Ariane 5 makes history with its successful mission to orbit
ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2
May 21, 2010 – Ariane Flight V194
The Cable & Wireless team at the European Space Agency Telemetry Tracking Station participated in a historic success today as Arianespace delivered another dual-satellite payload into orbit today with a milestone flight that utilised the 50th Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, this Ariane 5 ECA version successfully orbited the ASTRA 3B commercial telecommunications satellite for Luxembourg-based SES ASTRA, along with the COMSATBw-2 secure military relay spacecraft for Astrium GmbH on behalf of the German Bundeswehr (armed forces).
With today’s mission, Arianespace’s workhorse heavy-lift launch vehicle has lofted payloads weighing a combined total of more than 300,000 kg. since its maiden liftoff in 1996. This evening’s mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 was the 194th flight of an Ariane family launcher since 1979. Payload lift performance for the launch was approximately 9,115 kg. – which included 7,970 kg. for the two satellites, plus the associated integration hardware and the launcher’s SYLDA 5 dual-payload dispenser system.
Today’s launch had previously been postponed, and Le Gall thanked all who contributed to resolving the technical issues that were encountered. “This flight is the 40th Ariane 5 launch since I joined Arianespace, and more than anyone, I fully appreciate what we owe all of you,” Le Gall added. “I particularly want to thank you for the work performed during the past several weeks, which enabled us to succeed with this superb launch.”
During the past 50 flights, Ariane 5s have carried commercial telecommunications satellites; military relay, reconnaissance and early warning spacecraft; Earth observation platforms and meteorological satellites; scientific space probes, experimental and developmental payloads, and the first Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station.
The team will be kept busy for some time to come with at least 34 geostationary orbit satellites to launch – which is a new record – along with six missions with the ATV [Automated Transfer Vehicle] and 17 launches for Soyuz,”
