariane campaign, but luckily there is CNES; check out this page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pkpro/sets/72157629962535603/

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Offline jacqmans

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Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Final countdown underway for Arianespace's launch with JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2

May 15, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA206

Arianespace has begun the final countdown for tonight’s Ariane 5 flight from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, which is to orbit a pair of relay satellites for Japan and Vietnam.
 
This mission will loft the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 satellites, delivering a total payload performance of over 8,300 kg. – which includes a combined mass of more than 7,500 kg. for the two passengers, along with the launcher’s dual-payload dispenser system and associated integration hardware.

Liftoff is scheduled during a launch window that opens at 7:13 p.m. local time in French Guiana, and continues to 9:13 p.m. JCSAT-13 is to be deployed first during the flight, released from the upper position of Ariane 5’s payload “stack” at approximately 26 minutes after liftoff, followed 10 minutes later by VINASAT-2.
 
Both passengers on the Ariane 5 were built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems based on the company’s A2100 platform design.

To be operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, the JCSAT-13 spacecraft will provide direct TV broadcast links to all of Japan as a replacement satellite for JCSAT-4A, and also will meet satellite relay coverage demands in Southeast Asia.
 
VINASAT-2 is to serve the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), supplying fixed satellite service for Vietnam and neighboring countries.

This mission marks Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 flight of 2012, and comes after the heavy-lift workhorse’s March 23 orbiting of Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for resupply of the International Space Station.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/910.asp
Jacques :-)

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Offline Mapperuo

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This is the english sound track from the Guiana Space Center....

Urr, I mean, The webcast is about to start.
- Aaron

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