Ariane 5 VA261 - Syracuse 4B & Heinrich Hertz - 5 July 2023 (22:00 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Final Ariane 5 launch


Cross-posts; my bolds:

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/561994/9709831/S%20-%20Fiche%20LPM%20-%20Syracuse%20IV.pdf

translated:

By 2022: launch of the SYRACUSE 4A and 4B satellites

https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/avec-la-constellation-syracuse-les-armees-francaises-passent-au-haut-debit-par-satellite.N1153337
[dated October 26, 2021]
Google translate:

It will be joined by two other satellites: Syracuse 4B launched in 2022 and Syracuse 4C ordered by 2025.

https://www.cieletespace.fr/actualites/ariane-5-reussit-son-dernier-envol-avant-de-lancer-le-telescope-james-webb
[dated October 25, 2021 and modified November 2, 2021]
Google translate:

Thales Alenia Space, it will be joined in mid-2022 by a second satellite: Syracuse 4B, built by Airbus Defense and Space.

[GWR64]

Syracuse 4B
...

@zubenelgenubi your link goes to Syracuse-4A, the satellites are not identical. 
VA258 ?
CNES writes there (date March 23, 2022) launch Syracuse-4B mid-2022.But with which co-passenger?
Eutelsat Konnect VHTS is maybe 3 months away from a possible launch, I believe. But he is very tall and heavy.
Is Syracuse 4B small and light enough to partner with?
Eutelsat 10B payload+platform mating was about 5 months after Konnect VHTS mating. So it won't be finished soon.
Eutelsat Hotbird 13G (or 13F) no current information on these satellites. 

[zubenelgenubi]

Link edited. 

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posts.

Given that it takes approximately two weeks minimum to turn around between launches from Kourou/Ariane 5 launches, then NET late September is the earliest that Syracuse 4B could launch aboard a hypothetical VA259, with a more massive copassenger.

The above is no guarantee.  It could be the less massive copassenger on VA260, even later in 2022, or early 2023.

https://twitter.com/jlvuillemin/status/1532748436725981184

Google translate:

@orange SAT teams were able to admire a monster: the new VHTS Konnect from @Eutelsat_SA the biggest European satellite ever built by @Thales_Alenia_S and in which we have heavily invested: 8.8 m high, 6500 kg and 40 m wide with solar panels.

https://twitter.com/jlvuillemin/status/1532750545634598915

Google translate:

It will enter the test phase then will be transported to Kourou by boat in early July, launched by an Ariane 5 in September and will be operational in August 2023.

https://twitter.com/jlvuillemin/status/1532754742107152387

Google translate:

VHTS Konnect will complement the very high speed coverage of @orange for the benefit of all our customers wherever they are in France, Europe, North Africa and certain Middle Eastern countries.

https://twitter.com/jlvuillemin/status/1532772725277839361

Google translate:

It will be launched by an Ariane V (flight VA258) like this one, which I photographed on its launch pad at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou during the launch of the intelsat EPIC 33e.

Yes [Eutelsat Konnect VHTS] is the only payload on VA258.

https://twitter.com/Eutelsat_SA/status/1534220775837913090

During the VA257 launch webcast:

Israel: VA258 launches on September 6.

So after this tweet:
https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1539741200797794305

And mark your calendar: we’ll be back early September 6 for next Ariane 5 mission: onboard, EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS, a satellite built by Thales_Alenia_S for Eutelsat_SA! VA258.

[zubenelgenubi]

As of this post, there is no news of the completion or delivery of Syracuse-4B.

Also, there is no news of the launch times or payloads assigned to VA259 and VA260.

The NET late September launch was based on the minimum turn-around after VA258 launches on September 6.

Also, the amount of time it takes to process a spacecraft for launch on-site at CSG must be considered.

Launch would now be NET Q4 2022.

[GWR64]

CNES writes in the Annual Report 2021, 2022 highlights: "End of year, Launch of Syracuse 4B by Ariane 5.".
I do not know why the report is published on August 24, 2022 and how up-to-date this information is.

https://www.calameo.com/read/0000156394077c3bf4319

page 37

[zubenelgenubi]

I merged the launch threads for Syracuse 4B and Ovzon-3: They are the two remaining geocomm satellites launching aboard Ariane 5.

Re: Eutelsat 10B:

SFN confirms this is also switching to a Falcon 9 launch from SLC-40 at the Cape, NET November 2022.

Also "The Falcon 9’s first stage booster will either be expended or land on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean." - probable last usage of B1049?

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post:

By this application, SSC Space US, Inc. dba Universal Space Network (collectively, "USN"),1 a Delaware Corporation, seeks FCC approval to support the Launch and Early Orbit (LEOP) support of the Syracuse4B spacecraft on its way to geosynchronous parking position at 46 degrees east. The spacecraft will be launched no earlier than February 17, 2023, at 00:15:00 UTC. USN has been contracted to support the Syracuse4B spacecraft LEOP for a period of up to 180 days.
...
Spacecraft injection
SYR4b
1 999U 22099A 23048.94923610 .00000000 00000-0 +00000-0 0 14
2 999 3.0301 310.0095 7280542 178.0728 3.1613 2.26979166 18

[gongora]

If this thread is for a flight that Ovzon isn't on, then the Ovzon news doesn't belong in this thread.

[GWR64]

Syracuse 4B seems to be ready for a launch, when the launcher (co-passenger?) will be ready, is not yet clear.
That's how I understand it.

Le lancement de Syracuse 4B, prévu en 2023 en fonction des contraintes des lanceurs, sera complété d’ici 2030 par un troisième satellite répondant aux besoins croissant de connectivité des plateformes
(Syracuse 4C).

Google translate:

The launch of Syracuse 4B, scheduled for 2023 depending on the constraints of the launchers, will be completed by 2030 by a third satellite to meet the platforms' growing connectivity needs.
(Syracuse 4C).

https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/16/rapports/cion_def/l16b0369-tvi_rapport-avis.pdf [Oct. 19 2022]

[gongora]

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1587830439518969858

Germany says Covid, arson attack at @OHB_SE likely to push Ariane 5 launch of civil/military H2Sat, with French @DGA Syracuse 4B, to June.
@DLR_de @CNES @ESA@bnetza @ITU.

[zubenelgenubi]

SFN Launch Schedule updated November 22:
VA260 (typo in source)
February 2023
Syracuse 4B, Heinrich Hertz, and Ovzon-3
!!!

Is there an adapter on SYLDA, or on one of the other two satellites, to accommodate Ovzon-3?

[Galactic Penguin SST]

SFN Launch Schedule updated November 22:
VA260 (typo in source)
February 2023
Syracuse 4B, Heinrich Hertz, and Ovzon-3
!!!

Is there an adapter on SYLDA, or on one of the other two satellites, to accommodate Ovzon-3?

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1575052183501819906

 

[Steven Pietrobon]

That tweet is from 28 September, nearly two months ago. However, its not looking good for Ovzon 3. Even the regulators can't get information from Ovzon!

https://www.spaceintelreport.com/regulators-refuse-extension-of-ovzon-3-satellite-in-service-deadline-pending-manufacture-launcher-documentation/

"17 November 2022 International regulators declined to grant Sweden-based Ovzon AB an extension of the December in-service deadline for the Ovzon-3 satellite until the company provides much more detail from the satellite’s builder and launch-service provider explaining the delivery delays and the new schedule.

Acting through its regulator, the Cyprus Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Ovzon is asking regulators to view Ovzon-3’s delays as a force majeure case eligible for deadline extensions."

This recent article doesn't mention Ovzon 3 being along for the ride.

https://www.spaceintelreport.com/germany-wins-regulatory-ok-to-heinrich-hertz-satellite-launch-in-june-on-last-ariane-5-with-french-military-syracuse-4b/

"17 November 2022 The German government has won  regulatory approval for a 2.5-month extension, to July 15, of the deadline for launching its civil/military Heinrich Hertz satellite, H2Sat.

The new date should give Germany and the H2Sat prime contractor, OHB SE, time enough to wrap up environmental testing of the satellite for shipment to Europe’s Guiana Space Center spaceport by April 17.

Under this schedule, it would be mated with the French Defense Ministry’s Syracuse 4B"

[GWR64]

late post

09 November 2022
Global MilSatCom 2022: French Syracuse satellite confirmed for launch in 2023

by Olivia Savage

...

Speaking at the Global MilSatCom 2022 conference and exhibition held in London between 8 and 10 November, Lieutenant Colonel Marina Ballanger, Satcom International Affairs at the French defence procurement agency (Direction générale de l'armement: DGA), announced that the launch date for the Syracuse 4B satellite has been confirmed for early 2023.

Development of the satellite is expected to be completed by December 2022, and ready for its launch date in early 2023, she said.
...

Source: https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/global-milsatcom-2022-french-syracuse-satellite-confirmed-for-launch-in-2023

I thought Syracuse 4B was already ready to launch. Now it's clear, why Eutelsat has rebooked the 10B to the Falcon-9.
Syracuse 4B on the other hand, will have to wait for its launch partner(s?).
These double launches are a handicap for Arianespace.

[GWR64]

What ... 
This is obviously a STA request for the LEOP of H2Sat (Heinrich Hertz), originally starting on March 3rd for 180 days.
well hidden [Dec. 20 2022]

SES-STA-20221220-01414

There is another letter from January 13, the period will be changed.now starting on July 2, 2023.
https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=19466249

 

[GWR64]

La Tribune writes here that the launch will take place in June. We will see.
The ground segment of H2SAT is not yet ready after that article.
The French Air and Space Force, meanwhile, is pretty unhappy with how things are going with Syracuse 4B.

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/le-retard-du-satellite-allemand-h2sat-repousse-le-lancement-de-syracuse-4b-948096.html

With a launch at the beginning of July, there would only be 2 weeks until the 2.5-month extension for the launch of H2SAT at the ITU is over.
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=57414.msg2433696#msg2433696

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/delta_v/status/1617536967234682882

The EPC (core stage) for the final #Ariane5 flight is in French Guiana along with Syracuse 4B.

📸CNES/ESA/Arianespace-ArianeGroup/Optique Video CSG/JM Guillon

#VA261 #ESA #CSG

[GWR64]

The EPC (core stage) for the final #Ariane5 flight is in French Guiana along with Syracuse 4B.

I suspect the EPC came with MN Colibri at the end of December.

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1617610349758525441

Looks like Syracuse 4B was the lucky passenger on the first trip of the new ship Canopée

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1636085627929108482

Arianespace's Stéphane Israël: Last Ariane 5 launch scheduled for June 21, carrying two European government payloads.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Moved up to June 16 per DLR.

[TheKutKu]

Moved up to June 16 per DLR.

This is the first time I'm not happy that a launch date is moved up, itself a rare occasion.

[CLE]

Probably to avoid launching during the Paris Air Show (19 - 25 June)

[bolun]

Ariane 5 solid fuel booster, flight VA261

A solid-fuel booster is transferred to the Ariane 5 assembly building at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for flight in June 2023. VA261 will be the 117th and final launch for Ariane 5. Payloads are Syracuse 4B and Heinrich Hertz.

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Ariane_5_solid_fuel_booster_flight_VA2612

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Ariane_5_solid_fuel_booster_flight_VA261

Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique video du CSG/P Piron

[bolun]

Ariane 5 lower stage, flight VA261

In the Ariane 5 assembly building at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, this lower, liquid-fuel stage is being prepared for flight in June 2023. VA261 will be the 117th and final launch for Ariane 5. Payloads are Syracuse 4B and Heinrich Hertz.

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Ariane_5_lower_stage_flight_VA2612

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Ariane_5_lower_stage_flight_VA2613

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/05/Ariane_5_lower_stage_flight_VA261

Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique video du CSG/S Martin

[GWR64]

Finally Heinrich Hertz "H2Sat" is in Kourou, after years of delays.

DutchSpace
@DutchSpace
Nice to see the Antonov An-124 back at Cayenne for the transport of H2Sat (Heinrich Hertz) to CSG as one of the passengers of the last ever Ariane 5 launch.

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1654831226757459970

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657111137379405848

🧩 The final pieces of the upper stage puzzle are slotted into place. You might think there should be cries of joy and expressions of intense emotion, but what we see on the faces of the technicians working on our launchers is simply pure concentration, whatever the mission. ©⬇️

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657111141112508416

#OneLastAriane5 #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #VA261  ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Service optique du CSG - S Martin

twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657111144195149829

#OneLastAriane5 #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #VA261  ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Service optique du CSG - S Martin

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657111146938224650

🥹 #OneLastAriane5 #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #VA261  ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Service optique du CSG - S Martin

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657843975577915394

🚀 New pictures from the last #Ariane5 campaign. Each launch always feels like the first one, even if all the teams know the choreography by heart, but this one carries the memories of all the other Ariane 5 launches.
#OneLastAriane5 #ArianeGroup #Arianespace #VA261

@esa @CNES @arianespace @EuropeSpacePort  #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #Arianespace #VA261  ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Service optique du CSG - S Martin

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1657843981139726337

@esa @CNES @Arianespace @EuropeSpacePort  #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #Arianespace #VA261  ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Service optique du CSG - S Martin

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianespace/status/1658117267148644353

🗓️ The target date for our next mission, #Ariane5 Flight #VA261, is June 16!
It will orbit two different passengers:
🛰️ Syracuse 4B, built by @AirbusSpace for @DGA.
🛰️ Heinrich-Hertz-Mission, built by @OHB_SE for @DLR_SpaceAgency.

#DestinationSpace

[GWR64]

Heinrich Hertz arrived healthy in Kourou.

https://twitter.com/DLR_SpaceAgency/status/1658456802340614148

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1660725772120621057

🛰Named after a famous German engineer who discovered radio waves, the Heinrich Hertz satellite (or H2Sat for insiders), currently seen here at @EuropeSpacePort in French Guiana, is on its way to becoming the last passenger on an #Ariane5 launcher. @DLR_SpaceAgency
 #VA261

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1660725774163255328

One of its missions will be to test new satellite communications technologies to see if they are suitable for use in space.
Guten Flug H2Sat! ©ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Optique vidéo du CSG - S Martin @Arianespace @DLR_SpaceAgency
#OneLastAriane5 #VA261 #ArianeGroup #Ariane5

[jacqmans]

DLR Press Release, 23 May 2023

Heinrich Hertz mission ready for launch - German satellite will make satellite communications smarter and more flexible

As global communications bandwidth needs rapidly increase, so do the demands on communications satellites. Communications satellites capable of handling modern and future demands must therefore make use of much more high-performance technologies than previous generations. With the ‘Heinrich Hertz’ mission, the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) will launch its own national communications satellite on 16 June 2023. After an absence of more than 18 years, the satellite will comprehensively demonstrate German system capabilities in this field. The technologies on board are designed to respond in a smart and flexible manner to future challenges in the field of satellite communications and to be able to support future communications scenarios. The 3450-kilogram, van-sized satellite will begin its journey into space as one of two payloads on the last-ever European Ariane 5 launch vehicle (type ECA) from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This will be the 117th launch of the Ariane 5.

The satellite will enable experiments on communications, and antenna and satellite technologies developed and built by German research institutes and companies, that will validate these technologies for use in space or test them under real operating conditions for the first time. With the fuelling of the satellite at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG) on 19 to 24 May 2023, the mission is now a significant step closer to launch. Following its launch, the satellite will orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres in a geostationary orbit – it will always be above the same point on Earth’s surface – for 15 years.

“The Hamburg physicist Heinrich Hertz was a pioneer in communications and media technology. Without him, mobile phones, television and the internet would be unthinkable today. The Heinrich Hertz mission is also doing pioneering work. We are sending an intelligent satellite into space that can process information independently on board. Its systems can then be flexibly adapted to new technical requirements and market conditions by teams on Earth. In a figurative sense, this smart satellite will grow with its tasks while in orbit,” emphasises Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR. The strength of the communication signal and the communication bandwidth can be adjusted in orbit. Its digitally scalable communication bandwidths cover broadband to narrowband applications and enable Heinrich Hertz to be flexibly adapted to new communication standards.

Communication reimagined

Receiving and forwarding data – that is a limitation of the normal mode of operation of a communications satellite. But would it not be much more practical if the incoming information could already be filtered and processed on board the satellite? This is role of the additional miniaturised computer systems installed on Heinrich Hertz. These on-board processors are a new type of computer that can interpret the signals received by the satellite, regenerate them and send them back to Earth. These processors are powerful and enable digital signal processing on board satellites. They are also flexibly reprogrammable. “Heinrich Hertz’s long, 15-year mission will see the satellite’s capabilities be continuously adapted to ever-changing technical requirements. These processors make the mission a very flexible tool that researchers will also use to investigate questions of the future in orbit,” explains Heiko Ultes, Project Manager of the Heinrich Hertz mission at the German Space Agency at DLR.

Sustainably powered by electricity

For a satellite to reach its intended orbit, its launch vehicle must first overcome gravity and it must accelerate to the desired orbital velocity. Chemical thrusters offer high thrust and provide the necessary acceleration to reach orbit. They carry the launcher and satellite into approximately the desired orbit. Once there, the orbit and orientation of the satellite in the vacuum of space can be controlled much more effectively and, above all, more precisely with electric thrusters rather than with chemical ones. Electric propulsion systems can reduce weight, and thus save costs, and increase the overall propellant content and thus the satellite’s operating time or payload capacity. This is because the ionisation of the gaseous propellant can generate a significantly higher specific impulse than chemical propulsion systems. The electrically powered High Efficiency Multi Stage Plasma HEMP thruster, which powers the course corrections within the target orbit of the Heinrich Hertz mission, has a specific impulse five times higher than the best chemical thrusters.

The Heinrich Hertz Mission and its partners

The Heinrich Hertz mission marks the first launch of a dedicated German communications satellite for researching and testing new technologies and communications scenarios. The mission will thus make an important contribution to Germany’s information society. The Heinrich Hertz mission is being led by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) in Bonn on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz; BMWK) and with the participation of the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung; BMVg). OHB-System AG was contracted to develop and build the satellite. The companies IABG GmbH, MDA AG and TESAT GmbH & Co. KG are also involved in the development and testing of the satellite. OHB Digital Connect is responsible for the ground segment in collaboration with CGI. The satellite control centre is located in Bonn. The locations for the mission’s new ground stations are in Hürth (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Neustrelitz (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Arianespace is responsible for launching the mission on board an Ariane 5 launch vehicle (VA261). A further 36 partners are involved in the mission, of which 14 are involved in the scientific payload.


https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2023/02/heinrich-hertz-mission-ready-for-launch

[jacqmans]

[Remes]

Observation site Carapa will open at 4:26pm. So the launch will be after that point in time.

[GWR64]

https://centrespatialguyanais.cnes.fr/fr/va261-ariane-5-se-prepare-pour-son-ultime-missiom

Le 117e et dernier vol Ariane 5 est prévu pour le vendredi 16 juin, entre 18h16 et 20H01 (heure de Guyane), 23h16 et 00h01 heure de Paris. Sous la coiffe, les satellites militaires de télécommunications Heinrich-Hertz et Syracuse-4B.

Google translation:
The 117th and last Ariane 5 flight is scheduled for Friday June 16, between 6:16 p.m. and 8:01 p.m. (French Guiana time), 11:16 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. Paris time. Under the fairing, the military telecommunications satellites Heinrich-Hertz and Syracuse-4B.

so launchwindow is: 21:16 to 23:01 UTC
Assuming the local times are correct. The conversion to Paris time (CEST) is incorrect for the end time.

edit: link fixed

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1665664407442006018

The legend is about to make its last voyage towards the stars, leaving an indelible mark on Europe's space adventure.  With this last Ariane 5 patch, we pay tribute to its shining success story.
#OneLastAriane5 #Ariane5 #ArianeGroup #Arianespace #VA261 @arianespace

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1665732065592070144

Hello Heinrich Hertz👋! Getting ready for #Ariane5 🚀#VA261 @EuropeSpacePort

[Remes]

Reservation for launch viewing sites is open.

https://cnes-csg.reservationlancement.fr/en/Inscription/Lancements

[Remes]

Reservation for launch viewing sites is open.

https://cnes-csg.reservationlancement.fr/en/Inscription/Lancements

and closed

Only observation site Ibis was offered.

[GWR64]

https://centrespatialguyanais.cnes.fr/fr/va261-ariane-5-se-prepare-pour-son-ultime-missiom


edit: link fixed

Le 117e et dernier vol Ariane 5 est prévu pour le vendredi 16 juin, entre 18h26 et 20H01 (heure de Guyane), 23h26 et 00h01 heure de Paris. Sous la coiffe, les satellites militaires de télécommunications Heinrich-Hertz et Syracuse-4B.

Hmm, wasn't paying attention.
I replaced the old link with the current one, but didn't see that the start time of the launch window has changed by 10 minutes..
The strange leap in time in the conversion at the end remains, however. (+5h -> +4h)

[Remes]

Rollout will be shown. Talk with experts in french.




Launch, also in french:

[Galactic Penguin SST]

[bolun]

https://newsroom.arianespace.com/ariane-flight-va261/

Launch kit

[jacqmans]

DLR Press Release, 14 June 2023


Heinrich Hertz mission about to launch - Final Ariane 5 flight will carry German communications satellite into space


Full article with images and videos: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2023/02/final-ariane-5-flight-will-carry-german-communications-satellite-into-space


On 16 June 2023, the time will have come. The final European Ariane 5 launcher is scheduled to lift off at 23:26 CEST (18:26 local time) from the European Spaceport at Kourou in French Guiana, carrying the German communications satellite 'Heinrich Hertz' and the French military satellite 'Syracuse 4B' into orbit. The 117th Ariane 5 flight, VA261, will release the Heinrich Hertz satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. From there, the satellite will use its thrusters to transition into geostationary orbit and reach its target position at 0.5 degrees east, which is expected to be accomplished by early July 2023.

Heinrich Hertz will then have arrived at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres in the equatorial plane and will always be situated above the same point on Earth's surface. This is located a little south of Ghana in the Atlantic Ocean. The Heinrich Hertz mission is being managed by the German Space Agency at German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium fuer Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz; BMWK) and with the participation of the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung; BMVg).

"With the final lift off of an Ariane 5 launch vehicle, an era in this sector is coming to an end, while a new one in German satellite communications is beginning. The Heinrich Hertz mission will put German industry in a position to compete on an equal footing in international telecommunications. With its systems capability in the highly competitive communications satellite market, Germany is taking a decisive step towards shaping its own programmes in this sector and qualifying for a leading role in European programmes such as the IRIS² connectivity initiative," emphasises Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR.

Heinrich Hertz mission – enhancing Germany as a location for space activities

The Heinrich Hertz mission is providing a significant stimulus to the telecommunications satellite market in Germany and the country's position a leading technology location. The prime contractor and system integrator is OHB System AG in Bremen, while Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG in Backnang is responsible for payload integration. In addition, 40 further industrial and research partners were involved. The development of this supplier ecosystem benefits the space economy in Germany in all its diversity. In addition, numerous European companies are involved in the project.

The findings from the Heinrich Hertz mission, together with other technological developments, can also be transferred to smaller, low-flying satellites, which are manufactured cost-effectively and in series production. The Heinrich Hertz mission is also an important step in the field of what are referred to as smart satellites. The results of the mission can help to further advance the increased flexibility and digitalisation of satellite communications technologies and prepare for contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence, quantum communications and flexible antenna technology for megaconstellations.

Ariane 5 – a legend retires

What will end with the launch of the Heinrich Hertz mission began 27 years ago. On 4 June 1996, the first launch marked the birth of Ariane 5. While the first flight was a false start, Ariane 5 developed over the following 27 years into one of the most reliable and safest launch vehicles, with 111 successful launches to date out of a total of 116. Thus, Ariane 5 was the guarantor of Europe's independent access to space for almost three decades. With the launch of the space telescopes XMM-Newton (1999) as well as Herschel and Planck (2009), the exploration of the origin and development of the universe could be significantly advanced.

Ariane 5 launched Rosetta and Philae (2004), the first mission ever to make a soft landing on a comet. The launching of the European Automated Transfer Vehicle space transporters (ATV-1 to ATV-5) ensured the delivery of supplies to the International Space Station from 2008 to 2015 and also helped to pave the way for Europe's participation in the Artemis programme.

In addition, Ariane 5 put ESA's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft on course for Jupiter on 14 April 2023. But it is not only institutional launches that have sent the workhorse of European spaceflight into space. Almost 150 commercial satellites and twelve Galileo satellites were safely and reliably launched with Ariane 5.

"Ariane 5 is the most successful European launch vehicle. The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope makes this particularly clear. NASA entrusted us Europeans with launching the largest and most expensive space telescope of all time. And Ariane 5 launched James Webb with such pinpoint accuracy that the telescope needed to use significantly less of its own propellants to reach its target location. This will make it possible for scientists to take measurements with the telescope for much longer than the planned ten years. In order to continue this success story of the Ariane launcher and to maintain Europe’s access to space, we must now start Ariane 6 operations as quickly as possible," says Walther Pelzer.

Ariane – a European launcher with German roots

The history of the European Ariane launchers is also a German success story. ArianeGroup in Bremen is responsible for the construction of all Ariane 5 upper stages. Part of the production and integration of the stages, including the Vehicle Equipment Bay (VEB), which also houses the on-board computer, also takes place there. ArianeGroup in Ottobrunn supplies the 'heart' of the main and upper stage engines with the combustion chambers and other propulsion technologies. MT Aerospace in Augsburg builds essential structural elements such as tank vents and booster housings. The DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen is one of two locations in Europe where the liquid-propellant engines of Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 are thoroughly tested. There are also numerous German suppliers and subcontractors.

The Heinrich Hertz Mission and its partners

The Heinrich Hertz mission marks the first launch of a dedicated German communications satellite for researching and testing new technologies and communications scenarios. The mission will thus make an important contribution to Germany's information society. The Heinrich Hertz mission is being managed by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) in Bonn on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium fuer Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz; BMWK) and with the participation of the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung; BMVg). OHB System AG was contracted to develop and build the satellite. The companies IABG GmbH, MDA AG and TESAT GmbH & Co. KG are also involved in the development and testing of the satellite. OHB Digital Connect is responsible for the ground segment in collaboration with CGI. The satellite control centre is located in Bonn. The locations for the mission's new ground stations are in Hürth (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Neustrelitz (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Arianespace is responsible for launching the mission on board an Ariane 5 launch vehicle (VA261). A total of 42 partners are involved in the mission – 14 of them on the scientific payload.

The launch of the Heinrich Hertz satellite on the last Ariane 5 can be watched on the Arianespace YouTube Livestream from 22:26 CEST on 16 June 2023.

[Remes]

No rollout so far. Transmission planned for 12:15 local.

But door is open.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Apparently rollout of the last Ariane 5 has been scrubbed for the day due to unspecified problems, which will delay the launch from tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/wakka44/status/1669359401394900993
Google translated:

Apparently technical problem in the BAF, no taxiing today, launch postponed.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianespace/status/1669377340428648448

It has come to light that there is a risk to the redundancy of a critical function on the Ariane 5. Consistent with safety requirements, Arianespace has decided to postpone the roll-out of the #VA261 launch vehicle.
Analyses are underway to determine a new launch date.

https://twitter.com/arianespace/status/1669377381566390272

The launcher and its satellites, Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit and SYRACUSE 4B,  are in the final assembly building in stable and safe conditions.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1669415817539366912

In a vert short (< 5 mins) briefing, Arianespace said they postponed the launch because of concerns about three pyrotechnical transmission lines after similar ones failed in tests. The suspect lines will be replaced. No new launch date, but an update planned for late June.

[Remes]

Page 6 shows some transmissions lines. So something like an explosive chord but it doesn't disseminate energy outwards. Looks like these one: https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/space/pyrotechnics-catalogue/transmission-lines/

I'm wondering, why this issues came up in tests now. Did they qualify something for Ariane 6 and detected an anomaly? And this testing timeline is kind of weird, they tested today at 8 o'clock and found a flaw? If they tested earlier why would they wait so long?

[Remes]

From https://spacenews.com/technical-problem-postpones-final-ariane-5-launch/

- June 9: Arianespace receives information of a “nonconformance” in pyrotechnical transmission lines used on Ariane 5
- happened while acceptance testing for another program
- x-ray of those lines raised doubts
- one used in seperation system
- two used in "distance system" (that would be the small solid motors on the solid boosters I guess)
- Tests done on 4 lines on 14th/15th June
- not all tests were successful

And now CNES/ESA/Arianespace publish the press call online!

At least it seems to have been a public call:
https://newsroom.arianespace.com/flight-va261-postponement-of-the-launch/

Next time I know better.

[Remes]

Weather was good at launch time.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

SFN's manifest says it has been delayed well into July. I guess new pyrotechnic testing would take a few weeks so this sounds reasonable.

[Zed_Noir]

SFN's manifest says it has been delayed well into July. I guess new pyrotechnic testing would take a few weeks so this sounds reasonable.

Anyone know where the problematic pyrotechnic transmission lines is located? Within the Ariane 5 or the pad infrastructure?

[Galactic Penguin SST]

SFN's manifest says it has been delayed well into July. I guess new pyrotechnic testing would take a few weeks so this sounds reasonable.

Anyone know where the problematic pyrotechnic transmission lines is located? Within the Ariane 5 or the pad infrastructure?

Think of them as linear shaped pyro charges:

From https://spacenews.com/technical-problem-postpones-final-ariane-5-launch/

- June 9: Arianespace receives information of a “nonconformance” in pyrotechnical transmission lines used on Ariane 5
- happened while acceptance testing for another program
- x-ray of those lines raised doubts
- one used in seperation system
- two used in "distance system" (that would be the small solid motors on the solid boosters I guess)
- Tests done on 4 lines on 14th/15th June
- not all tests were successful

And now CNES/ESA/Arianespace publish the press call online!

At least it seems to have been a public call:
https://newsroom.arianespace.com/flight-va261-postponement-of-the-launch/

Next time I know better.

[Zed_Noir]

SFN's manifest says it has been delayed well into July. I guess new pyrotechnic testing would take a few weeks so this sounds reasonable.

Anyone know where the problematic pyrotechnic transmission lines is located? Within the Ariane 5 or the pad infrastructure?

Think of them as linear shaped pyro charges:

Muddle translation. Said transmission lines is really one use detonation cords.

So within the rocket. So the last Ariane 5 launch might get push beyond Q3 2023, since replacing the transmission lines (detonation cords) will likely be complicated.

[Remes]

Muddle translation. Said transmission lines is really one use detonation cords.

So within the rocket. So the last Ariane 5 launch might get push beyond Q3 2023, since replacing the transmission lines (detonation cords) will likely be complicated.

Look at the picture in the link, it has threads on its end. Exchanging them might be a fast process. I was more concerned, that it was the last of its type, and that spares might not be available. But seems to be a standard component.

Page 6 shows some transmissions lines. So something like an explosive chord but it doesn't disseminate energy outwards. Looks like these one: https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/space/pyrotechnics-catalogue/transmission-lines/

And yes, detonation chord is the right term, not explosion chord. But it's different from a detonation chord as it will not destroy anything arround it. So the igniter can be placed x centimeter/inch away from a shaped charge. My assumption is, that they don't want to have the igniters directly at a linear shaped charge. That might take out igniters and redundancy if something goes wrong. By keeping several of them away at distance they can all work in a safer more compartmentalized manner. The other possible reason for transmission lines could be, that the igniters are installed at the end of integration. That might ease installation.

Edit:
One place, where transmission lines are used, are in the solid booster sep system. Manufacturer site:
https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/what-we-do/space/products/space-mechanisms/attach-and-release-mechanisms/#downloads
Pictures of the struts, which are part of the solid booster sep system. The pdf is from the side, has a cutaway from the forward mechanism.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://newsroom.arianespace.com/flight-261-new-targeted-launch-date/

The new targeted launch date for Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit and SYRACUSE 4B is July 4.

Following the replacement of the three pyrotechnical transmission lines identified as doubtful on the Ariane 5 launcher as well as a comprehensive review of all pyrotechnical lines, Arianespace decided to resume the launch campaign for VA261.

Initially scheduled for June 16, the new targeted launch date for VA261 is July 4, 2023, as soon as possible within the following launch window:

Between 05:30 p.m. and 07:05 p.m. Washington, D.C. time,
Between 06:30 p.m. and 08:05 p.m. Kourou time,
Between 09:30 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. Universal time (UTC),
Between 11:30 p.m. and 01:05 a.m., July 5, Paris time,
Between 06:30 a.m. and 08:05 a.m., July 5, Tokyo time.

The Ariane 5 launch vehicle and its passengers Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit and SYRACUSE 4B are in stable and safe conditions.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

New video links:

Launch



Final rollout

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1675898227214671875

✨ Before the big finish, our diva is finally ready for the opening of the curtain. One last time let’s give it up for Ariane 5’s rooooollll ouuuut! 🚙🚀
@esa @arianespace @CNES @EuropeSpacePort
#Va261 #OneLastAriane5 #ArianeGroup #Ariane5
©️ArianeGroup

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1675917351265378313

Covering the upcoming launches this week:

nasaspaceflight.com/2023/07/launch… - by Justin Davenport (@Bubbinski)

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/07/launch-roundup-july_2_9/

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1675919924982693888

#Ariane5 #VA261 rollout to the launchpad! We fly tomorrow from @EuropeSpacePort: launch window opens at 2330 CEST/2230 BST 🚀🌟esa.int/Enabling_Suppo… [photos credit @esa-S Corvaja]

[GewoonLukas_]

Due to unfavorable high altitude winds above @EuropeSpacePort, Arianespace has decided not to initiate the final phase of #VA261 launch preparation operations.

Subject to favorable weather conditions, the earliest possible launch date for VA261 flight is July 5, 2023:
📌 Between 7:00 p.m. and 8:05 p.m. Kourou, French Guiana time,
📌 Between 10:00 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. Universal time (UTC).

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/1676113796023177217

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1676270180048019457

😌We're proud that the last photoshoot on the launchpad for Ariane 5 is from our collaborators, thanks to the ArianeGroup and Arianespace teams for these wonderful pics.
#Arianespace #ArianeGroup #Ariane5 #OneLastAriane5 @esa @CNES @DLR_SpaceAgency @EuropeSpacePort @Arianespace

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianespace/status/1676352457713102848

Here we go! The latest weather forecast briefing gives positive indications for tomorrow’s Ariane 5 #VA261 launch attempt. Things are looking good, hence we have decided to resume the preparation operations and still target a lift-off tomorrow July 5 from 7pm local time onwards.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1676518169047887874

Sunset on #Ariane5 on the launch pad at #EuropeSpacePort. The latest pictures of #VA261 ready for liftoff.
Latest weather update is 🟢, for go!
🚀
Watch live from 23:00 BST/00:00 CEST tonight: esa.int/ESA_Multimedia…

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianespace/status/1676509703994499072

🚀 Liftoff for our flight #VA261 is planned for today, as early as possible within the following launch window:
📍 07:00 p.m. - 08:05 p.m. Kourou time (French Guiana),
📍 10:00 p.m. - 11:05 p.m. Universal Time.

https://twitter.com/arianespace/status/1676509707748495361

📺 To make sure you don’t miss anything, connect to our broadcast on #YouTube!
We’ll be live at:
📍 05:30 p.m. Washington, D.C. time,
📍 06:30 p.m. Kourou time,
📍 09:30 p.m. Universal Time,
📍 11:30 p.m. Paris time.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1676617894359072769

The final launch of the Ariane 5 rocket is coming up later today. Bella Richards (@bellaa_richards) with the overview of its final mission and its 27 years of service.

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/07/goodbye-ariane-5/

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/europespaceport/status/1676684366104100867

H0-2 #VA261
#Ariane5 stands ready on its launch pad. All LEDs are green 🟢
#GénérationAriane5
@ArianeGroup @Arianespace @CNES @esa @DLR_en @AirbusDefence @DGA @OHB_SE

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Webcast has started

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Explaining previous delays. Tonight’s launch window is 1 hour and 35 mins long

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Mission profile

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Fairing view

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Final weather check happening

[FutureSpaceTourist]

All green

[FutureSpaceTourist]

T-7 synchronised sequence started

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1676711020654362626

It's quite fitting that Ariane 5's last flight is during sunset

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Looking back at Ariane 5’s history

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Liftoff!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Nominal trajectory

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1676712853640814592

For the final time, Ariane 5 launches, carrying Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit & SYRACUSE 4B.

Overview: https://nasaspaceflight.com/2023/07/goodbye-ariane-5/ - by Bella Richards (@bellaa_richards).

Livestream: https://youtube.com/watch?v=zWIKtG5HKbk

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Booster separation

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Fairing separation

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Still nominal

[FutureSpaceTourist]

T+7

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Main stage cutoff, separation, upper stage ignition

[FutureSpaceTourist]

T+10 upper stage burn is about 16 mins

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Some honest remarks about Europe needing to avoid falling behind the US, China and India in spaceflight

[FutureSpaceTourist]

T+16

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Ariane 6 preview

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Launch Security provided by French armed forces

[eric z]

 Thanks FST ! I am very sentimental and nostalgic about this launch - Ariane 5 is/was ! - one of my favorite rockets. Just enjoyed the TV coverage from ESA, they do a great job. Here's hoping the 6 does just as great!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Upper stage cutoff

[TheKutKu]

What a launch, it's a bit sad.

The last HM7 ever just cut off too...

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Heinrich-Hertz separation confirmed

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Sylda separation confirmed

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Syracuse 4B separation confirmed

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Congratulations to Arianespace, Germany and France on a final successful Ariane 5 mission!

The end of an era. Hopefully the next era begins soon with Ariane 6.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1676721384569942017

And that's the finale for Ariane 5. Both satellites have separated. Farewell Ariane 5.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Heinrich-Hertz signal received

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Arianespace CEO reflecting on successful mission

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Stephane Israel says the next launch is Vega VV23

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1676723239941292035

Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël on Ariane 5's end, preps for Ariane 6, and a busy summer.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Webcast wrapping up

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Showing launch replay

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1676720111065899010

📷 Pics now coming in of #Ariane5 VA261 launch... courtesy of ESA photographer S. Corvaja 👍

[zubenelgenubi]

Congratulations to the entire launch campaign team! 🎊 👏 💐 🥳

Thank you, FST, for today's launch thread coverage! ✨️

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://press.ariane.group/succes-franco-allemand-pour-lultime-ariane-5-8996/?lang=eng

A FRANCO–GERMAN SUCCESS FOR THE FINAL ARIANE 5 MISSION
06/07/2023
4 minutes

The 117th and final Ariane 5 launch, operated by Arianespace, placed two telecommunications satellites in orbit: Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit for the German government and SYRACUSE 4B for the French Armament General Directorate (DGA).

Europe’s Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher, for which ArianeGroup is the lead contractor, is taking its place in the annals of history and leaves an exceptional heritage of expertise and reliability to its successor Ariane 6.

Ariane 6 will now take over from Ariane 5, in carrying out Europe’s institutional space missions and responding to the growing demands of the commercial market.

On July 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. local time, Ariane 5, operated by Arianespace, lifted off flawlessly from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, carrying Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit for the German government and SYRACUSE 4B for the French Ministry of Defence.

The Heinrich-Hertz-Mission is the first dedicated German telecommunications satellite-based mission that will be used to conduct research and to test new technologies and telecommunications scenarios. The technologies on board are meant to respond smartly and flexibly to future challenges, to support future telecommunications scenarios and to be adapted from Earth to address new technical requirements and market needs. The mission is managed by the German Space Agency on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and with the participation of the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg). The Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit was mainly developed and built by OHB System.

The SYRACUSE 4B satellite is part of the SYRACUSE IV program carried out under the leadership of the DGA in collaboration with the French Air and Space Force, and for the Space Command (CdE). Together with SYRACUSE 4A, it will enable French armed forces to remain permanently connected when they are deployed on operations. At sea, in the air, or on land, the armed forces need powerful and secure communications systems to be able to exchange information with theIr command center. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment including an anti-jamming antenna and a digital onboard processor, SYRACUSE 4B will be fully protected against the most severe military threats. It will help guarantee French national sovereignty while also supporting NATO operations. Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space joined forces to develop the SYRACUSE 4A and SYRACUSE 4B satellites so that the program could benefit fully from their combined expertise.

“This 117th and last Ariane 5 mission is emblematic in several respects. Ariane 5 has just deployed two telecommunications satellites, SYRACUSE 4B and Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit, for France and Germany, the first two contributors to the Ariane program,” said Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace. “This mission is also emblematic of Ariane 5’s ability to perform dual launches, which constitutes the very core of its success, with 197 satellites placed in geostationary orbit out of a total of 239 satellites deployed. Over its career, Ariane 5 has served 65 institutional and commercial customers from 30 countries. Ariane 5’s success heralds a promising career for Ariane 6.”

This launch also marks the end of the remarkable career of the HM7 upper stage engine, which flew on the first Ariane 1 and on the final Ariane 5. It helped power Ariane launchers 228 times, without ever failing. This veteran of spaceflight has been a crucial element in the European space adventure. It will be replaced on Ariane 6 by the re-ignitable Vinci engine.

“Ariane 5 is now taking its place in the annals of global space history. This final successful mission demonstrates once again its supreme reliability in the service of European autonomy and rounds off an exceptional career distinguished by a succession of technological and industrial achievements. I share the emotion of all the employees at ArianeGroup, Arianespace, the French and European space agencies CNES and ESA, and all our European partners, who have contributed to its success over the course of these 27 years,” said Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup. “Together we are now taking up the challenge of Ariane 6, the beneficiary of the experience acquired with Ariane 5. It will be able to evolve and play a full role in guaranteeing independent, sustainable access to space for Europe, in a context of major strategic, economic and environmental challenges, to meet the needs of its institutional and commercial customers.”

Leading up to its inaugural flight, Ariane 6 is currently passing a series of key milestones in Europe and in French Guiana. Even more versatile and competitive, Ariane 6 will carry out its first missions with a rapid production ramp-up, supporting Europe’s institutional missions and meeting the swiftly growing demands of the commercial market.

The Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher is an ESA program carried out in cooperation between public institutions and industry across 12 European partner states.

ArianeGroup is the lead contractor for the development and production of the Ariane family of launchers. It is responsible for Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 preparation operations up to lift-off. ArianeGroup is at the head of a vast industrial network of more than 600 companies, including 350 small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). ArianeGroup delivers a flight-ready launcher on the launch pad to its subsidiary Arianespace, which markets and operates Ariane 5 from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. During Ariane 5 launch campaigns, Arianespace works closely with the French space agency (CNES), the design authority for the launcher and responsible for the satellite preparation facilities and the launch base.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1676733931167662080

The pride #Ariane5 had filled us with for the past 20 years that we're feeling tonight with this 112th success transcends all frontiers. It's been an honor to build such a reliable workhorse for Europe and to see @Arianespace launch it seamlessly so many times.

#SpaceEnablers

Our thanks to everyone involved in creating this legend. We'll be back soon and of course will continue to make space history with you! 🚀

#ArianeGroup #VA261 #Ariane5 #SpaceEnablers

Read more: press.ariane.group/succes-franco-…

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1676826208615428096

A special thank you to all of you who have been by our sides on socials during past launches. Your loyal support, your memes, your #Ariane5 fan arts have truly made this historic launcher memorable, and we'll never forget that space enabling is for every one of you. #ArianeGroup

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/celestrak/status/1676781997937553408

CelesTrak has GP data for 4 objects from the launch (2023-093) of Heinrich-Hertz & Syracuse 4B atop the final Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on Jul 5 at 2200 UTC: spaceflightnow.com/2023/07/04/202…. Data for the launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?INTDES=2023-093

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Ariane 5 history video shown during the launch stream

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1676917574318129153

📷 Some very nice shots just in from the awesome @EuropeSpacePort photographers P. Piron and S. Martin... #Ariane5 #VA261 #OneLastAriane5

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Photos from ESA flickr

[ChrisC]

Thank you FST for the coverage as usual!

While we watched the live coverage of this launch, we worked on this puzzle I had gotten during a recent trip to KSC. I decided to try to complete the Ariane 5 section in time for spacecraft sep -- didn't quite make it.

The puzzle is from EuroGraphics, and has great detail, although it shanks a couple basic facts (Falcon 9 height, for one). And of course it's from 2015 so rather dated, as you'll see at bottom right. I need to find one that has Starship, but however they render it, it could be outdated within months...

(edit: photo rotation metadata isn't getting processed properly here, sorry)

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1677301585125294081

📷 OK just a few more. Some incredible close-ups of the last #Ariane5 from @EuropeSpacePort's P. Piron and ESA photographer S. Corvaja. More at: flic.kr/s/aHBqjALocK #VA261 #OneLastAriane5

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1677280870657404929

[1/2] For its last mission, #VA261, #Ariane5 made sure to live up to its reputation:
🎯 Perigee: acceptable margin of +/- 4.2 kilometers, injection at 0.3 kilometer from the bullseye.

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1677280874813849602

[2/2]
🎯 Apogee: acceptable margin +/- 240 kilometers, injection at 2.2 kilometers from the bullseye.
🎯 Inclination: acceptable margin of +/- 0.06°, injection simply perfect!

This accuracy increases the expected service lives of the passengers.

[Josh_from_Canada]

Various camera views

[Steven Pietrobon]

Here's the final version of the VA261 Press Kit with the updated launch date.

[GWR64]

Heinrich Hertz as the smaller and lighter satellite took the upper slot. This is unusual on Ariane 5.
It was apparently launched in place of a larger satellite, Eutelsat-10B.
Actually, Heinrich Hertz was already out of the Ariane 5 calendar due to the delays and was replaced by GSAT-24.
But there must have been something in the 2022 negotiations between Eutelsat and Arianespace about the launch of Eutelsat 10B and the (single) launch of Konnect VHTS. I don't think it was just the time factor.
Originally Eutelsat-10B and Konnect VHTS were at Arianespace booked, probably Hotbird-13F at SpaceX and Hotbird-13G at ILS.
Hotbird-13F wasn't that urgent, maybe could have swapped launcher with Eutelsat-10B.
At the end, SpaceX launched 3 Eutelsat satellites and Arianespace only one. Plus the delays at Ovzon-3.
Anyway, the lucky Heinrich Hertz somehow found a place on the very last Ariane 5.

[Lewis007]

Video of VA261 launch campaign

[GWR64]

Despite the bipropellant apogee motor, Heinrich Hertz has probably not yet reached the GEO.
The development of the orbital data is sometimes strange, they also come irregularly, the last ones are already 4 days old. What's going on there?
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?INTDES=2023-093

Screenshot Celestrak

[Steven Pietrobon]

Despite the bipropellant apogee motor, Heinrich Hertz has probably not yet reached the GEO.
The development of the orbital data is sometimes strange, they also come irregularly, the last ones are already 4 days old. What's going on there?

Looks like they reached geosynchronous orbit on 20 July where we can see the SMA is 36,000 km and the eccentricity is zero. It then looks like they then lowered the orbit by about 2000 km and let the spacecraft drift.

[GWR64]

Despite the bipropellant apogee motor, Heinrich Hertz has probably not yet reached the GEO.
The development of the orbital data is sometimes strange, they also come irregularly, the last ones are already 4 days old. What's going on there?

Looks like they reached geosynchronous orbit on 20 July where we can see the SMA is 36,000 km and the eccentricity is zero. It then looks like they then lowered the orbit by about 2000 km and let the spacecraft drift.

Not quite, the maximum was about 35720 km. Go to the relevant day with the mouse.
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/graph-orbit-data.php?CATNR=57213

According to the latest TLE data, H2Sat would now be on the length of Australia and rapidly running to the east around the world. However, we do not know if he has maneuvered again in the last almost 5 days.

Orbital slot should be 17.6 deg E or maybe 0.5 deg E? not quite sure. H2Sat's ITU registration has a history of at least 10 years.
0.5 deg East seems correct now

[GWR64]

Finally, H2Sat is geostationary at 0.5 degrees E. As early as July 31, the TLEs were close to this point.
On August 1 and 2, the perigee was suddenly 4000 km! lower. Very doubtful.
The TLEs from July 24 and 25, with low perigee, were also likely wrong.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[Remes]

ESA publishes the videos in better quality (i.e. without youtube compression magic):

https://dlmultimedia.esa.int/download/public/videos/2023/07/039/orig-2307_039_AR_EN.mp4

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/07/VA261_Ariane_5_timelapse

[GWR64]

2023-093B    57214    SYRACUSE 4B    848.78 min   2.59 deg.    42,187 km    4,448 km

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?CATNR=57214

SYRACUSE 4B is the last satellite in the Eurostar 3000 series, which is to be put into operation.
So far, Inmarsat 6F2 is (probably) the only total failure from this series.

[GWR64]

Syracuse 4B reached the GEO. Longitude about 6.4 deg. W.

Source Celestrak.

[Ben]

I went to this final launch and streamed it live on YT for a few friends:

It was a really pretty launch, I was glad that the usual Kourou cloud deck was reasonably thin.

My second time there for a launch, I went to a Vega previously. Afterward I had a bit of an adventure and headed overland to Paramaribo, Suriname, and then did a few days trip into the Raleighvallen/Voltzberg. If anyone ever has questions about "space tourism" in the area I'm happy to answer questions.