On Thursday evening, February 12, Arianespace orbited two communications satellites: HOT BIRD(tm) 10 for European operator Eutelsat, and NSS-9 for the global operator SES New Skies, an SES group company. The mission also launched two microsatellites for the SPIRALE demonstration program. After an on-time liftoff from the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe’s Spaceport, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA deployed the four sattelites into orbit to complete the 34-minute mission.
(Image Right: Ariane 5 lifts off with HOT BIRD 10 and NSS-9. Image Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace)
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"Our Ariane 5 unites power and dependability - as demonstrated by this 29th consecutive success," said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. "This success also illustrates the privileged relationships Arianespace has built with its clients during numerous years."
The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the first in 2009, confirms that Arianespace’s launch Service & Solutions continue to set the global standard for all major space communications operators and manufacturers.
Ariane 5 is the only commercial heavy launcher in service today capable of simultaneously launching two payloads. This was the 43rd launch of an Ariane 5 and the 29th successful launch in a row. The evening flight’s live video broadcast showed Ariane 5’s smooth ascent from French Guiana after engine ignition at 7:09 p.m., and it tracked the launcher downrange - including separation of the two solid propellant boosters at approximately 2 min. into the flight.
Giuliano Berretta, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, congratulated the Arianespace team for tonight’s mission, adding: "While a launch is still an emotional experience, the technology is assured with Arianespace."
Scott J. Sprague, SES NEW SKIES’ Senior Vice President, Global Sales, expressed his appreciation to Arianespace for the effort that went into the mission success, and said he had "goosebumps from head to toe" in viewing Ariane 5’s liftoff from the Jupiter launch control center.
Arianespace and Eutelsat have developed a very fruitful partnership over the last 25 years, with the European launcher lofting more than half of Eutelsat’s fleet. HOT BIRD(tm) 10 is the 24th Eutelsat satellite launched by Arianespace.
Following the successful launch of HOT BIRD(tm) 9 in December 2008, Arianespace is proud of its continuing role in bolstering Eutelsat’s flagship orbital position at 13 degrees East.
NSS-9, to be operated by SES New Skies, is the 31st satellite for the SES group of companies (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Bourse: SESG) to use the European launcher. The SES group is one of the world’s leading satellite operators.
Having already orbited the four Essaim microsatellites along with the Helios 2A satellite for French defense procurement agency DGA, as well as the Syracuse 3A and 3B satellites, Arianespace is continuing its partnership with the French Ministry of Defense.
HOT BIRD(tm) 10/NSS-9/SPIRALE A & B mission at a glance
The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 7:09 pm local time in Kourou (5:09 pm in Washington, D.C., 22:09 UT, 11:09 pm in Paris, and on Friday, February 13, at 1:09 am in Moscow, and at 7:09 am in Tokyo).
HOT BIRD(tm) 10. Designed to transmit television programs, HOT BIRD(tm) 10 is fitted with 64 high-power Ku-band transponders. A large satellite weighing 4,892 kg at liftoff, HOT BIRD(tm) 10 was built by EADS Astrium and is identical to the HOT BIRD(tm) 8 and 9 satellites. Prior to joining Eutelsat’s flagship HOT BIRD(tm) position at 13 degrees East the satellite will be located at 7 degrees West in order to increase resources at this location for broadcasting in the Middle East.
NSS-9. Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation using a Star-2 platform, NSS-9 will weigh about 2,290 kg at launch.
It is equipped with 44 active high-power C-band transponders and has a design life of at least 15 years. From its orbital position at 183 degrees West, it will offer seamless operational continuity to a variety of customers, including TV broadcasters, government users, operators and transport firms in the Pacific islands, as well as the maritime industry.
SPIRALE A & B. EADS Astrium was chosen by French defense procurement agency DGA (part of the Ministry of Defense) as prime contractor for the SPIRALE demonstration program. This program comprises the two microsatellites Spirale A and B, based on the Myriade platform designed by French space agency CNES.
The SPIRALE demonstration program is designed to collect infrared images of terrestrial backgrounds and analyze them to assess the detectability of ballistic missiles during their powered phase. It will pave the way for a future ballistic missile warning system, designed to monitor the proliferation of ballistic missiles, determine the origin of launches, and provide early warning of launches.
(Arienespace / SpaceflightNews.net)
(Images Above: Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace)
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Ariane 5 is the only commercial heavy launcher in service today capable of simultaneously launching two payloads. This was the 43rd launch of an Ariane 5 and the 29th successful launch in a row. The evening flight’s live video broadcast showed Ariane 5’s smooth ascent from French Guiana after engine ignition at 7:09 p.m., and it tracked the launcher downrange - including separation of the two solid propellant boosters at approximately 2 min. into the flight.
