Step by step the process is completed. Today both payloads for Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight have been fueled at the Spaceport as preparations continue for the workhorse vehicle’s fourth heavy-lift launch of 2009 from French Guiana.
JCSAT-12 is fueled in the S5 facility’s S5B hall, which is one of three preparation zones available in this state-of-the-art preparation center at the Spaceport.
Propellant loading of the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 spacecraft was performed in separate activity at the Spaceport’s S5 satellite preparation facility, readying these relay platforms for their integration with the Ariane 5.
The upcoming Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for later this month, and carries this pair of U.S.-manufactured spacecraft for two of Arianespace’s Asia-Pacific customers.
JCSAT-12 is a high-power hybrid relay platform that will provide coverage of Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii with 30 active Ku-band transponders and 12 active C-band transponders. Built in Newtown, Pennsylvania by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems with the company’s A2100 spacecraft bus, it is to be operated by Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, which is one of Asia’s largest satellite operators.
The Optus D3 payload was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation at its Dulles, Virginia manufacturing facility using the company’s STAR-2 platform. It will be utilized by the Australian Optus telecommunications provider, and is equipped with 24 active Ku-band transponders for fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand.
A total of seven Ariane 5 missions are planned in 2009 — the busiest year ever for Arianespace’s heavy-lift launcher.
Follow all of Arianespace’s activities at this direct link.
