Ariane Flight VA209 - ASTRA 2F & GSAT 10 - September 28 2012 (2118UTC)

[bolun]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/924.asp

the Ariane 5 for Flight VA209 was delivered from Europe to the Spaceport earlier this month aboard the MN Toucan roll-on/roll-off transport ship.

[bolun]

Initial build-up is underway for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 launch in 2012

July 24, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209
 
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s fifth heavy-lift mission of this year is beginning to take shape at the Spaceport as initial build-up procedures involving the workhorse vehicle are performed in French Guiana.

During activity inside the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage was removed from its protective shipping container and raised into position over one of two operational mobile launch tables. 

This was followed by separate rollouts of the vehicle’s two solid propellant boosters, readying them for mating to each side of the core stage.  The next step will be integration of Ariane 5’s cryogenic upper stage atop the launcher – completing its initial assembly process.
 
To date, Arianespace’s heavy-lift workhorse has performed three missions in 2012, further extending its track record of success. In March, an Ariane 5 orbited Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station, while another launcher delivered a dual-passenger payload of the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 relay spacecraft in May. The EchoStar XVII telecommunications platform and MSG-3 meteorological satellite were orbited by an Ariane 5 earlier this month. 

The next mission Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for launch on August 2, and will orbit the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 relay satellites.  Arianespace has taken delivery of this vehicle in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, and the two passengers are readied for their installation on the launcher.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/926.asp

[jacqmans]

Initial assembly is completed for Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 to be launched in 2012

July 27, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209
 
Arianespace’s fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a new milestone in preparations for a September mission to orbit the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 satellites.

This assembly activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building included installation of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay as a single unit atop the Ariane 5’s cryogenic core stage.
 
The mission’s Astra 2F passenger was produced by the Astrium division of EADS for satellite operator SES, and is configured with Ku- and Ka-band transponders to enable the delivery of next-generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Also to be orbited by Ariane 5 is the Indian Space Research Organisation’s GSAT-10, which carries Ku- and C-band transponders for relay services, as well as the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload.
 
With this Ariane 5’s initial assembly now complete, the launcher is being readied for its transfer to the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, where it will be fitted with the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 passengers.  The Final Assembly Building currently houses the launcher for Arianespace’s next mission, configured with the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 communications satellites, which is scheduled for liftoff on August 2.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/930.asp

[jacqmans]

The Indian GSAT-10 satellite is prepared for Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012
 
August 1, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

One of the two satellites for Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012 is undergoing checkout in French Guiana, as preparations move forward for a dual-passenger heavy-lift mission, scheduled for September from the Spaceport.

India’s GSAT-10 is now in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility, having been removed from the shipping container that protected this spacecraft during its voyage to French Guiana aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) built GSAT-10 using its I-3K satellite bus. It is outfitted with Ku-, C-band and extended C-band transponders for relay services, as well as the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and adjoining areas.
 
GSAT-10 will be lofted along with the Astra 2F payload during Arianespace’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission – which will mark the 209th Ariane-series vehicle flight since 1979.
 
The upcoming launch with GSAT-10 and Astra 2F will follow Arianespace’s August 2 mission, which is to orbit a dual payload of Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 from the Spaceport.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/933.asp

[bolun]

GSAT-10 “spreads its wings” in preparation for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 launch

August 9, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209
 
India’s GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite – which is one of two passengers for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 mission in September – has been put through its paces during pre-flight preparations at the Spaceport in French Guiana, including a solar panel deployment test.
 
This checkout step involves the extension of its multi-segment solar panels, validating the proper operation before they are definitively stowed against the satellite in the final liftoff configuration.  The test uses an overhead latticework that helpes support the solar panel's weight – simulating zero gravity conditions of space as the panel opens to its full length.
 
Performed under the control of GSAT-10 satellite team members, the extension validation was conducted in the S5C high bay area of the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation center – the largest individual hall in this facility.   

GSAT-10 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and will meet the growing need for Ku- and C-band transponder capacity.  It is to become part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft – representing one of the largest domestic communications satellite networks in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Configured with 12 Ku-band, 12 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders, GSAT-10 utilizes the I-3K satellite bus developed by ISRO, with a power capability of some six kilowatts and a liftoff mass estimated at 3,400 kg.

Also included on GSAT-10 is the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload, which will support the Indian government’s implementation of a satellite-based regional capability to assist aircraft navigation over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas. The initial GAGAN payload was carried aboard the GSAT-8 spacecraft, orbited by Arianespace on an Ariane 5 mission in May 2011.
 
The upcoming Ariane 5 flight with GSAT-10 and the Astra 2F satellite as its co-passenger is set for September 21 from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch complex.  This will be Arianespace’s fifth mission from French Guiana in 2012 with the heavy-lift workhorse.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/940.asp

[bolun]

India’s GSAT-10 satellite continues its checkout for the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 5 mission

August 16, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209
 
Test deployments of the antenna reflectors on India’s GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite have been performed as part of pre-flight preparations for this payload, which is one of two spacecraft on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.
 
GSAT-10’s two reflectors, located on the “east” and “west” side of its rectangular-shaped body, were opened in the S5C high bay area of the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation center – where the satellite’s solar panels previously were extended during the ongoing checkout process.
 
Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GSAT-10 will provide Ku- and C-band relay capacity when it joins the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft. The platform is based on ISRO's I-3K satellite bus with a power capability of some six kilowatts, and carries 30 transponders and the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system.
 
After its fueling, GSAT-10 will have a liftoff mass of approximately 3,400 kg.
 
For its upcoming launch on September 21, GSAT-10 will be lofted along with the ASTRA 2F satellite as its co-passenger on Arianespace’s fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission so far in 2012.  It will be the 209th flight of an Ariane family vehicle since the introduction of this European-built launcher series in 1979.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/942.asp

[Salo]

ASTRA 2F touches down in French Guiana for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 dual-passenger mission

August 21, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

The second passenger for Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 mission has arrived in French Guiana with today’s delivery of the Astrium-built ASTRA 2F satellite, which will be operated by Luxembourg-based SES.

ASTRA 2F was transported by a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner that landed at Félix Eboué International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne, and was unloaded for transfer by road to the Spaceport.

This powerful six metric ton-class relay platform utilizes Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 satellite bus and carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the delivery of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Its planned orbital location at 28.2 degrees East is one of SES' prime positions that serves such premium broadcasters as BSkyB, the BBC, ITV and Channel 5.  From this geostationary slot, SES delivers programming to almost 13 million satellite homes and over three million cable homes, as well as 700,000 Internet Protocol television (IPTV) homes in the U.K. and Ireland.  Additionally, 28.2 degrees East is used by SES to broadcast numerous channels for the growing DTH platforms in sub-Saharan Africa.

This satellite will be orbited on Arianespace’s September 21 Ariane 5 mission along with India’s GSAT-10 telecommunications spacecraft, which has been undergoing its pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport during the past several weeks.  With an estimated liftoff mass of 3,400 kg., GSAT-10 was produced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its I-3K satellite bus. 

ISRO has equipped GSAT-10 with Ku-, C-band and extended C-band transponders, and it is to become part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft.  The platform also has the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload to support the Indian government’s implementation of a satellite-based regional capability for assisting aircraft navigation over the country’s airspace and in adjoining areas.

Arianespace’s September 21 launch will be the company’s fifth heavy-lift mission in 2012 with its workhorse vehicle, following flights on August 2 carrying the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 satellites (the 50th consecutive launch success for Ariane 5); on July 5 with EchoStar XVII and MSG-3; on May 15 with JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2; and March 23’s liftoff with the Edoardo Amaldi Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/945.asp

[bolun]

Payload preparations are in full swing for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission in September

August 22, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

The ASTRA 2F satellite to be orbited on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission is now undergoing pre-flight checkout, joining its GSAT-10 co-passenger at the Spaceport launch site in French Guiana.

Built by the Astrium division of EADS for Luxembourg-based SES, ASTRA 2F was removed from its shipping container in the Spaceport’s S1B clean room, where the relay platform arrived after being delivered to French Guiana yesterday by a chartered cargo jetliner.

ASTRA 2F is a six metric ton-class platform that carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the relay of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

It will be lofted by Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission on September 21 along with GSAT-10, which continues its own preparation activity at the Spaceport.  GSAT-10 was produced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the I-3K satellite bus, and has an estimated liftoff mass of 3,400 kg. 

This upcoming mission will be the 65th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and the fifth so far in 2012 for the workhorse Arianespace heavy-lift launcher.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/946.asp

[bolun]

Ariane 5s are on the move for Arianespace's upcoming missions

August 23, 2012 – Ariane Flights VA209 & VA210

Two Ariane 5 launchers have been positioned at the Spaceport for processing in preparation for Arianespace's upcoming flights from French Guiana, maintaining the company's mission pace in 2012.

During separate activities on the same day, Flight VA209’s Ariane 5 was transferred from the Launcher Integration Building – where its basic assembly was performed – to the Final Assembly Building for installation of this mission’s two commercial relay satellites; while the vehicle for Flight VA210 was brought into the Spaceport after arriving by ship at nearby Pariacabo Port, completing a trans-Atlantic trip from Europe.

These concurrent developments underscore Arianespace’s mission flexibility with Ariane 5 that benefit from the Spaceport’s infrastructure, which is designed to support parallel launch campaigns with this workhorse vehicle.

The Flight VA209 Ariane 5’s transfer to the Final Assembly Building represented a new milestone in preparations for the next mission, as it marked the launcher’s delivery to Arianespace by prime contractor Astrium.  Final steps under Arianespace’s responsibility will be installation of the mission’s two payloads – ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 – followed by the completed vehicle’s rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone, the final countdown and liftoff on September 21.

ASTRA 2F will be operated by Luxembourg-based SES and is configured with Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the relay of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  The spacecraft is a six metric ton-class platform based on Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 satellite bus.

The GSAT-10 passenger for Flight VA209 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for Ku- and C-band relay services as part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) geostationary spacecraft system.   With a liftoff mass of approximately 3,400 kg., this satellite is based on ISRO’s I-3K satellite bus.

Arianespace’s mission with GSAT-10 and ASTRA 2F will be the 65th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and the 209th liftoff of an Ariane-series vehicle – which results in its VA209 designation (with the “V” representing the French word for “flight,” and the “A” signifying an Ariane member of the company’s commercial launcher family).

Flight VA209’s Ariane 5 transfer to the Final Assembly Building opens up the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building for Arianespace’s subsequent mission, with its VA210 vehicle now ready to take shape in this facility. 

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/948.asp

[Galactic Penguin SST]

I've no idea why Arianespace don't post it on their main website, but according to the live webcast page (http://www.arianespace.tv/) the launch window is 21:20 - 22:09 UTC.

[xm11]

will be post soon more info and picture

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Launch delayed......

Arianespace Flight VA209: Ariane 5 ECA - ASTRA 2F - GSAT-10 launch postponed

Evry, France, September 17, 2012

In order to perform additional checks on the Ariane 5 ECA launch system, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch VA 209, initially slated on Friday 21 September 21, for a few days.

A new launch date will be announced shortly. 

[xm11]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3908227.ece
gsat 10 and astra 2f plan 28 september

[Jester]

I'm hearing a 1 week delay..... issue with fairing, unconfirmed btw

[xm11]

v209
astra 2f and gsat 10 back the launch
next 7 days
http://www.arianespace.tv