ST2 & GSAT 8(INSAT-4G) = Ariane 5 ECA (VA202) - 20.05.11 20:38 UTC

[Salo]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

May 11     Ariane 5  •  ST 2 & GSAT 8
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana

Arianespace Flight 202 will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket to launch the ST 2 and GSAT 8 communications satellites. ST 2 will provide fixed and mobile voice and Internet to Asia and the Middle East for ST 2 Satellite Ventures, a joint venture between companies in Singapore and Taiwan. GSAT 8 will serve India with a Ku-band communications payload. [March 1]

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/767.asp

A new numbering system for Arianespace missions as preparations begin for another Ariane 5 launch[/size]



The MN Colibri arrives in French Guiana with launcher components for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission to be performed in 2011.

March 11, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

The launcher components for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission of 2011 arrived this week in French Guiana, marking the first step in preparations for a heavy-lift flight with the ST-2 and GSAT-8 telecommunications satellites.

Elements for the Ariane 5 were delivered to Pariacabo Port by the MN Colibri, which is one of two sea-going roll-on/roll-off ships utilized by Arianespace to transport launch vehicle stages from Europe – where they are produced – to South America.



After docking at Pariacabo Port in French Guiana, the MN Colibri is ready to open its forward ramp, allowing its cargo to be unloaded using the ship's roll-on/roll-off design.

The ST-2 satellite passenger on this Ariane 5 mission will be orbited for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd.

ST-2 was built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan using a DS2000 spacecraft bus, and will have a liftoff mass of approximately 5,100 kg.  It is fitted with C- and Ku-band transponders for fixed and mobile satellite services, along with voice and data IP-based services for businesses – particularly direct-to-home operators and shipping companies in Asia and the Middle East.

To be orbited along with ST-2 is the GSAT-8 spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation.   Weighing in at 3,150 kg. for liftoff, GSAT-8 is equipped with 18 Ku-band transponders, along with a satellite-based global positioning system called GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation).

The Ariane 5 flight with GSAT-8 and ST-2 is scheduled for a mid-May liftoff, continuing a busy year of Arianespace launch activity.  The company is targeting six Ariane 5 missions in 2011, along with the first two launches of the medium-lift Soyuz and the lightweight Vega's maiden flight – all from the Spaceport in French Guiana; as well as three Soyuz missions from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

As Arianespace prepares for the expansion of its launcher family with the introduction of Soyuz and Vega at the Spaceport, the company has adopted a new numbering system to identify its missions with these three vehicles.

Ariane 5 flights will carry the "VA" designation, followed by the flight number.  The "V" is for "vol," the French word for "flight," while the "A" represents the use of an Ariane launch vehicle.  As a result, the mid-May mission with ST-2 and GSAT-8 will carry the "VA202" reference, for the 202nd launch of an Ariane since this family of vehicles began operations in 1979.

With the introduction of Soyuz at the Spaceport in 2011, Arianespace missions from South America with the medium-lift workhorse launcher will be designated "VS," while flights with the lightweight Vega vehicle are to be referenced as "VV."

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/771.asp

Assembly begins for another Ariane 5 at the Spaceport[/size]

March 18, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

The third Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2011 is beginning to take shape with the assembly start-up of this heavy-lift vehicle at the Spaceport in French Guiana, which is to orbit a dual-satellite payload during the month of May.

In a process that has been performed 57 previous times at the Spaceport, the Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage was removed from its protective shipping container and positioned over one of two operational mobile launch tables for the workhorse vehicle.

This clears the way for integration of the Ariane 5's two solid propellant boosters, followed by installation of its cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay – all of which will occur inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building.

Once the basic build-up has been completed, the Ariane 5 will be ready for transfer to the Final Assembly Building – where its ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellite payloads will be integrated. The Final Assembly Building currently is occupied by another Ariane 5 that is being readied to launch the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications spacecraft on a mission scheduled for March 30.

The ST-2 satellite passenger to be lofted by Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission in May will be deployed for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd.  Its GSAT-8 co-passenger is a spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Arianespace's busy launch manifest in 2011 calls for a total of nine missions to be performed from the Spaceport, composed of six Ariane 5 flights, the first two launches of the medium-lift Soyuz, and the lightweight Vega's maiden flight.  Three additional Soyuz missions for Arianespace are planned from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.





The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's mission in May with the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellites is lowered into position over its mobile launch table inside
  the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/772.asp

A "double kick" for the third Ariane 5 to be launched in 2011[/size]

March 22, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

Assembly of the third Ariane 5 for liftoff in 2011 is continuing at the Spaceport as its two solid propellant boosters are delivered for integration with the workhorse launcher.

These boosters were rolled out from the Spaceport's booster preparation zone and then positioned on the mobile launch table for mating with Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage.

The combination of boosters and cryogenic core stage provide the required thrust to propel the launcher during its liftoff and initial ascent.  In the countdown sequence, Ariane 5's cryogenic engine is ignited first, followed seven seconds later by the boosters' ignition.

During climb-out, the boosters are jettisoned at two minutes into the mission at the completion of their burn, while the cryogenic stage operates six more minutes to position Ariane 5's upper stage and dual-satellite payload for the final propulsion phase and injection into orbit.

This third Arianespace flight of 2011 is scheduled for May, carrying a dual-passenger payload of the ST-2 satellite for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd; along with the Indian Space Research Organisation's GSAT-8 spacecraft.



One of two solid propellant boosters for Arianespace's heavy-lift mission in May is transported to the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building for integration with the Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/776.asp

Another Ariane 5 completes its initial build-up at the Spaceport[/size]

March 24, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

Initial assembly has been completed for the Ariane 5 launcher that will orbit a dual-satellite payload of the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellites on Arianespace's third heavy-lift mission of 2011 from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This build-up milestone occurred in the Launcher Integration Building with the incorporation of Ariane 5's ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and the vehicle equipment bay – which were installed as a single unit.

Once the integrated Ariane 5 completes its current check-out phase, it will be ready for transfer to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building where it will be equipped with the mission's dual-satellite payload. The Final Assembly Building currently is occupied by another Ariane 5, which is being readied for liftoff on March 30 with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft.

The Spaceport is designed for such parallel mission operations, enabling two Ariane 5s to be prepared in support of Arianespace's sustained mission rate for its growing order book of international payloads.

The flight with ST-2 and GSAT-8 is scheduled for May, and is one of six Ariane 5 launches planned by Arianespace in 2011. ST-2 was developed for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd; while GSAT-8 is a spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation.

[Salo]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1103/28japansatellites/

The Mitsubishi Electric Corp. ST-2 communications satellite also survived the March 11 quake unscathed, according to the spacecraft's prime contractor. The craft was preparing to be shipped to the Ariane 5 rocket launch site in South America from a Mitsubishi factory in Kamakura southwest of Tokyo.

ST-2 Satellite Ventures, a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. and Chunghwa Telecom Co. of Taiwan, will use the ST-2 spacecraft to cover the Asia-Pacific region.

ST-2 and India's GSAT 8 satellites will blast off on an Ariane 5 rocket in May.


Artist's concept of the ST-2 satellite in orbit. Credit: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/782.asp

India's GSAT-8 is delivered to French Guiana for its Ariane 5 launch[/size]

April 4, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

A dual-purpose Indian satellite to be orbited on another of Arianespace's Ariane 5 missions during 2011 arrived in French Guiana today.

GSAT-8 – which also is known by the INSAT-4G designation – was delivered to Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne, arriving aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner.

This satellite is fitted with 18 Ku-band transponders for telecommunications duties, and also carries a navigation payload called GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation).

GSAT-8 will have a liftoff mass of 3,150 kg. and is designed for a mission life of 12 years.  Operating with a payload power of 5,300 Watts, the satellite will be located at an orbital position of 55 deg. East longitude following its deployment by Ariane 5.

The GSAT-8 platform will be launched along with ST-2, a spacecraft for the ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd. joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd.


GSAT-8 is unloaded from the Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport in French Guiana.

[Salo]

http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/news/2011/0406.html

Mitsubishi Electric Builds ST-2 Communications Satellite for SingTel-Chunghwa Joint Venture[/size]

Tokyo, April 6, 2011 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has completed building the ST-2 communications satellite ordered in December 2008 by a joint venture between Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa Telecom). Having departed Kamakura, Japan at the end of March, the satellite arrived on April 5 in French Guiana on an Antonov An-124, one of the world's heaviest fixed-wing aircraft designed to transport oversized cargo. Mitsubishi Electric will now begin launch preparations at Guiana Space Centre.

The ST-2 satellite, built at Mitsubishi Electric's Kamakura Works in Kamakura, Japan, will succeed the ST-1 satellite, which is co-owned by SingTel and Chunghwa Telecom and currently supports their various communications businesses.

Mitsubishi Electric has been a leading manufacturer contributing to space research and development in Japan mainly for Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency (JAXA), as well as participating in the development of more than 440 international satellites as major subcontractor. ST-2 makes Mitsubishi Electric the first Japanese satellite manufacturer to enter the commercial communications satellite market outside Japan using DS2000, Mitsubishi Electric's satellite bus platform currently with a track record of five satellites in orbit.
ST-2 being loaded onto Antonov An-124 at Central Japan International Airport



ST-2 being loaded onto Antonov An-124 at Central Japan International Airport
ST-2 at a glance
Satellite bus platform    Mitsubishi Electric satellite bus platform DS2000
Operational design life    15 years or more
Mission    Telecommunications services for the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia
Orbital position    88 degrees east longitude

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/783.asp

Mitsubishi Electric's ST-2 satellite arrives in French Guiana for launch on Ariane 5[/size]



The An-124 freighter that brought Mitsubishi Electric's ST-2 satellite to French Guiana is unloaded at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport.

April 6, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

A milestone telecommunications satellite has been delivered to the Spaceport in French Guiana for Arianespace's Ariane 5 VA202 heavy-lift mission, which will be performed as part of the company's busy 2011 launch schedule.

The ST-2 relay platform arrived yesterday aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner at Rochambeau International Airport near the French Guiana capital city of Cayenne – clearing the way for its transfer to the Spaceport's clean room facilities, where the pre-launch checkout process will be implemented.

ST-2 was produced by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation using its original DS2000 spacecraft bus for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., marking the first time a Japanese manufacturer has entered the commercial telecommunications satellite market outside of the country.  It was built at Kamakura Works in Kamakura, Japan, and will be operated from an orbital location of 88 deg. East longitude during a design lifetime of 15-plus years.

The DS2000 bus was evolved from the Engineering Test Satellite-8 (ETS-8 ) developed for NASDA (the National Space Development Agency of Japan), and also was used for the SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation's Superbird-C2 telecom spacecraft, which was orbited by Arianespace in August 2008 on an Ariane 5.

ST-2 will be utilized by the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. for relay services over the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia.  It will succeed the ST-1 spacecraft, which was launched by Arianespace in 1998.

Joining ST-2 for Arianespace's VA202 dual-passenger mission with Ariane 5 will be the Indian Space Research Organisation's GSAT-8 dual-purpose telecommunications and navigation satellite.  GSAT-8 arrived in French Guiana on Monday, April 4 and already is well advanced in its pre-launch checkout process at the Spaceport.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/4-11-2011-va201-new-launch-date.asp

Ariane Flight VA202, utilizing an Ariane 5 ECA to launch the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellite payloads: May 19, 2011

[Salo]

http://isro.gov.in/rep2011/citizens.htm


Integration of GSAT-8 in progress

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/791.asp

GSAT-8 is put through its paces in preparation for Arianespace's Ariane 5 launch on May 19[/size]

April 25, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

The Indian GSAT-8 multi-role spacecraft for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission is undergoing an in-depth checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for its liftoff on May 19.

GSAT-8 was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its I-3K satellite bus, and validations being performed in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility include antenna and solar panel deployments.

With a liftoff mass of 3,100 kg., GSAT-8 carries 24 transponders to augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities, and also is equipped with the two-channel GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system.  GAGAN will support the Indian government's implementation of a regional satellite-based augmentation system to assist in the navigation of aircraft over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas.

The upcoming GSAT-8 launch will continue India's long-term relationship with launch services provided by Ariane, which dates back 30 years to the orbiting of the country's APPLE experimental payload.

In total, 13 Indian satellites have been lofted by Ariane launchers, beginning with APPLE in 1981, and followed by INSAT-1C in 1988, INSAT-2A in 1992, INSAT-2B in 1993, INSAT-2C in 1995, INSAT-2D in 1997, INSAT-2E in 1999, INSAT-3B in 2000, INSAT-3C in 2002, INSAT-3E and INSAT-3A in 2003, INSAT-4A in 2005 and INSAT-4B in 2007.  Another satellite operated by India was INSAT-2DT, which originally was orbited by Ariane in 1992 as Arabsat-1C and acquired by ISRO in November 1997.

For the upcoming launch, GSAT-8 will be joined by a co-passenger – ST-2 for the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company – on Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission of the year at French Guiana.

Arianespace is targeting a total of six heavy-lift Ariane 5 flights from the Spaceport during 2011, along with two initial launches of the medium-lift Soyuz, and the maiden flight of its lightweight Vega.  Additionally, three Soyuz flights from Baikonur Cosmodrome are slated for this year, to be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate.

The opening of GSAT-8's multi-segment solar panel is shown in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility with a fish-eye lens photo (at left), which distorts the surrounding support structure used for this test milestone. At right, members of the GSAT-8 team examine the satellite's parabolic antenna following its deployment.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/793.asp

Ariane 5 makes its first rollout for Arianespace's next heavy-lift mission[/size]

May 3, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

Preparations for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission of 2011 are entering their final phase in French Guiana following the heavy-lift launcher's transfer today for the integration of its ST-2 and GSAT-8 dual-passenger payload.

Today's activity involved Ariane 5's afternoon rollout from the Launcher Integration Building to the Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport.  These two facilities are located 650 meters apart, and are linked by a 1,600-meter semi-circular rail track that allows the movement of Ariane 5 on its mobile launch table.

During its time in the Launcher Integration Building, the vehicle's initial assembly was performed – involving the core cryogenic stage's integration with its two solid propellant boosters, followed by installation of the upper composite incorporating the vehicle equipment bay and ESC-A cryogenic upper stage.

With today's rollout to the Final Assembly Building, Ariane 5 was formally handed over to Arianespace, which will oversee the integration of ST-2 and GSAT-8, followed by its rollout to the launch zone and the liftoff on May 19 during an evening launch window lasting 1 hr. 32 min.

Arianespace Mission Director Thierry Wilmart said launch preparations continue as planned, with this 202nd flight of an Ariane vehicle involving two interesting satellite manufacturers and customers.

"The mission brings together two very diverse cultures, as well as two different approaches to the way the satellites are prepared," Wilmart explained.  "With GSAT-8, its manufacturer, ISRO [the Indian Space Research Organisation], performs an in-depth checkout; while Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has a fairly short preparation process for ST-2 that includes a relatively rapid electrical testing phase."

GSAT-8 continues India's long-term relationship with Ariane launch services, which dates back to the orbiting of the country's APPLE experimental payload 30 years ago.  A total of 13 Indian satellites have been lofted by various Ariane launcher versions, starting with the APPLE payload in 1981.  In addition, the HYLAS 1 satellite platform – produced by India for Avanti Communications – was orbited last November by an Ariane 5. Another satellite operated by India was INSAT-2DT, which originally was launched by Arianespace in 1992 as Arabsat-1C, and acquired by ISRO in November 1997.

During the current launch campaign, the ISRO team has performed a full range of checkout tests for GSAT-8 at the Spaceport, including deployment of its solar panels and antennas.

GSAT-8 uses ISRO's I-3K satellite bus, and will have a liftoff mass of 3,100 kg.  Its payload of 24 transponders will augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities, while the two-channel GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system will support India's implementation of a satellite-based augmentation system for aircraft navigation over the country's airspace and in adjoining areas.

The upcoming launch with ST-2 will mark the second opportunity for a Mitsubishi Electric Corporation-built satellite to be orbited by Arianespace.  This 5,090-kg. relay platform uses the company's DS2000 satellite bus – and is the first time the Japanese manufacturer has entered the commercial telecommunications satellite market outside of the country.

ST-2 will be utilized by the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. for Ku- and C-band relay services over the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia.  It will succeed the ST-1 spacecraft, which was launched by Arianespace in 1998.

Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack" for the May 19 mission will place ST-2 in the upper passenger slot, while GSAT-8 is to ride in the lower position.

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's next heavy-lift mission rolls out from the Launcher Integration Building in the foreground. Moving to the left, it follows a semi-circular rail track that will take the vehicle to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, located in the background (at right).

[Pol]

http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1281794073
May 10, 2011

Arianespace... Two To Go (Launch)


Arianespace's third Ariane 5 flight of 2011 has entered its final preparations.

The installation of the ST-2 satellite on the launcher's SYLDA dual-passenger dispenser system has now been accomplished, positioning it for the upper slot of the mission's payload "stack." This activity occurred in the integration area of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport, readying it for hoisting atop the launch vehicle once its GSAT-8 lower passenger has been installed. ST-2 and GSAT-8 will be orbited on the heavy-lift mission scheduled for the evening of May 19 from French Guiana, maintaining Arianespace's launch pace for 2011.

With a liftoff mass of 5,090-kg., ST-2 will be the second Mitsubishi Electric Corporation-built satellite orbited by Arianespace. The relay platform uses the company's DS2000 satellite bus, and it marks this Japanese manufacturer's first entry in the commercial telecommunications satellite market outside of the home market. ST-2 will be used by the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. for Ku- and C-band relay services across the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia. It is to succeed the ST-1 spacecraft, launched by Arianespace in 1998. The Ariane 5 mission's GSAT-8 co-passenger weighs 3,100 kg. for liftoff, and is configured with 24 transponders to augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities. This Indian Space Research Organisation-built satellite uses the manufacturer's I-3K satellite bus, and also carries the two-channel GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system for assisting the navigation of aircraft over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas.

The ST-2 is lowered into position on the SYLDA dual-payload dispenser inside the Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building in French Guiana. Photo courtesy of Arianespace.[SatNews]

[Salo]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg735689#msg735689

19 May - ST 2 & GSAT-8(INSAT-4G) - Ariane 5 ECA (VA202) - 20:37-22:09 UTC

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/794.asp

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/796.asp

Preparations for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission of 2011 move into their final phase[/size]

May 13, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

India's GSAT-8 multi-mission satellite has been integrated on the Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace's third flight of 2011, moving this mission campaign into its final preparations for a May 19 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

GSAT-8 is now positioned as the lower spacecraft in Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," clearing the way for installation of the ST-2 satellite as the upper passenger.

Designed, assembled and integrated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Bangalore using an I-3K platform, GSAT-8 weighs approximately 3,100 kg. for launch, and carries 24 transponders to augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities in direct television broadcasting.  It also is configured with the two-channel GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas.

The ST-2 satellite was built by Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Company using a DS2000 platform, and will have an estimated liftoff mass of 5,090 kg. Equipped with Ku-band and C-band transponders, ST-2 will provide IP-based fixed and mobile, voice and data transmission satellite services to businesses – especially direct broadcast TV operators and maritime companies in Asia and the Middle East.  It will be operated by ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa).

    See the Arianespace launch kit for further details.


GSAT-8 is hoisted inside the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building


for its integration atop the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming mission.


GSAT-8 is shown installed on its launcher in the background, while visible in the foreground are propellant feed arms that lead from the Ariane 5 mobile launch table's mast to the vehicle's cryogenic upper stage.

[Pol]

http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1350599475
May 16, 2011

India's GSAT-8 Looks Great On Ariane 5 (Launch)

[SatNews] India's GSAT-8 multi-mission satellite is ready for launch.

The GSAT-8 multi-mission satellite has been integrated on the Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace's third flight of 2011. This setup moves the mission campaign into its final preparations for a May 19 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

GSAT-8 is now positioned as the lower spacecraft in Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," clearing the way for installation of the ST-2 satellite as the upper passenger.

Designed, assembled and integrated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Bangalore using an I-3K platform, GSAT-8 weighs approximately 3,100 kg. for launch, and carries 24 transponders to augment India'si Ku-band relay capabilities in direct television broadcasting.  It also is configured with the two-channel GAGAN (GPS and GEO augmented navigation) system for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and in adjoining areas.

The ST-2 satellite was built by Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Company using a DS2000 platform, and will have an estimated liftoff mass of 5,090 kg. Equipped with Ku-band and C-band transponders, ST-2 will provide IP-based fixed and mobile, voice and data transmission satellite services to businesses - especially direct broadcast TV operators and maritime companies in Asia and the Middle East.  It will be operated by ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa).

Follow Arianespace's launch activity at.

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/797.asp

The upcoming Ariane 5 mission with GSAT-8 and ST-2 is given its "go" for launch[/size]

 May 17, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA202

Arianespace's third Ariane 5 flight of 2011 has been approved for its May 20 liftoff following today's successful launch readiness review, which was performed at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The review is held prior to each Ariane 5 mission, ensuring that the launch vehicle and its payload are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.

With today's review, Ariane 5 is now cleared for its May 19 rollout from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, where it will be readied for liftoff on Friday at 5:38 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

This upcoming launch from the Spaceport – which was pushed back from its original launch timing by 24 hours to allow for additional checks of the Ariane 5 – will orbit a dual payload consisting of the GSAT-8 and ST-2 spacecraft.

Ariane 5's payload lift performance for Arianespace's latest mission is more than 9,000 kg., which includes a combined mass of 8,190 kg. for its two satellite passengers, plus the launcher's dual-payload dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.

To be deployed first during the 31-minute flight sequence, ST-2 will be utilized by the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. for Ku- and C-band relay services across the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia. The spacecraft was built by Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Company using a DS2000 platform, and will have an estimated liftoff mass of 5,090 kg.

Located below ST-2 in the launcher payload "stack" is the mission's lower passenger, GSAT-8 – which was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its I-3K satellite bus. This satellite will weigh approximately 3,100 kg. at liftoff, and carries 24 transponders to augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities. In addition, GSAT-8 also is equipped with the two-channel GAGAN system for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and adjoining areas.

The Spaceport's May 20 mission continues a busy year of activity for Arianespace's heavy-lift workhorse, and follows Ariane 5's on-target April 22 flight that orbited Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn, along with the milestone launch of Europe's second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) on February 16.

In parallel activity, the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift mission of 2011 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport for a flight with the BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R and ASTRA 1N telecommunications relay satellites.

Universal time (GMT) 8:38 p.m. on May 20, 2011

This photo sequence highlights integration activity performed inside the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, where the payload fairing containing ST-2 was lowered over GSAT-8 to create Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack."

[Salo]

http://www.rian.ru/science/20110517/375746548.html

Запуск индийского спутника GSAT-8 с космодрома Куру намечен на 21 мая[/size]

12:21 17/05/2011

НЬЮ-ДЕЛИ, 17 мая - РИА Новости, Евгений Безека. Запуск на орбиту индийского спутника связи GSAT-8 с космодрома Куру во Французской Гвиане намечен на 21 мая, сообщила пресс-служба Индийской организации космических исследований (ИСРО).

Первоначально ракета "Ариан-V" с индийским космическим аппаратом должна была стартовать 20 мая, но запуск был перенесен на сутки "из-за определенных дополнительных проверок, проведенных организатором запуска - Arianespace", говорится в сообщении.

У Индии есть ракета-носитель GSLV для запуска на геостационарную орбиту тяжелых спутников типа GSAT, но страна вынуждена воспользоваться услугами французов из-за проблем с одним из двигателей.