Arianespace Continues Sat Launch Prep

LAUNCH PAD

Satmex 6 is lowered on to the adapter cone interface between the spacecraft and the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Image credit: Arianespace

by Staff Writers
Kourou French Guiana (SPX) Apr 25, 2006
Arianespace said Tuesday its technicians at the S5 assembly facility in Kourou are conducting the pre-launch check for both satellite payloads due to lift off aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket next month.

The THAICOM 5 and Satmex 6 telecom satellites, both of which recently arrived at Europe's Spaceport, are progressing through their preparation process, while the Ariane 5 ECA is being readied in the launcher assembly building.

Satmex 6 is based on a Space Systems/Loral FS-1300X satellite bus. It carries 36 C-band transponders for Continental U.S. and South America and Continental coverage, along with and 24 Ku-Band transponders serving the U.S., Mexico and Continental regions, with a hot spot over the major cities in South America.

The satellite will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 5,700 kilograms (12,600 pounds), and will be operated by Mexico's Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.

THAICOM 5 will join the satellite fleet of Thailand's Shin Satellite Public Company Limited. THAICOM 5 is equipped with 14 Ku-band transponders and 24 C-band transponders.

The May mission will be the second Arianespace flight of 2006, and follows the March 11 dual-payload launch of the SPAINSAT and HOT BIRDTM 7A telecom platforms into geostationary transfer orbits.

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LAUNCH PAD

NASA Delays Cloud Satellite Launch Again

Vandenberg Air Force Base CA (SPX) Apr 25, 2006
NASA scrubbed its planned launch of the CloudSat and CALIPSO missions Tuesday due to higher than allowable upper level wind conditions.

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