ASTRA 2F, GSAT 10=Ariane 5ECA(VA209)- 29.09.12 01:18 ЛМВ

[Salo]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3356064.ece

'Test and validation'

The GSAT-10 communication satellite proposed to be launched by the Ariane-5ECA carrier rocket fr om the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana is ready with the "test and validation over and a possible launch slot in July," Dr. Radhakrishnan said. The GSAT-10 is expected to meet the growing need for Ku and C-band transponders.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-29/ahmedabad/31475933_1_payload-gagan-radar-imaging

New ISRO system to cut your flying time
Dayananda Yumlembam, TNN Apr 29, 2012, 02.20AM IST

AHMEDABAD: Domestic air passengers in the country will soon be able to reach their destinations in shorter time. The Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad has developed payloads for a project called GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (Gagan) which will enable better Navigation of flight routes to cut down the distance and time between two places in the country.

Gagan is a joint project of ISRO and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to manage flights in a better and more reliable way. Until now, the management of flights in the country has been based on GPS data obtained from US.
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With the help of Gagan, pilots and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at airports will be able to locate the exact positioning of an aeroplane, regardless of wh erever it is, with the help of satellites. "At present, aeroplanes can communicate their locations and positions directly with the airports only when they are within a certain range. Hence aeroplanes do not take a linear path but fly such that they are always within the range of one airport after another," said AS Kiran Kumar, director of SAC.

Talking about other ways in which AAI will be able to benefit from Gagan, Kumar said, "It will also help in monitoring the speed of the wind blowing from the opposite direction along the path of the flight. As wind speeds can significantly reduce the speed of the aeroplane and increase the travel time, the route could be modified accordingly to divert such winds."

The first Gagan navigation payload slated on GSAT-8, was launched on May 21, 2011. The second Gagan payload is scheduled to be launched on GSAT-10 around August 2012. "Gagan can become functional after the second payload is launched," said Kumar.

[Salo]

http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/astra-2e.htm

Astra 2E, 2F, 2G, 5B


Astra 2E [EADS Astrium]

SES S.A. and Astrium announced in December 2009 that SES has ordered four multi-mission satellites from Astrium to provide replacement as well as incremental capacity for its SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES divisions.

The new satellites, to be designated Astra 2E, Astra 2F, Astra 2G and Astra 5B, will allow the release of the existing satellites at two orbital positions (28.2 and 31.5 degrees East) and add new capacity as well as fleet deployment flexibility for the SES group over the coming years. The satellites are scheduled for launch in several steps between 2012 and 2014. The design life of each satellite is 15 years.

The four new satellites will be built on a Eurostar-3000 platform.

Three of the new spacecraft, Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Astra 2G, will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2 degrees East.

The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland. With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe's largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality. The Ka-band payload will allow SES ASTRA to develop next generation broadband services in Europe, including its ASTRA2Connect product.

Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Astra 2G will also include replacement and new capacity for the SES WORLD SKIES division, serving the African and the Middle Eastern markets with Ku-and Ka-band capacity. The new capacity will provide continuity of service and expansion opportunities for customers that are today already using the Astra 2B steerable beam over West Africa, as well as for new customers

Astra 5B will be deployed at the orbital position 31.5 degrees East, extending SES ASTRA's transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighboring markets for DTH, Direct-to-Cable (DTC) and contribution feeds to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) networks.

Nation: Luxembourg
Type / Application: Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Operator: SES-Astra
Contractors: EADS Astrium
Equipment: Ku- and Ka-band transponders
Configuration: Eurostar-3000
Propulsion: ?
Power: 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime: 15 years
Mass: 6000 kg
Orbit: GEO

http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gsat-10.htm

GSat 10


GSat 10 [ISRO]

GSAT-10 is a 3-axis body stabilized geostationary satellite based on ISRO's I-3K (I-3000) bus to provide communication services/augment the existing services. It carries 12 Normal C-band, 6 Extended C-band, 12 Ku-band transponders along with GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) payload. The lift-off mass of the satellite is 3400 kg and it generates 6.0 kW of Power. The satellite will be located at 83ºE and will have a minimum operational life of 15 years.

The satellite will be ready for launch on board Ariane-5ECA during the second quarter of 2012.

Nation:    India
Type / Application:    Communication
Operator:    Insat
Contractors:    ISRO
Equipment:    12 Normal C-band, 6 Extended C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders, GAGAN
Configuration:    I-3K (I-3000) Bus
Propulsion:    LAM
Power:    2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime:    15 years
Mass:    3435 kg
Orbit:    GEO

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/924.asp

The Spaceport maintains its mission cadence for Arianespace's Ariane 5 flights
.....

The Ariane 5 for Flight VA208 was transferred this week fr om the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building – where it was assembled – to the Final Assembly Building, wh ere the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 satellites will be installed atop the vehicle. Its rollout opens the Launcher Integration Building to receive the Ariane 5 for Flight VA209, which was delivered from Europe to the Spaceport earlier this month aboard the MN Toucan roll-on/roll-off transport ship.

After arriving at Pariacabo Port near Kourou in French Guiana earlier in July, Ariane 5 components for Arianespace's Flight VA209 are unloaded from the MN Toucan roll-on/roll-off transport ship

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/926.asp

Initial build-up is underway for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 launch in 2012

July 24, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift mission of this year is beginning to take shape at the Spaceport as initial build-up procedures involving the workhorse vehicle are performed in French Guiana.

During activity inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage was removed from its protective shipping container and raised into position over one of two operational mobile launch tables.

This was followed by separate rollouts of the vehicle's two solid propellant boosters, readying them for mating to each side of the core stage. The next step will be integration of Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage atop the launcher – completing its initial assembly process.

To date, Arianespace's heavy-lift workhorse has performed three missions in 2012, further extending its track record of success. In March, an Ariane 5 orbited Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station, while another launcher delivered a dual-passenger payload of the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 relay spacecraft in May. The EchoStar XVII telecommunications platform and MSG-3 meteorological satellite were orbited by an Ariane 5 earlier this month.

The next mission Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for launch on August 2, and will orbit the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 relay satellites. Arianespace has taken delivery of this vehicle in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, and the two passengers are readied for their installation on the launcher.


The core cryogenic stage for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 to be launched in 2012 from the Spaceport is moved into position over the mobile launch table.



It will be joined by the vehicle's two solid propellant boosters, shown during their rollouts in the photos.

[Space Alien]

Initial assembly is completed for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 to be launched in 2012
[/size]



Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a new milestone in preparations for a September mission to orbit the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 satellites.

This assembly activity in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building included installation of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay as a single unit atop the Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage.

The mission's Astra 2F passenger was produced by the Astrium division of EADS for satellite operator SES, and is configured with Ku- and Ka-band transponders to enable the delivery of next-generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Also to be orbited by Ariane 5 is the Indian Space Research Organisation's GSAT-10, which carries Ku- and C-band transponders for relay services, as well as the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload.

With this Ariane 5's initial assembly now complete, the launcher is being readied for its transfer to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, where it will be fitted with the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 passengers.  The Final Assembly Building currently houses the launcher for Arianespace's next mission, configured with the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 communications satellites, which is scheduled for liftoff on August 2.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/930.asp

[Space Alien]

The Indian GSAT-10 satellite is prepared for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012
[/size]



One of the two satellites for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012 is undergoing checkout in French Guiana, as preparations move forward for a dual-passenger heavy-lift mission, scheduled for September from the Spaceport.

India's GSAT-10 is now in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility, having been removed from the shipping container that protected this spacecraft during its voyage to French Guiana aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) built GSAT-10 using its I-3K satellite bus. It is outfitted with Ku-, C-band and extended C-band transponders for relay services, as well as the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and adjoining areas.

GSAT-10 will be lofted along with the Astra 2F payload during Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission – which will mark the 209th Ariane-series vehicle flight since 1979.

The upcoming launch with GSAT-10 and Astra 2F will follow Arianespace's August 2 mission, which is to orbit a dual payload of Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 from the Spaceport.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/933.asp

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/935.asp

Following this success – the fourth for Ariane 5 in 2012 – Arianespace's mission pace will continue with its next two flights announced for September: the September 21 launch of another Ariane 5 from the Spaceport with the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 telecommunications relay platforms; and the September 17 mission of a Soyuz from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, performed by Arianespace's Starsem affiliate and carrying Eumetsat's MetOp-B meteorological satellite.

[Salo]

http://newindianexpress.com/nation/article585466.ece

ISRO gets ready for historic 100th mission

By PTI - BANGALORE

08th August 2012 12:45 PM

In what could be a "double delight" for Indian space scientists, ISRO?s 3400-kg communication satellite GSAT-10 is also likely to be launched between September 19 and 21 by European space consortium Arianespace?s Ariane-5 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.

Radhakrishnan, also Chairman of Space Commission and Secretary in the Department of Space, said GSAT-10 would carry 30 transponders, including 12 in Ku band, along with a GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) payload. GSAT-10 is a Rs 750 crore mission, including launch services cost.

ISRO officials said GSAT-10, which will have a minimum operational life of 15 years, is envisaged to augment the growing need for transponders and provide communication services and augment the existing ones.

[Space Alien]

GSAT-10 "spreads its wings" in preparation for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 launch
[/size]



India's GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite – which is one of two passengers for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission in September – has been put through its paces during pre-flight preparations at the Spaceport in French Guiana, including a solar panel deployment test.

This checkout step involves the extension of its multi-segment solar panels, validating the proper operation before they are definitively stowed against the satellite in the final liftoff configuration.  The test uses an overhead latticework that helpes support the solar panel's weight – simulating zero gravity conditions of space as the panel opens to its full length.

Performed under the control of GSAT-10 satellite team members, the extension validation was conducted in the S5C high bay area of the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation center – the largest individual hall in this facility.  

GSAT-10 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and will meet the growing need for Ku- and C-band transponder capacity.  It is to become part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft – representing one of the largest domestic communications satellite networks in the Asia-Pacific region.

Configured with 12 Ku-band, 12 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders, GSAT-10 utilizes the I-3K satellite bus developed by ISRO, with a power capability of some six kilowatts and a liftoff mass estimated at 3,400 kg.

Also included on GSAT-10 is the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload, which will support the Indian government's implementation of a satellite-based regional capability to assist aircraft navigation over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas. The initial GAGAN payload was carried aboard the GSAT-8 spacecraft, orbited by Arianespace on an Ariane 5 mission in May 2011.

The upcoming Ariane 5 flight with GSAT-10 and the Astra 2F satellite as its co-passenger is set for September 21 from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex.  This will be Arianespace's fifth mission from French Guiana in 2012 with the heavy-lift workhorse.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/940.asp

[Space Alien]

India's GSAT-10 satellite continues its checkout for the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 5 mission
[/size]



Test deployments of the antenna reflectors on India's GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite have been performed as part of pre-flight preparations for this payload, which is one of two spacecraft on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

GSAT-10's two reflectors, located on the "east" and "west" side of its rectangular-shaped body, were opened in the S5C high bay area of the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation center – where the satellite's solar panels previously were extended during the ongoing checkout process.

Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GSAT-10 will provide Ku- and C-band relay capacity when it joins the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft. The platform is based on ISRO's I-3K satellite bus with a power capability of some six kilowatts, and carries 30 transponders and the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system.

After its fueling, GSAT-10 will have a liftoff mass of approximately 3,400 kg.

For its upcoming launch on September 21, GSAT-10 will be lofted along with the ASTRA 2F satellite as its co-passenger on Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission so far in 2012.  It will be the 209th flight of an Ariane family vehicle since the introduction of this European-built launcher series in 1979.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/942.asp

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/945.asp

ASTRA 2F touches down in French Guiana for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 dual-passenger mission

August 21, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

The second passenger for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission has arrived in French Guiana with today's delivery of the Astrium-built ASTRA 2F satellite, which will be operated by Luxembourg-based SES.

ASTRA 2F was transported by a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner that landed at Félix Eboué International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne, and was unloaded for transfer by road to the Spaceport.

This powerful six metric ton-class relay platform utilizes Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite bus and carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the delivery of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Its planned orbital location at 28.2 degrees East is one of SES' prime positions that serves such premium broadcasters as BSkyB, the BBC, ITV and Channel 5.  From this geostationary slot, SES delivers programming to almost 13 million satellite homes and over three million cable homes, as well as 700,000 Internet Protocol television (IPTV) homes in the U.K. and Ireland.  Additionally, 28.2 degrees East is used by SES to broadcast numerous channels for the growing DTH platforms in sub-Saharan Africa.

This satellite will be orbited on Arianespace's September 21 Ariane 5 mission along with India's GSAT-10 telecommunications spacecraft, which has been undergoing its pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport during the past several weeks.  With an estimated liftoff mass of 3,400 kg., GSAT-10 was produced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its I-3K satellite bus.

ISRO has equipped GSAT-10 with Ku-, C-band and extended C-band transponders, and it is to become part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft.  The platform also has the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) payload to support the Indian government's implementation of a satellite-based regional capability for assisting aircraft navigation over the country's airspace and in adjoining areas.

Arianespace's September 21 launch will be the company's fifth heavy-lift mission in 2012 with its workhorse vehicle, following flights on August 2 carrying the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 satellites (the 50th consecutive launch success for Ariane 5); on July 5 with EchoStar XVII and MSG-3; on May 15 with JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2; and March 23's liftoff with the Edoardo Amaldi Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).


 The shipping container with ASTRA 2F emerges from the An-124 cargo aircraft after its delivery at Félix Eboué International Airport.

[Space Alien]

Payload preparations are in full swing for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission in September[/size]

The ASTRA 2F satellite to be orbited on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission is now undergoing pre-flight checkout, joining its GSAT-10 co-passenger at the Spaceport launch site in French Guiana.

Built by the Astrium division of EADS for Luxembourg-based SES, ASTRA 2F was removed from its shipping container in the Spaceport's S1B clean room, where the relay platform arrived after being delivered to French Guiana yesterday by a chartered cargo jetliner.

ASTRA 2F is a six metric ton-class platform that carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the relay of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

It will be lofted by Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission on September 21 along with GSAT-10, which continues its own preparation activity at the Spaceport.  GSAT-10 was produced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the I-3K satellite bus, and has an estimated liftoff mass of 3,400 kg.

This upcoming mission will be the 65th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and the fifth so far in 2012 for the workhorse Arianespace heavy-lift launcher.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/946.asp

[Space Alien]

Ariane 5s are on the move for Arianespace's upcoming missions
[/size]



Two Ariane 5 launchers have been positioned at the Spaceport for processing in preparation for Arianespace's upcoming flights from French Guiana, maintaining the company's mission pace in 2012.

During separate activities on the same day, Flight VA209's Ariane 5 was transferred from the Launcher Integration Building – where its basic assembly was performed – to the Final Assembly Building for installation of this mission's two commercial relay satellites; while the vehicle for Flight VA210 was brought into the Spaceport after arriving by ship at nearby Pariacabo Port, completing a trans-Atlantic trip from Europe.

These concurrent developments underscore Arianespace's mission flexibility with Ariane 5 that benefit from the Spaceport's infrastructure, which is designed to support parallel launch campaigns with this workhorse vehicle.

The Flight VA209 Ariane 5's transfer to the Final Assembly Building represented a new milestone in preparations for the next mission, as it marked the launcher's delivery to Arianespace by prime contractor Astrium.  Final steps under Arianespace's responsibility will be installation of the mission's two payloads – ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 – followed by the completed vehicle's rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone, the final countdown and liftoff on September 21.

ASTRA 2F will be operated by Luxembourg-based SES and is configured with Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the relay of high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  The spacecraft is a six metric ton-class platform based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite bus.

The GSAT-10 passenger for Flight VA209 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for Ku- and C-band relay services as part of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) geostationary spacecraft system.   With a liftoff mass of approximately 3,400 kg., this satellite is based on ISRO's I-3K satellite bus.

Arianespace's mission with GSAT-10 and ASTRA 2F will be the 65th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and the 209th liftoff of an Ariane-series vehicle – which results in its VA209 designation (with the "V" representing the French word for "flight," and the "A" signifying an Ariane member of the company's commercial launcher family).

Flight VA209's Ariane 5 transfer to the Final Assembly Building opens up the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building for Arianespace's subsequent mission, with its VA210 vehicle now ready to take shape in this facility.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/948.asp

[Sharicoff]

http://www.astra2.org/astra2f.html

The construction of Astra 2F











Platform integration
The service module, the heart of the satellite, is prepared and functionally tested here. It comprises everything the satellite needs to reach its final orbit and carry out its mission including propulsion, power and control systems. The highly successful Eurostar E3000 platform is the standard service module.
Functional tests are also conducted on the communications module, which houses all the radio-frequency equipment for the telecommunications mission.



Coupling process
The service and communications modules are mated to form the main body of the satellite. All the electrical connections are then checked one by one. The cleanroom's temperature and humidity are controlled within specific ranges and the personnel wear special clothing.



Thermal vacuum test
The extreme in-orbit temperatures (from +120°C to -170°C) are reproduced in two large chambers known as Simmer and Simles. The larger, Simmer, has a 10-metre diameter. The satellite, wrapped in gold-coloured insulation blankets, is inserted in the chamber, which is then closed. Thermal vacuum testing lasts for several weeks (typically five) and cannot be interrupted once the vacuum is achieved.



Antenna integration and alignment
The antennas are assembled and aligned on the satellite here. A spacecraft may have up to 12 antennas of different sizes. They are generally mounted on top (the Earth-facing side once in orbit) or laterally mounted with a deployable reflector (depending on the mission, two to four reflectors of up to 2.6-metre diameter).The large reflectors, which are not designed to withstand their own weight on Earth, sometimes need to be supported by balloons when being deployed for testing.



Solar array integration
Integration and deployment tests for the solar arrays – which typically supply 16 kW of power to the satellite – are carried out here. These immense 'sails' are mounted as two wings: one on each side of the main body. Each wing is about 16 to 20 metres long and is folded up in the launch configuration.



Mechanical testing
To test the satellite's ability to withstand the launch phase, electrodynamic shakers and acoustic sirens are used to recreate all the mechanical, dynamic and acoustic stresses (up to 156 dB) to which it is subject during lift-off.



Radio-frequency (RF) tests
Finally, the performance of the communications payload is tested in the Mistral room. Antenna radiation patterns confirm the satellite will provide the required coverage. End-to-end high-power radiation tests prove the in-orbit transmit/receive performance once the satellite is up in space.
Although the room is only 30 metres long, reflections off two specially-shaped 50-tonne mirrors convert the signals into plane waves as if the signal were coming from 36,000 kilometres away – the altitude of the satellite. The absorbers (blue cones) eliminate unwanted RF signal reflections.



Readying for flight configuration
The satellite moves back to the integration hall for finishing work, such as adding thermal insulating blankets and locking all mechanisms. The completed satellite is transported to the launch site in a shock-absorbent, air-conditioned container equipped with monitoring equipment.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-feature-story/2012/9-7-2012.asp

The concurrent missions now underway at the Spaceport begin with an Ariane 5 launch to carry the European ASTRA 2F and Indian GSAT-10 geostationary telecommunications satellites, scheduled for September 21. Designated Flight VA209 in Arianespace's mission numbering system, this will be the 65th flight of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and the 209th liftoff of an Ariane-series vehicle. The mission's launcher is inside the Spaceport's Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building, undergoing final preparations prior to the integration of its two satellites – which are being readied separately in clean room facilities at the launch site.



GSAT-10 (at top) and ASTRA 2F are completing their checkout process in French Guiana for launch on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission – Flight VA209 – scheduled for a September 21 liftoff.

[Salo]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29470.msg952510#msg952510

Galactic Penguin SST пишет:

I've no idea why Arianespace don't post it on their main website, but according to the live webcast page (http://www.arianespace.tv/) the launch window is 21:20 - 22:09 UTC.

[Salo]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/isro-to-launch-indo-french-satellite-saral-on-12-12-12/articleshow/16367164.cms

12 Sep, 2012, 04.50PM IST, PTI
ISRO to launch Indo-French satellite SARAL on 12-12-12

Indo-French satellite "SARAL" would be launched onboard PSLV-C20 from the spaceport of Sriharikota on December 12,ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan said
BANGALORE: Indo-French satellite "SARAL" would be launched onboard PSLV-C20 from the spaceport of Sriharikota on December 12, this year, Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman K Radhakrishnan said today.

"PSLV-C20 will be assembled in about 25 days in Sriharikota and the satellite will be launched on December 12, 2012. As somebody said it's 12-12-12 (launch date)," he said at the Bangalore Space Expo 2012 here.

Radhakrishnan also said the European space consortium Arianespace would launch India's GSAT-10 communication satellite from Kourou in French Guiana at 2.30 AM (Indian time) on September 22.

ISRO officials said SARAL is a small satellite mission with payloads -- Argos and Altika -- from French space agency CNES for study of ocean parameters towards enhancing the understanding of the ocean state conditions which are otherwise not covered by the in-situ measurements.

The satellite has been built by ISRO, which would also take care of the launch services.

SARAL will provide data products to operational and research user communities, in support of marine meteorology and sea state forecasting; operational oceanography; seasonal forecasting; climate monitoring; ocean, earth system and climate research, the officials said.

Referring to the GSAT-10 communication satellite, Radhakrishnan said, "We are going to French Guiana for the launch because the satellite weighs 3.4 tonnes which cannot be lifted by any of our vehicles -- PSLV or GSLV."

Officials said GSAT-10 would carry 30 transponders, including 12 in Ku band, along with a GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) payload. GSAT-10 is a Rs 750 crore mission, including launch services cost.

GSAT-10, which will have a minimum operational life of 15 years, is envisaged to augment the growing need for transponders and provide communication services and augment the existing ones.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2012/9-17-2012-VA209-postponed.asp

Arianespace Flight VA209: Ariane 5 ECA - ASTRA 2F - GSAT-10 launch postponed

Evry, France, September 17, 2012

In order to perform additional checks on the Ariane 5 ECA launch system, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch VA 209, initially slated on Friday 21 September 21, for a few days.

A new launch date will be announced shortly.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/955.asp

The Ariane 5 launch with ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 is set for September 28

September 21, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA209

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012 is now scheduled for liftoff on September 28 following verifications carried out on the workhorse heavy-lift vehicle's launch system at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This flight will mark the 65th launch of an Ariane 5, and it is to deliver a total payload mass of more than 10,200 kg. – which includes some 9,400 kg. for its two satellite passengers, ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 – into geostationary transfer orbit.

ASTRA 2F is a powerful six metric ton-class relay platform that utilizes Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite bus and carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the delivery of high-performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next-generation broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

It is to be operated by Luxembourg-based SES at a planned orbital location of 28.2 degrees East – from which the ASTRA 2F spacecraft will deliver programming to almost 13 million satellite homes and more than three million cable homes, as well as 700,000 Internet Protocol television (IPTV) homes in the U.K. and Ireland.

GSAT-10 – which was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – will provide Ku- and C-band relay capacity from an orbital position at 83 degrees East when it joins the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system of geostationary spacecraft.

This platform is based on ISRO's I-3K satellite bus with a power capability of some six kilowatts, and carries 30 transponders and the GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system.

UT: At 21:18 on Sept. 28, 2012

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http://isro.org/gsat-10/pdf/gsat-10-brochure.pdf

http://isro.org/gsat-10/Imagegallery/satellite.aspx