NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => ESA Launchers - Ariane, Soyuz at CSG, Vega => Topic started by: bolun on 03/18/2016 02:25 pm
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Article for this mission:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/06/ariane-5-dual-launch-echostar-18-brisat/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/06/ariane-5-dual-launch-echostar-18-brisat/)
http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/ariane/vol-ariane-230-arrivee-des-elements-du-lanceur/ (http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/ariane/vol-ariane-230-arrivee-des-elements-du-lanceur/)
First components of the Ariane 5 launcher arrived at Guyana on the ship MN Colibri. The launch preparation campaign of Echostar 18 and BRISAT, scheduled in early June, has started at the Guiana Space Centre.
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Mar 18, 2016
Ariane 5 arrives at the Spaceport for a June launch with Echostar 18 and BRIsat
Components for another of Arianespace’s up-to-eight planned Ariane 5 launches in 2016 are now at the Spaceport in French Guiana, following their delivery from Europe this week.
Arriving aboard the MN Colibri – which is one of two sea-going roll-on/roll-off transport ships that support Arianespace’s launcher supply chain – the elements included Ariane 5’s EPC cryogenic main stage and the “upper composite” composed of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
Once unloaded from the MN Colibri at Pariacabo Port adjacent to the city of Kourou, the components were transferred by road to the nearby Spaceport.
A dual-payload mission for Arianespace in June
This Ariane 5 is planned for liftoff from the Spaceport in early June with two telecommunications relay passengers: Echostar 18 and BRIsat.
Echostar 18 will join the spacecraft fleet of U.S.-based EchoStar Satellite Services, which provides video distribution, data communications and backhaul services to meet the needs of media and broadcast organizations, direct-to-home providers, enterprise customers and government service providers.
BRIsat will serve Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. – also known as BRI – to provide a dedicated platform for banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago. Its launch will make BRI one of the world’s first banks to orbit a communications satellite.
The 230th mission for Europe’s Ariane launcher family
Both BRIsat and Echostar 18 are relay platforms built by SSL, a leading provider of geostationary commercial satellites. To date, more than 50 SSL-built spacecraft have been launched by Arianespace.
Ariane 5’s early June mission with BRIsat and Echostar 18 is designated Flight VA230, signifying the 230th liftoff of an Ariane vehicle since the family of European launchers entered service in 1979.
So far in 2016, Arianespace has used the heavy-lift Ariane 5 for two on-target missions: Flight VA229, performed March 9 to orbit the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite for Eutelsat Communications; and Flight VA228 – conducted on January 27 – which lofted Intelsat 29e as the first high-throughput EpicNG-series spacecraft for international operator Intelsat.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-arrives-at-the-spaceport-for-a-june-launch-with-echostar-18-and-brisat/
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Mar 18, 2016
Ariane 5 arrives at the Spaceport for a June launch with Echostar 18 and BRIsat
<snip>
BRIsat will serve Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. – also known as BRI – to provide a dedicated platform for banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago. Its launch will make BRI one of the world’s first banks to orbit a communications satellite.
<snip>
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-arrives-at-the-spaceport-for-a-june-launch-with-echostar-18-and-brisat/
A communications satellite for a bank?! Has any other financial institution bought a satellite for its own use?
I expect that the challenges of Indonesian geography lend themselves to a space technology solution.
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Mar 18, 2016
Ariane 5 arrives at the Spaceport for a June launch with Echostar 18 and BRIsat
<snip>
BRIsat will serve Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. – also known as BRI – to provide a dedicated platform for banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago. Its launch will make BRI one of the world’s first banks to orbit a communications satellite.
<snip>
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-arrives-at-the-spaceport-for-a-june-launch-with-echostar-18-and-brisat/
A communications satellite for a bank?! Has any other financial institution bought a satellite for its own use?
I expect that the challenges of Indonesian geography lend themselves to a space technology solution.
Also that the undersea cables to many of the islands have been severed many times by the violent earthquakes in the region towards Australia each decade. So much so that Indonesia is switching to satellite communications been islands as primary method of comm services with land line only used on the Islands themselves.
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A communications satellite for a bank?! Has any other financial institution bought a satellite for its own use?
The only one I can think of is Kupon
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kupon.htm
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A communications satellite for a bank?! Has any other financial institution bought a satellite for its own use?
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Mar 25, 2016
Arianespace’s third Ariane 5 for launch in 2016 is assembled at the Spaceport
The launcher for Arianespace’s third Ariane 5 mission of 2016 has begun its build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana, initiating preparations for an early June liftoff with the Echostar 18 and BRIsat telecommunications satellites.
During activity in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, the vehicle’s cryogenic main stage was positioned over one of two operational launch tables for Ariane 5, followed by the integration of its two solid propellant boosters.
The next step will be installation of Ariane 5’s “upper composite,” composed of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay.
When this integration – performed under responsibility of industrial prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers – is completed, the Ariane 5 will be ready for its transfer to the Final Assembly Building, where Arianespace oversees the payload integration, final checkout and the launch operations.
The Upcoming Flight Will Be Ariane’s 230th Mission
Arianespace’s June mission is designated Flight VA230 in the company’s launcher family numbering system, representing the 230th liftoff of an Ariane vehicle since the family of European launchers entered service in 1979. It will deliver the two passengers into geostationary transfer orbit.
Both the Echostar 18 and BRIsat satellites to be lofted by Flight VA230 are relay platforms built by SSL, which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of geostationary commercial satellites. More than 50 SSL-built spacecraft have been launched by Arianespace to date.
Echostar 18 will be operated U.S.-based EchoStar Satellite Services, a provider of video distribution, data communications and backhaul services for media and broadcast organizations, direct-to-home providers, enterprise customers and government service providers.
BRIsat is to serve Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. – also known as BRI – and the launch will make it one of the world’s first banks with a communications satellite. BRIsat has been designed to operate as a dedicated platform for banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/arianespaces-third-ariane-5-for-launch-in-2016-is-assembled-at-the-spaceport/
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Apr 21, 2016
EchoStar 18 arrives at the Spaceport for Arianespace’s June launch with Ariane 5
The first of two Space Systems Loral-built satellites to be orbited on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission has arrived at the Spaceport, initiating the payload preparation phase for this heavy-lift flight in June.
EchoStar 18 was delivered to French Guiana yesterday, arriving at Félix Eboué Airport near Cayenne aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner. After unloading, the spacecraft was transferred by road to the Spaceport, where it was moved into the S5 payload processing facility for the start of pre-flight checkout.
U.S.-based EchoStar Satellite Services will add EchoStar 18 to its spacecraft fleet, which delivers video distribution, data communications and backhaul services to meet the needs of media and broadcast organizations, direct-to-home providers, enterprise customers and government service providers. EchoStar 18 is based on the 1300 satellite bus produced by Space Systems Loral (SSL).
SSL is a leading provider of geostationary commercial satellites, and this Palo Alto, California-based company also built BRIsat – the second passenger for Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission in June. BRIsat will serve Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. – also known as BRI – with the spacecraft to operate as a dedicated relay platform for banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago.
The Ariane 5 mission with BRIsat and EchoStar 18 is designated Flight VA230 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, and is one of up to 12 missions planned during 2016 with the company’s launcher family composed of Ariane 5, along with the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/echostar-xviii-arrives-at-the-spaceport-for-arianespaces-june-launch-with-ariane-5/
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May 3, 2016
EchoStar 18 begins its preparation for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission
The EchoStar 18 satellite for Arianespace’s next dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission is undergoing its pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport for a June liftoff from French Guiana.
As part of this activity, the spacecraft underwent its fit-check – an initial milestone validating the satellite’s compatibility with the adapter that is to serve as the payload interface with Ariane 5.
EchoStar 18 will join U.S.-based EchoStar Satellite Services’ spacecraft fleet, which provides video distribution, data communications and backhaul services for media and broadcast organizations, direct-to-home providers, enterprise customers and government service providers.
Based on the 1300 satellite bus produced by SSL, EchoStar 18 is one of two passengers built by the company that will be deployed into geostationary transfer orbit by the upcoming heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission – designated Flight VA230 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system. It will be joined by BRIsat, a dedicated relay platform for Indonesia’s PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. to deliver banking connection services across the Indonesian archipelago.
Arianespace’s Flight VA230 is one of up to 12 missions planned during 2016 with the company’s launcher family of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega. So far this year, Arianespace has performed three launches: Ariane 5 missions on January 27 (with Intelsat 29e) and March 9 (orbiting EUTELSAT 65 West A), as well as a Soyuz flight on April 25 that lofted a five-satellite payload consisting of Sentinel-1B, Microscope and three Fly Your Satellite! CubeSats.
Flight VA230 in June will be preceded by Arianespace’s May 24 launch of a Soyuz, which will carry two more satellites for Europe’s Galileo satellite-based navigation and positioning system.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/echostar-18-begins-its-preparation-for-arianespaces-next-ariane-5-mission/
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Fueling of the Echostar-18 satellite took place on May 4.
Credit: CNES
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BRISAT arrived in French Guyana on May 9
(photos: CNES)
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ssl delivers satellite for INDONESIAN BANK TO LAUNCH BASE
PALO ALTO, Calif. – May 10, 2016 — Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the BRIsat satellite, designed and built for PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), the oldest and most profitable bank in Indonesia, has arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, where it will be launched aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle by Arianespace. BRI will use the satellite to provide a dedicated platform for banking connection services for the people of Indonesia.
BRIsat is the world’s first communications satellite dedicated to a financial institution. It will provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage of Indonesia and South East Asia. Positioned at 150.5 degrees East longitude, the satellite will enable BRI to provide enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, 236,939 electronic channel outlets, and almost 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
“It has been an honor to work with bank BRI to build a satellite that will help improve lives in Indonesia by expanding the availability of banking services,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “We are pleased that the satellite arrived at launch base on schedule and look forward to its successful launch.”
BRIsat is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.
“SSL has been a professional and reliable partner in the design and manufacturing of our satellite,” said BRI CEO Asmawi Syam Syamsuddin. “The satellite was delivered on schedule in just 24 months and when launched it will help us better serve the people of Indonesia.”
SSL is also providing BRI with a complete ground system solution, which includes two satellite control facilities, as well as training, and launch support services.
About BRI
PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) is one of the largest state-owned banks in Indonesia. BRI went to public through Initial Public Offering in 2003 and became one of the blue chip stock traded in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The Indonesian Government still keeps the majority share of 56.75%. For more detail, visit www.bri.co.id.
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Some pics of the opening of the Brisat shipping container.
(credit: CNES Flickr)
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May 16, 2016
Pre-launch processing is underway with Indonesia’s BRIsat for the next Arianespace heavy-lift flight
The second of two Space Systems Loral-built (SSL) payloads on Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 mission is well into its pre-launch processing at the Spaceport as Indonesia’s BRIsat is readied for a June liftoff from French Guiana.
Preparations have included the fit-check, which is a regular milestone for Arianespace spacecraft passengers. This step validated BRIsat’s electrical and mechanical compatibility with the adapter that will serve as the interface when integrated with Ariane 5.
BRIsat will be riding as the lower passenger during Arianespace’s dual-payload mission, which will be the third Ariane 5 flight in 2016.
Once in orbit, BRIsat will become one of the world’s first communications satellites dedicated to a financial institution, and is configured to provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage of Indonesia and South East Asia.
BRIsat to support banking communications services
The spacecraft will serve PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), the country’s oldest and most profitable bank, providing enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
BRIsat is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer. In addition to producing the satellite, SSL is providing BRI with a complete ground system solution, which includes two satellite control facilities, as well as training and launch support services.
Riding in the upper payload position on Arianespace’s June Ariane 5 mission to geostationary transfer orbit is EchoStar 18, which is to join the fleet of EchoStar Satellite Services. This U.S.-based operator provides video distribution, data communications and backhaul services for media and broadcast organizations, direct-to-home providers, enterprise customers and government service providers.
EchoStar 18 also utilizes the SSL 1300 satellite bus as its platform.
The Ariane 5 mission with BRIsat and Echostar 18 will be the fifth of up to 12 Arianespace flights planned during 2016 with the company’s launch vehicle family composed of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
Preceding the June liftoff with BRIsat and EchoStar 18 will be Soyuz Flight VS15, which is to orbit a pair of FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation system on May 24.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/pre-launch-processing-is-underway-with-indonesias-brisat-for-the-next-arianespace-heavy-lift-flight/
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Some recent pics of the VA230 campaign.Both sats have been fueled, and Echostar has been placed on top of the SYLDA.
(credit: CSG facebook)
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May 26, 2016
The BRIsat banking communications satellite is fueled for Arianespace’s June 8 launch with Ariane 5
A milestone payload on Arianespace’s upcoming Ariane 5 mission has been fueled at the Spaceport in French Guiana, readying the Indonesian BRIsat spacecraft for integration with its heavy-lift launcher.
BRIsat will be operated by PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), which is one of the world’s first banks to purchase its own satellite. Once in orbit, BRIsat will provide enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, as well as to some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
The spacecraft was produced by Space Systems Loral (SSL) based on the company’s SSL 1300 satellite platform.
BRIsat will be orbited along with Arianespace’s co-passenger on the June 8 mission: EchoStar 18, which also was built by SSL and will be utilized by DISH Network L.L.C. This direct broadcast spacecraft is designed to provide exceptional sparing flexibility for the DISH fleet, and will augment its existing satellite resources while assuring the highest level of ongoing service to DISH customers.
Arianespace’s Ariane 5 launch to deploy BRIsat and EchoStar 18 into geostationary transfer orbit is designated Flight VA230 in the company’s numbering system, signifying the 230th mission with an Ariane-series vehicle. It will be Arianespace’s fifth liftoff in 2016, with the overall goal of performing up to 12 flights this year using the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega launchers.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/the-brisat-banking-communications-satellite-is-fueled-for-arianespaces-june-8-launch-with-ariane-5/
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VA230 poster/sticker from the Kourou Space Centre
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BRI’s satellite to launch in June, come online in August (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/05/31/bris-satellite-to-launch-in-june-come-online-in-august.html)
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May 31, 2016
EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat are installed on Arianespace’s Ariane 5
The payload integration process was completed today in French Guiana for Arianespace’s upcoming dual-passenger Ariane 5 Flight VA230 on June 8.
During activity this week inside the Spaceport’s Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building (BAF), both satellite passengers – EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat – have been installed on the heavy-lift vehicle, completing launcher build-up for Flight VA230.
These preparations kicked off with installation of the mission’s lower passenger – BRIsat – atop the launcher’s central core. Subsequently, the upper component – consisting of EchoStar XVIII, the SYLDA dispenser system and Ariane 5’s protective payload fairing – was placed over BRIsat. This clears the way for final checkout before Ariane 5’s liftoff next week, including the launch readiness review and the vehicle’s rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone.
Ariane 5 complete for Flight VA230
EchoStar XVIII is the mission’s upper passenger, and it is to be orbited for operator DISH Network L.L.C. The spacecraft features a high-power multi-spot beam in the Ku-band to assure the highest levels of ongoing service to DISH customers in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Joining EchoStar XVIII on Arianespace’s next mission is BRIsat – a milestone payload for P.T. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI).
As the world’s first dedicated banking communications satellite, BRIsat will provide enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, as well as to some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
Both the BRIsat and EchoStar XVIII relay platforms were built by U.S.-based SSL (Space Systems Loral).
Next week’s Ariane 5 Flight VA230 will be Arianespace’s third heavy-lift launch of 2016, following previous successes in January (VA228) and March (VA229). Arianespace is maintaining its busy operational pace this year – with its launch manifest including a record of up to eight Ariane 5 flights, along with its two successful medium-lift Soyuz missions to date (VS14 in April and VS15 in May) and two launches planned with the lightweight Vega.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-flight-va230-echostar-xviii-brisat-integration/
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Launch kit is available now.
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http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/ariane/vol-ariane-230-pose-du-logo-sur-la-coiffe/
Placing logos on the fairing
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Jun 6, 2016
The go-ahead is given for Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission with Echostar XVIII and BRIsat
Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight has been approved for liftoff on June 8 following today’s successful launch readiness review, which was conducted at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
This key milestone – held prior to each Arianespace mission – confirmed that the heavy-lift launcher and its dual-satellite payload are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport’s infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.
With the readiness review completed, Ariane 5 has been authorized for its rollout tomorrow from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone – where this vehicle will be readied for liftoff on Wednesday, during a 45-min. launch window opening at 5:30 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
Ariane 5 will deliver a lift performance of approximately 10,730 kg. during the mission – designated Flight VA230 – with this total factoring in the Echostar XVIII and BRIsat satellite passengers, plus the workhorse vehicle’s dual-payload deployment system and integration hardware.
Ariane 5: Delivering A Dual-Satellite Payload To Orbit
To be released first during the 42-min. flight sequence, Echostar XVIII is the mission’s upper passenger, and it is to be orbited for operator DISH Network L.L.C. The spacecraft features a high-power multi-spot beam in the Ku-band to assure the highest levels of ongoing service to DISH customers in the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii.
Located below Echostar XVIII in the launcher’s dual payload arrangement is the mission’s lower passenger, BRIsat. Once in orbit, it will serve PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), the country’s oldest and most profitable bank, providing enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
Both EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat were built by U.S.-based SSL (Space Systems Loral), and are to be deployed into geostationary transfer orbit on the June 8 launch with Arianespace’s workhorse Ariane 5.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/the-go-ahead-is-given-for-arianespaces-ariane-5-mission-with-echostar-xviii-and-brisat/
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Arianespace Flight VA230: EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat: launch delayed
During the preparations for the roll-out of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher for Flight VA230, an anomaly occurred on a fluid connector between the cryogenic upper stage and the launch table.
As a result, Arianespace has decided to postpone the Flight VA230 launch, initially scheduled for June 8, 2016, in order to replace this component and perform the subsequent verifications.
The launch vehicle and its EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat satellite payloads are being maintained in fully safe conditions and in stand-by mode.
The new targeted launch date will be announced very soon.
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-flight-va230-echostar-xviii-and-brisat-launch-delayed/
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Jun 8, 2016
New launch date targeted for Ariane 5 Flight VA230
The start of replacement operations for the fluid connector between the cryogenic upper stage and launch table – along with associated checks – has enabled a new targeted launch date for Flight VA230.
This mission is now targeted for a June 16 liftoff – during a 45-minute launch window that opens at 5:30 p.m. local time in French Guiana next Thursday.
The EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat satellites and Ariane 5 launch vehicle are being maintained in fully safe conditions and in stand-by mode.
Designated Ariane 5 Flight VA230 in Arianespace’s numbering system, this dual-passenger mission is the 230th flight of an Ariane-series vehicle.
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/new-launch-date-targeted-for-ariane-5-flight-va230/
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Jun 14, 2016
Ariane 5 is approved for this week’s flight from the Spaceport with Echostar XVIII and BRIsat
Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight has been authorized for liftoff on June 16 following today’s launch readiness review, which was conducted at the Spaceport in French Guiana.
This milestone confirmed that the heavy-lift launcher and its dual-satellite payload are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport’s infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.
With the approval granted, Ariane 5 is cleared for tomorrow’s rollout from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone – where it will be readied for liftoff on June 16 during a 1-hour, 10-minute launch window that opens at 5:30 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
The mission is designated Flight VA230 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, notating the 230th Ariane launch since this series of European-built vehicles began operation in 1979. It also will be the 86th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, where the vehicle is operated alongside Arianespace’s medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
Another dual-passenger deployment for Ariane 5
EchoStar XVIII is the mission’s upper passenger, and it is to be orbited for operator DISH Network L.L.C. The spacecraft features a high-power multi-spot beam in the Ku-band to assure the highest levels of ongoing service to DISH customers in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Joining EchoStar XVIII on Arianespace’s next mission is BRIsat – a milestone payload for P.T. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI). As the world’s first dedicated banking communications satellite, it will provide enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, as well as to some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
Both the EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat relay platforms were built by U.S.-based SSL (Space Systems Loral), and are to be delivered by Ariane 5 into geostationary transfer orbit.
http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/va230-liftoff-275-410_v2.jpg
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LRR confirmation via a blank e-mail and a .dox attachment....
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https://youtu.be/GWK59H-SMHw
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https://youtu.be/zfDLah3dQNM
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https://youtu.be/YNqQ-Yeg91o
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https://youtu.be/TSmv2aSkafI
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https://youtu.be/v4SHIBpWSKI
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Préparation du satellite Echostar XVIII
CNES CSG
Published on Jun 15, 2016
Le satellite Echostar 18 est arrivé en Guyane. Convoyé depuis l’aéroport Félix Eboué, jusqu'au au Centre spatial guyanais, il est transféré en salle blanche pour sa préparation. A l’issue des tests il est installé au sommet du lanceur Ariane 5, avec son co-passager BRIsat. Lancement du vol Ariane 230, programmé le 8 juin 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZKyUgER_-Y
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http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/flight-va230-echostar-xviii-and-brisat-24-hour-delay/ (http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/flight-va230-echostar-xviii-and-brisat-24-hour-delay/)
Flight VA230 – EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat: 24-hour delay
During operations to transfer the Ariane 5 ECA launcher for Flight VA230, an anomaly occurred with an umbilical connection on the upper portion of the launcher.
As a result, Arianespace has decided to delay the launch – planned for June 16, 2016 – by 24 hours in order to replace this equipment and perform the necessary verifications.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is now planned for Friday, June 17, 2016, as early as possible within the following launch window:
from 5:30 p.m. to 6:40 p.m., local time in French Guiana,
from 4:30 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., in Washington, D.C,
from 20:30 to 21:40, UTC,
from 10:30 p.m. to 11:40 p.m., in Paris, France.
The launcher, with its EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat satellite payloads, remains in a safe standby condition.
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Updated the thread date.
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AE launch kit(s) ;-)
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Is this 2 successive incidents with the GSE?
Arianespace Flight VA230: EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat: launch delayed
During the preparations for the roll-out of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher for Flight VA230, an anomaly occurred on a fluid connector between the cryogenic upper stage and the launch table.
As a result, Arianespace has decided to postpone the Flight VA230 launch, initially scheduled for June 8, 2016, in order to replace this component and perform the subsequent verifications.
<snip>
Flight VA230 – EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat: 24-hour delay
During operations to transfer the Ariane 5 ECA launcher for Flight VA230, an anomaly occurred with an umbilical connection on the upper portion of the launcher.
As a result, Arianespace has decided to delay the launch – planned for June 16, 2016 – by 24 hours in order to replace this equipment and perform the necessary verifications.
<snip>
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June 16, 2016
Ariane 5 is in the launch zone for tomorrow’s heavy-lift Arianespace mission
Arianespace has delivered another Ariane 5 to the launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, positioning this workhorse vehicle’s June 17 liftoff with a dual-satellite payload of EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat.
Riding atop a mobile launch table, Ariane 5 was transferred to the ELA-3 launch zone from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building – where its two passengers had been integrated as part of pre-flight preparations.
With the rollout completed, the final countdown will begin for a Friday liftoff at the start of a 1-hour, 10-minute launch window that opens at 5:30 p.m. local time in French Guiana.
For this 86th flight of an Ariane 5 to date, the payload lift performance to geostationary transfer orbit is approximately 10,730 kg. – which includes a combined total of some 9,840 kg. for EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat, plus the launch vehicle’s dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.
EchoStar XVIII – which was produced by SSL (Space Systems Loral) for DISH Network L.L.C. – is riding in the upper position of Ariane 5’s payload “stack,” to be released first in the flight sequence at 29 minutes following liftoff.
BRIsat also was built by SSL and will be deployed from Ariane 5’s lower passenger position 42 minutes into the flight – completing the mission. Once in orbit, it is to be operated by PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI).
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-is-in-the-launch-zone-for-tomorrows-heavy-lift-arianespace-mission/
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Moved for live coverage!
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This is the launcher serial number L583?
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AE launch kit(s) ;-)
No Airbus & Defense launch kit?
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This is the launcher serial number L583?
From the Ariane Defense & Space page (http://www.space-airbusds.com/en/launch-kits/flight-ariane-230-launch-kit-kgs.html) it is L584.
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This is the launcher serial number L583?
From the Ariane Defense & Space page (http://www.space-airbusds.com/en/launch-kits/flight-ariane-230-launch-kit-kgs.html) it is L584.
Great! Thank you baldusi!
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L-60 mins.
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At what point in the countdown does the Arianespace webcast begin?
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At what point in the countdown does the Arianespace webcast begin?
L-15 mins, or about half an hour from now.
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They have a handy countdown clock for their webcast start time too:
http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/
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Stéphane Israël
@arianespaceceo
Launcher and satellites ok but altitude winds red. We try at 18.30 Kourou Time.
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So a one hour delay.
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Webcast still starting on time.
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We are red at the moment...
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And yay! It's @EXEDEHARRY commentating! "Rumble in the Amazon jungle!"
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Lovely day, apart from the upper level winds.
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Holding at T-7 mins.
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T-7m and holding...
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End of launch window is about 1 hour from now.
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New T-0 at 9:30 UTC, 5:30 eastern according to text on the webcast.
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Scrub! Retrying tomorrow same time, same window (1 hour 10 minutes)
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Hopefully, the winds will cooperate tomorrow.
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The Airbus VA230 launch kit (only French version seems to be available so far)
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DISH has a dedicated HD channel, 91, for coverage of the launch of the Echostar.
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75 mins away from another try.
Live: http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/
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L-38 minutes.
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Heh, epic! Tonight's commentator:
HARRY THIBEDEAU @EXEDEHARRY
@NASASpaceflight We will try to "Rumble the Jungle" again Saturday @ 17:30 Kourou Time. Broadcast @ 17:15. GO ARIANE 5 ECA
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L-20 minutes. The final GO/NO GO poll is in 10 minutes.
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And away we go...
45 mins past the hour for the new T-0 apparently, per Le Boss.
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Countdown is now red. Will hold at L-7 minutes for 15 minutes.
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Will hold at T-7 mins.
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Why is the webcast not working for me? "Cannot load M3U8: crossdomain access denied."
I have no idea what that means. I've watched ESA webcasts before. The same thing happened yesterday.
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Playing a Payload Presentation dedicated to EchoStar 18.
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Why is the webcast not working for me? "Cannot load M3U8: crossdomain access denied."
I have no idea what that means. I've watched ESA webcasts before. The same thing happened yesterday.
Even on this page?
http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/
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Got the Ariane countdown going on my big screen. What's the issue holding the count?
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Playing a Payload Presentation dedicated to BRISat. Both satellites are now on internal power.
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L-7 minutes and holding.
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Holding.
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Why is the webcast not working for me? "Cannot load M3U8: crossdomain access denied."
I have no idea what that means. I've watched ESA webcasts before. The same thing happened yesterday.
Even on this page?
http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/ (http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/)
Yes, I got the same message.
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Commentary has stopped for now. Will resume when further info is given.
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Launch pad is the issue.
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"Like a good wine, you never drink it before its time". I love Harry's commentary :)
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Do the satellites remain on internal power during a hold like this?
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Do the satellites remain on internal power during a hold like this?
I think the long launch window is determined based on how long the spacecrafts can stay on internal power.
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Countdown about to resume. T-7 minutes.
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Synchronized sequence initiated. 6 minutes and counting.
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The Red on "ensemble de lancement" is clear! Green. T-7 mins and COUNTING.
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Weather at Kourou is GO, including the altitude winds. 5 minutes and counting.
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First and second stages now being pressurized. T-4 minutes.
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A new record regarding payload mass will be gained by the Ariane 5 rocket as we pass T-3 minutes.
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T-3 mins.
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HOLD!
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The Sound Suppression Water System will be activated at T-2 seconds to help absorb the shock of the 3 million pounds of thrust produced by the Ariane 5.
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Countdown clock is stopped at -2:24
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T-2 minutes, 24 seconds and holding. We'll recycle to L-7 minutes.
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Possibly another launch pad issue. Weather is still GO.
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Commentary has stopped again. Will resume once the holding issue has been resolved.
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There is some venting occurring on the umbilical tower near the back end.
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A break in the web cast commentary...
Suggestions from Harry Thibedeau on what to do until he returns with more commentary:
Grab a cold one!
Get a bratwurst!
;D 8)
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Harry suggests we go grab a cold one. Who are we to argue with that! ;D
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I ain't drinking. Will never drink a drop.
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There is some venting occurring on the umbilical tower near the back end.
That's normal GOX venting. Not sure why the Ariane 5 design team went with a launch pad GOX vent for the upper stage.
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End of launch window is 49 minutes from now.
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A new record regarding payload mass will be gained by the Ariane 5 rocket as we pass T-3 minutes.
This 10,730 kg lift record for Ariane 5 would seem like an important milestone to add to the NSF article.
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A new record regarding payload mass will be gained by the Ariane 5 rocket as we pass T-3 minutes.
This 10,730 kg lift record for Ariane 5 would seem like an important milestone to add to the NSF article.
I thought he said 8,730 kg.
Are you sure?
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Cloud cover's not too bad as seen from a side view.
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A new record regarding payload mass will be gained by the Ariane 5 rocket as we pass T-3 minutes.
This 10,730 kg lift record for Ariane 5 would seem like an important milestone to add to the NSF article.
I thought he said 8,730 kg.
Are you sure?
As per ArianeSpace's website (http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/ (http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va230/)) : "... mark a new all-time Arianespace record for a total payload weight orbited: 10,730 kg., including a net weight of 9,840 kg. for the two satellites."
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Sunset is at 21:45 UTC (6:45 PM local). No matter what happens, this launch will be considered a day launch since night launches only happen between 15 minutes after sunset and 15 minutes before sunrise.
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A new record regarding payload mass will be gained by the Ariane 5 rocket as we pass T-3 minutes.
This 10,730 kg lift record for Ariane 5 would seem like an important milestone to add to the NSF article.
I'll pass that on to the guy who wrote the article. Let me just find a mirror ;D
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It's 21:00 UTC (6:00 PM local) at the present time. 40 minutes remain in the window.
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Commentary has restarted. Standing by for the DDO to give recent info.
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A clipped snapshot of the MCC shows that the issue is indeed a launch pad problem.
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Harry's chatting away. This is comedy gold! ;D
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Harry's chatting away. This is comedy gold! ;D
At least that commentary's keeping us from being bored.
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29 minutes until the end of the launch window.
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Just over 30 mins in the window (taking into account the T-7 mins).
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Commentary has stopped for the third time. Stand by until then.
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Harry's trying to get us drunk!
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Harry suggests getting another cold one!
(as the web cast takes another break)
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The launch team will need to resume the countdown by 21:33 UTC (6:33 PM local) or else we're scrubbed for the second time in two days.
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What kind of launch pad issue is it that's causing the countdown to be held? Is it a faulty connector/umbilical?
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21 minutes left in the launch window, 14 minutes to make a decision.
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What kind of launch pad issue is it that's causing the countdown to be held? Is it a faulty connector/umbilical?
Well they postponed twice due to issues with connectors, wonder if its reoccurred?
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Kourou's getting darker and darker; time now is 21:21 UTC (6:21 PM local).
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14 minutes left in the launch window. With so much silence, I suspect a scrub in the next 7 minutes.
Or...the launch team might try for the end of the window.
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Running out of window shortly.
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3 minutes, launch team. 3 minutes.
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And we are green again!
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Going for it!
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We're green! T-7 minutes and counting!
P.S. This is my 1,000th post. Congrats to me.
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Synchronized sequence has begun. T-6 minutes. Discussing launch campaign.
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Under 5 minutes to launch.
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First and second stages beginning to pressurize for flight. T-4 minutes.
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https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/744281202262171648
Stéphane Israël @arianespaceceo 3m3 minutes ago
Issue on a valve of the EPC has pushed H0 to 18.38 Kourou Time. Final Automatic Sequence will start at 18.31
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Status board all green per the commentator.
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Green board.
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Launch time has been calculated. It is now being loaded into the vehicle computers. T-3 minutes.
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T-3 mins.
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So, we've had three T-0s for this launch window
5:30 pm Kourou time
5:45 pm
6:39 pm
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At T-2 seconds, thousands of gallons of water will be dumped into the flame trenches to help suppress the sound of the thrust produced by the Ariane 5. T-2 minutes.
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T-120 seconds. Still green.
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90 seconds and counting.
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1 minute left in the count.
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T-60 seconds!
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T-40 seconds. Launch igniters armed.
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T-10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, main engine start, booster ignition, and liftoff of the heaviest payload duo launched by the Ariane 5! And the vehicle has cleared the tower!
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Roll and pitch programs are in!
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LAUNCH!!
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Mach 1 and Max-Q have been achieved.
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Harry does his rumble in the jungle call for Ali.
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SRBs and Vulcain 2 continue to burn well.
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SRB burnout and jettison. Very little attitude disturbances from booster sep. Vulcain 2 has dampened those disturbances.
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Booster sep.
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3 minutes and 22 seconds. Payload fairing jettison. No sign of recontact.
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There goes the fairing.
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Vulcain 2 engine continues to function as expected. It will burn until 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The first stage will separate 6 seconds later followed by second stage ignition at 8 minutes and 56 seconds.
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At 7 minutes and 44 seconds, the Ariane 5 will be acquired by the Natal Tracking Station.
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Altitude now 165 kilometers, downrange distance 710 kilometers, velocity 4.1 kilometers per second.
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"Arianespace is the undisputed champion of the commercial launch industry".
Elon just spat out his drink ;)
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7 minutes in. Good chamber pressure on the Vulcain 2 engine.
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"Arianespace is the undisputed champion of the commercial launch industry".
Elon just spat out his drink ;)
Had to put that shill on mute.
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Altitude now 161 kilometers, downrange distance 1,220 kilometers, velocity 6.2 kilometers per second.
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MECO confirmed. Stage separation nominal. Second stage ignition; second stage chamber pressures beginning to rise.
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Staging.
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Altitude 157 kilometers, downrange distance 1,760 kilometers, velocity 7.1 kilometers per second.
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Another presentation about EchoStar 18.
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11 minutes in. Good engine control on the second stage.
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Altitude 149 kilometers, downrange distance 2,701 kilometers, velocity 7.35 kilometers per second.
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At 13 minutes and 24 seconds, the Ariane 5 will be acquired by the Ascension Tracking Station. Coming up in about 1 minute.
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Altitude 140 kilometers, downrange distance 3,600 kilometers, velocity 7.7 kilometers per second.
Ascension AOS.
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15 minutes in. Second stage continues to burn well. Playing a presentation about BRISat.
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Altitude now 148 kilometers, downrange distance 5,100 kilometers, velocity 8.2 kilometers per second.
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Ascension LOS.
Libreville AOS.
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18 minutes in.
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19 minutes, 30 seconds in. Attitude nominal.
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Altitude 215 kilometers, downrange distance 6,500 kilometers, velocity 8.61 kilometers per second.
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Playing a video about Space Systems/Loral.
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SECO should occur at 24 minutes, 53 seconds.
T+21 minutes, 45 seconds.
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Altitude now 360 kilometers, downrange distance 7,800 kilometers, velocity 9.02 kilometers per second.
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90 seconds to SECO.
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The Malindi Tracking Station has already acquired the launch vehicle. Standing by for SECO in 40 seconds.
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SECO confirmed.
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Altitude now 680 kilometers, downrange distance 9,440 kilometers, velocity 9.29 kilometers per second.
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Shutdown.
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EchoStar 18 has separated on time.
The second stage will now reorient itself to separate the Sylda DPAF and eventually the BRISat satellite.
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SLYDA next.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K22zjE5-Bbs
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Happy BRIsat guy.
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We have jettison of the Sylda 5 DPAF.
Coming up on separation of BRISat about several minutes from now.
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There goes SYLDA.
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Altitude now 2,635 kilometers, downrange distance 13,190 kilometers, velocity 7.85 kilometers per second.
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Not much activity going on in the MCC. Standing by for BRISat separation.
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Around twenty seconds before BRISat sep, the second stage will start to spin up slowly.
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Anybody else recognize this guy?
He was working for ILS.
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Altitude 3,422 kilometers, downrange distance 14,090 kilometers, velocity 7.39 kilometers per second.
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Three minutes away from BRISat sep. Attitude nominal.
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Three mins to go.
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One minute from BRISat sep. Second stage spin up should start soon.
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BRISat separation confirmed! Congrats to Arianespace, EchoStar, and BRI for the launch of the EchoStar 18 and BRISat spacecrafts.
Chris, it was an honor to participate in the coverage of this launch.
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BRIsat S/C Sep!
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Arianespace webcast will end momentarily.
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We're not going to see the graphic, they prefer to show happy customers.
Thanks to all, especially Long Drive for the coverage!
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Arianespace webcast will end momentarily.
But, they have the post-launch speeches to attend to first!
EDIT: Speeches finished a little after 7:40 pm Kourou time.
Did Mr. Israel mis-speak? In his closing speech, I thought I heard him welcome everyone back for the next launch, in August, of Intelsats 33e and 36.
Isn't there the Ariane launch in late July of Superbird 8 and GSAT-18?
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Arianespace webcast will end momentarily.
But, they have the post-launch speeches to attend to first!
EDIT: Speeches finished a little after 7:40 pm Kourou time.
Did Mr. Israel mis-speak? In his closing speech, I thought I heard him welcome everyone back for the next launch, in August, of Intelsats 33e and 36.
Isn't there the Ariane launch in late July of Superbird 8 and GSAT-18?
Yes. July 26, 2016. VA-231 will launch the Superbird 8 and GSat 18 spacecrafts.
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Arianespace webcast will end momentarily.
But, they have the post-launch speeches to attend to first!
EDIT: Speeches finished a little after 7:40 pm Kourou time.
Did Mr. Israel mis-speak? In his closing speech, I thought I heard him welcome everyone back for the next launch, in August, of Intelsats 33e and 36.
Isn't there the Ariane launch in late July of Superbird 8 and GSAT-18?
Yes. July 26, 2016. VA-231 will launch the Superbird 8 and GSat 18 spacecrafts.
But Superbird-8 replaced DSN-1 as it was damaged during transit. May be Superbird-8 can not make the date?
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"Arianespace is the undisputed champion of the commercial launch industry".
Elon just spat out his drink ;)
Arianespace and ULA having a group hug on Twitter and joining in with Arianespace sponsored anti-SpaceX SpaceNews guy.
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Arianespace webcast will end momentarily.
But, they have the post-launch speeches to attend to first!
EDIT: Speeches finished a little after 7:40 pm Kourou time.
Did Mr. Israel mis-speak? In his closing speech, I thought I heard him welcome everyone back for the next launch, in August, of Intelsats 33e and 36.
Isn't there the Ariane launch in late July of Superbird 8 and GSAT-18?
Yes. July 26, 2016. VA-231 will launch the Superbird 8 and GSat 18 spacecrafts.
But Superbird-8 replaced DSN-1 as it was damaged during transit. May be Superbird-8 can not make the date?
We'll wait and see, Ohsin.
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Congrats to all! 8)
Thanks to NSF Chris and Longdrivechampion102 for the great pbp. :D
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http://www.csgpreparationlancement.com/ is citing next launch as VA232 under "Save the Date"
Prochain lancement : Le 24 août 2016
Vol Ariane 232 - Les satellites INTELSAT 33E et 36.
Décollage prévu à 17h30 (heure de Guyane).
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There may be a bunch of you who were thinking, "longdrivechampion102, how did you figure out the sunset time in Kourou?" To clarify this hypothetical concern, go to http://www.sunrisesunset.com/custom.asp (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/custom.asp) and enter the coordinates for CSG along with the correct month and year to view a calendar listing the actual sunrises and sunsets.
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what the tle of Echostar 18 & BRISAT ?
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what the tle of Echostar 18 & BRISAT ?
Catalog numbers 41591 and 41592, don't know which is which yet.
By the way, a nitpick to Chris's article - I think Kupon was the first banking satellite.
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2 objects have been cataloged by USSTRATCOM
2016-039A/41591 in 246 x 35673 km x 5.86°
2016-039B/41592 in 263 x 35758 km x 5.97°
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18, 2016
Another launch for the record books: Arianespace makes history on its latest Ariane 5 mission
Ariane 5 delivered a new record payload lift performance on today’s successful launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana, which orbited a pair of telecommunications satellites at the service of American and Indonesian customers.
This heavy-lift mission carried EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat, and it delivered a total calculated mass of 10,730 kg. into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) – setting a new launch benchmark for the Ariane 5 ECA version. The total included some 9,840 kg. for the two spacecraft, along with the dispenser system and integration hardware in Ariane 5’s dual payload arrangement.
Highlighting the record lift performance to GTO during post-launch comments from the Spaceport’s Jupiter control room, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël offered his congratulations to everyone involved with the successful mission.
Ariane 5 lifted off from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone for a 42-minute flight, which marked the workhorse vehicle’s 72nd consecutive success, as well as the 230th flight of an Ariane-series launcher overall.
EchoStar XVIII: assuring the highest levels of service
Riding in the upper position of Ariane 5’s payload configuration, EchoStar XVIII was released first during the flight sequence, and is the fifth spacecraft entrusted to Arianespace for launch by U.S.-based operator DISH Network L.L.C.
This satellite – which is to be operated from a final orbital position of 110 deg. West – features a high-power multi-spot beam in the Ku-band to assure the highest levels of ongoing service to customers in the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii.
“I suppose if it were possible to drink a several-hundred-million-dollar bottle of Bordeaux wine, tonight’s success is exactly what it would taste like,” said Derek de Bastos, Chief Technology Officer at EchoStar, in his post-launch comments.
Delivering secure banking communications with BRIsat
Flight VA230’s lower passenger – BRIsat, which is to be operated by P.T. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) – was the second payload released today by Ariane 5.
As the world’s first communications satellite dedicated to banking, BRIsat will provide enhanced secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, as well as to some 237,000 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago. It is to operate from a final orbital slot located at 150.5 deg. East, with a coverage area that includes Indonesia, Southeast and Northeast Asia.
“We are proud to be the first and only bank in the world that owns and operates a satellite,” said BRI CEO Asmawi Syam. “It’s not only a proud moment for BRI, but also for our country, Indonesia.”
Continuing a long, successful partnership
In his post-launch comments, Israël also acknowledged Arianespace’s long-standing partner SSL – which is payload prime contractor for both of the spacecraft launched today.
Flight VA230 was the first Arianespace mission with two SSL-produced satellites carried on a single launcher, marking a key milestone for a partnership that extends back to 1983. EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat are the 54th and 55th SSL-built geostationary satellites orbited by Arianespace to date, while 10 more are slated for future launches.
Israël also gave special thanks to Airbus Safran Launchers, the French CNES space agency, the ground contractors in French Guiana and Arianespace’s own teams.
Today’s mission with EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat was the fifth performed this year as part of the company’s launch manifest for 2016. It follows heavy-lift Ariane 5 successes on January 27 (carrying Intelsat 29e) and March 9 (EUTELSAT 65 West A); plus medium-lift Soyuz missions completed on April 25 (with Sentinel-1B as primary passenger) and May 24 (two Galileo constellation satellites).
http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/another-launch-for-the-record-books-arianespace-makes-history-on-its-latest-ariane-5-mission/
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Jun 18, 2016
Arianespace Flight VA230: 72nd successful Ariane 5 launch in a row, and a record-setting payload for Ariane 5 ECA
Arianespace has successfully launched two satellites for operators in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region: EchoStar XVIII for the operator DISH Network L.L.C and BRIsat for the Indonesian bank PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk.
The fifth launch of the year for Arianespace, and the third in 2016 using an Ariane 5, took place on Saturday, June 18 at 18:38 pm local time from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. This mission was the heavy-lift launcher’s 72nd consecutive success. It set a payload lift record to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) for the Ariane 5 ECA by lofting a total mass of 10,730 kg.
It was also the 230th launch of an Ariane rocket overall, and marked two other milestones, as Arianespace launched two SSL-built (Space Systems Loral) satellites for the first time on a single mission, and also orbited a spacecraft wholly dedicated to a financial institution.
Ariane 5 sets a GTO payload record
Today’s launch sets a all-time Arianespace record for payload sent into geostationary transfer orbit, at 10,730 kg. (including a net weight of 9,840 kg. for the two satellites). The Ariane 5 used on this mission therefore beats the previous record of 10,500 kg. (9,503 kg. for the satellite passengers), set by Ariane 5 during the Flight VA212 mission on February 7, 2013.
Since the start of operations with the Ariane 5 ECA version, a 1.4 ton increase in its payload lift performance has been achieved. This performance will gradually be further enhanced in the framework of the Ariane 5 ECA’s global optimization.
A launch for direct-to-home satellite broadcasting
The EchoStar XVIII direct broadcast satellite (DBS) will enhance the current fleet of DISH Network L.L.C., an American satellite television operator, enabling this company to guarantee optimum service continuity for its customers.
DISH Network LLC (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiaries, has nearly 14 million subscribers for its pay-TV services. DISH offers a high-definition line-up including more than 200 national channels and most international channels, plus advanced HD (high-definition) and direct-broadcast technologies.
•EchoStar XVIII: the fifth satellite orbited by Arianespace for the operator DISH Network L.L.C.
•DISH Network and Arianespace first teamed up on EchoStar II in 1996.
•Arianespace has five more satellites from North American operators in its order book.
Arianespace at the service of innovative applications for the Indonesian archipelago
The BRIsat satellite will allow PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia to offer its customers fast, simple and secure access to banking services, as well as providing a complete and innovative range of business solutions. This satellite-based technology will enable the bank to provide more secure communications for over 10,600 branches, 236,939 electronic channel outlets and nearly 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.
PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) is the largest state-owned bank in Indonesia. It operates around the clock, managing millions of transactions through facilities located across the country.
•Arianespace has orbited the first satellite in the world dedicated to a financial establishment.
•PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. is the 37th satellite operator to choose Arianespace to launch its initial satellite.
•Arianespace and Indonesia at a glance: ◦Five satellites launched for Indonesian operators since 1996.
◦One more satellite (Telekom 3S) in Arianespace’s launch manifest for 2016.
◦20th anniversary of Arianespace’s first launch of a satellite to serve Indonesia.
Arianespace and SSL: a successful partnership since 1983
Today’s launch is the first by Arianespace with two satellites built by SSL carried on a single launcher. Both satellites were built at Palo Alto, California using the SSL 1300 platform, which provides the reliability and flexibility needed to deliver a broad range of applications and technologically advanced functions.
Since launching the Intelsat 5F.7 satellite on October 19, 1983, Arianespace and SSL have developed a long term partnership. EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat are the 54th and 55th geostationary satellites based on SSL platforms launched by Arianespace.
Ten more SSL satellites are slated for launch by Arianespace.
Shortly after the announcement of the orbital injection of the BRIsat and EchoStar XVIII satellites, Arianespace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Israël said: “With the third successful Ariane 5 launch this year, and the 72nd in a row, Arianespace is very proud of being able to deliver Arianespace’s excellence to our American and Indonesian customers at the service of innovative applications. The all-time payload mass record achieved with this launch also confirms the Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher’s power and flexibility. Along with industrial prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers, and within the scope of a program supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), Arianespace will continue to increase the Ariane 5 ECA launcher’s performance in the coming years.
“My thanks to DISH for its renewed confidence, and to BRI for choosing Arianespace to orbit its initial satellite – the first that is fully dedicated to a financial establishment.
“I would like to express our thanks as well to Arianespace’s long-standing partner SSL, which built both satellites launched today. Bravo to Airbus Safran Launchers and the entire European launcher industry for Ariane 5’s exceptional reliability and availability. I also would like to thank ESA, CNES/CSG, and all companies and staff at the launch base, who always are at our side in our continuing success. And congratulations to the teams at Arianespace for this successful 230th launch of an Ariane rocket.”
The EchoStar XVIII satellite
EchoStar XVIII was built by SSL using an SSL 1300 platform.
It weighed 6,300 kg. at launch and offers a design life of approximately 15 years. To be positioned at 110° West, it is fitted with 61 transponders and operates in Ku band.
Coverage zone: CONUS (contiguous United States), Alaska, Hawaii.
The BRIsat satellite
BRIsat was built by SSL using an SSL 1300 platform.
It weighed 3,540 kg. at launch and offers a design life exceeding 15 years. To be positioned at 150.5° West, it is fitted with nine Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders.
Coverage zone: Indonesia, South East and North East Asia.
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-flight-va230-72nd-successful-ariane-5-launch-in-a-row-and-a-record-setting-payload-for-ariane-5-eca/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD1LZU9GJUU
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Arianespace video of launch broadcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CGooEWtAls
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I have noted that the two satellites are being tracked in GTO but there is no sign of the Ariane-5 orbital stage which is highly unusual.
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ssl-built satellite for indonesian bank is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan
PALO ALTO, Calif. – June 20, 2016 — Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), the oldest and most profitable bank in Indonesia, was launched on Saturday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, BRIsat, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and began firing its main thruster to propel it toward its final geostationary orbit. BRI will use the satellite as a dedicated platform for banking connection services for the people of Indonesia.
BRIsat is the world’s first communications satellite owned and operated by a bank. It will provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage of Indonesia and South East Asia, and enables BRI to provide expanded secure banking communications to almost 60 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago, including locations where banking services were previously unavailable.
“It has been a pleasure to work together with BRI on the development and launch of its satellite, which will improve lives by providing expanded access to banking services,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “This launch marks two successes for SSL, as we built both the satellites that were launched on Saturday on the Ariane 5.”
BRIsat is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. Positioned at 150.5 degrees East longitude, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.
“SSL has been an excellent partner in providing a high quality satellite which was delivered and launched on schedule,” said BRI CEO Asmawi Syam Syamsuddin. “SSL and BRI share a mutual understanding and common spirit that helped make this project a success. As the leading bank in Indonesia with the largest microfinance business in the world, our communication network is critical and BRIsat will play an important role in growing this network’s strength and reliability.
In addition to building BRIsat, SSL provided BRI with a complete satellite control system solution, which includes two satellite control facilities. The company also provided training, and launch support services.
About BRI
PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) is one of the largest state-owned banks in Indonesia. BRI went to public through Initial Public Offering in 2003 and became one of the blue chip stock traded in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The Indonesian Government still keeps the majority share of 56.75%. For more detail, visit www.bri.co.id.
About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
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Two additional high-res launch pics
(credit: Arianespace)
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Looking forward to the 'sans bandeau' version of the top one.
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Bump for non-labelled liftoff pic at last.