Frustrating no doubt, but better that the anomaly occurred before the launch than after. 

During the final seconds of the launch countdown for Arianespace Flight VA239, the checkout process detected an anomaly on the launcher as the Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine was being ignited. As a result, the final countdown was interrupted.

The Ariane 5 and its Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a payloads immediately switched to a safe mode. Analysis of data is underway to determine the cause of the anomaly. In parallel, the launcher will be transferred back to the Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport in French Guiana – where it is to be returned to a flight-ready condition.

Arianespace will set a new launch date as soon as possible.

When the launch does finally occur liftoff is approximately 10,838 kg., with the Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a satellites being deployed to geostationary transfer orbit during a flight lasting 47 minutes. 

Positioned in Ariane 5’s upper passenger position and encapsulated by the launcher’s ogive-shaped payload fairing, Intelsat 37e, produced by Boeing, is the next satellite in Intelsat’s high-throughput EpicNG series for launch.

Weighing an estimated 6,440 kg. at liftoff, the spacecraft will provide capacity for wireless backhaul, enterprise VSAT and mobility networks, carrying out its mission from a 342-deg. East orbital slot.

BSAT-4a – Flight VA239’s lower passenger, contained in Ariane 5’s SYLDA dispenser system, is being launched by Arianespace as part of a turnkey contract between Japan’s Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) and U.S.-based satellite manufacturer SSL.

To be operated from an orbital position of 110 deg. East, this spacecraft will be used for Direct-To-Home (DTH) television relay in Japan, as well as to expand the availability of advanced television services (such as 4K/8K ultra-high definition TV). BSAT-4a will weight approximately 3,520 kg. at liftoff.

Intelsat 37e 

Intelsat 37e is the fifth broadband infrastructure satellite in the Intelsat EpicNG series. The satellite will be the fourth EpicNG spacecraft orbited by Arianespace to date, after a successful dedicated Ariane 5 mission with Intelsat 29e, the 100 percent successful dual launch to orbit the Intelsat 33e and Intelsat 36 satellites, and less than six months after the successful orbiting of SKY Brasil 1/Intelsat 32e.

Intelsat 37e represents a significant evolution of the award-winning EpicNG platform. Its enhanced, advanced digital payload features the highest throughput of the entire Intelsat EpicNG fleet, with full beam interconnectivity in three commercial bands and significant upgrades on power and coverage flexibility.

Intelsat 37e incorporates enhanced power sharing technology, which enables the assignment of power between shaped, fixed and steerable spot Ku-band and Ka-band beams. This allows optimized services to meet the requirements of in-demand applications – by region – and deliver higher transmission efficiency for mobility and government customers in the Americas, Africa and Europe.

Intelsat 37e is the first satellite to offer interconnectivity between three different bands. The next-generation spacecraft delivers high-performance service in C-, Ku- and Ka-bands for use in wireless backhaul, enterprise VSAT and mobility networks. The C-band payload offers a unique mix of high-power spot and wide beams designed to deliver additional services and improved throughput. Intelsat 37e also features a Ku-band steerable beam that can be positioned anywhere to support government applications. In addition to the steerable beams and power-sharing technology, Intelsat 37e provides additional resiliency to the IntelsatOne® Flex managed service platform, for use in enterprise and mobility applications.

This satellite provides continuity for the Intelsat 901 satellite, which is used by enterprise network providers, wireless operators and mobility service providers. The beams on Intelsat 37e form part of the IntelsatOne Flex mobility and enterprise managed service infrastructure, which is used to support air and maritime services, as well as private data networks. It is designed to provide service for more than 15 years.

Built by Boeing based on its 702MP platform, Intelsat 37e will be the 55th satellite made by this manufacturer (or its predecessors) to be launched by Arianespace.

BSAT-4a

The BSAT-4a satellite, designed and built for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), a leading broadcasting satellite operator in Japan, will be used for Direct-to-Home (DTH) television service in Japan.

BSAT-4a is the 9th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for B-SAT, and is being orbited as part of a turnkey contract between B-SAT and U.S.-based satellite manufacturer SSL.

Arianespace has launched all B-SAT satellites since the creation of this Japanese operator, reflecting the launch services company’s strong position in this market. BSAT-4a is the 30th launch contract for a geostationary commercial satellite won by Arianespace in Japan.

This mission also underlines the quality of the partnership between Arianespace, SSL and the Japanese operator B-SAT.

The BSAT-4a satellite has 24 Ku-band transponders and will expand the availability of advanced television services such as high definition and 4K/8K ultra-high definition.

The satellite is based on the highly-reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

BSAT-4a will be the 64nd SSL-built satellite to be launched by Arianespace.