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ЦитироватьJuly 26 • Ariane 5 • Superbird 8 & GSAT 18
Launch window: TBD
 Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA231, to launch the Superbird 8 and GSAT 18 communications satellites. Superbird 8 will provide communications services over Japan for SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. GSAT 18 is a multipurpose communications satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization. Superbird 8 replaced Japan's DSN 1 military communications satellite on this mission after it sustained potential damage during transport to the launch site. Delayed from July 12. [June 9]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185524.jpg) Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes  (https://twitter.com/pbdes)
Arianespace CEO: Next launch is Aug 24 w/ 2 Intelsat sats 33e and 36.
 15:41 - 18 июн. 2016 г.

ЦитироватьJapan's DSN-1 military communications satellite damaged during transport to launch base
by Peter B. de Selding (http://spacenews.com/author/peter-b-de-selding/) — June 20, 2016
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155629.jpg)The launch of India's GSAT-18 telecommunications satellite, shown here being unpacked on arrival at Europe's Guiana Space Center spaceport, will be delayed from July to at least September because its intended co-passenger, Japan's DSN-1 X-band military communications satellite, was damaged en route from Japan. Whether DSN-1 can be repaired at the launch base or will be returned to Japan was unknown. Credit: Guiana Space Center  
 
PARIS—Japan's DSN-1 X-band military communications satellite was damaged during transport from Japan to Europe's Guiana Space Center spaceport in South America and will miss its planned summer launch aboard a European heavy-lift Ariane 5 rocket, also delaying its intended co-passenger, India's GSAT-18 telecommunications satellite, industry officials said.
It remained unclear whether the damage is severe enough to require the satellite to be returned to Japan or can be treated at the spaceport facilities. Also unknown is whether the damage occurred during loading or unloading of the satellite, or during its air transport from Japan.
Launch-service provider Arianespace's chief executive, Stephane Israel, said after the company's June 18 Ariane 5 launch that the company's next mission would not occur until Aug. 24 and would carry two Intelsat-owned satellites, IS-33e and IS-36. He made no mention of the planned GSAT-18/DSN-1 launch.
Industry officials said the C- and Ku-band GSAT-18 likely would be paired with Australia's Sky Muster 2 Ka-band consumer broadband satellite for a launch as early as September, assuming no delays for the Intelsat campaign.
The Japanese Defense Ministry in 2013 agreed to finance the two-satellite DSN project as what was then Japan's first Private Finance Initiative. A joint venture, called DSN Corp., was created to manage the project from end to end, including ordering and launching the satellites and operating them for 15 years in orbit.
Sky Perfect JSat, Japan's principal satellite fleet operator, is the project coordinator and owns 65 percent of the joint venture. NEC Corp., with a 17.5 percent share, is prime contractor for the two satellites. NTT Communications, also with a 17.5 percent share in the project, is responsible for ground network management and maintenance.
Sky Perfect JSat did not immediately respond to requests for comment on DSN-1's status.
The second satellite, DSN-2, had been scheduled for launch in 2017 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aboard a Japanese H-2A rocket.

Цитироватьinput~2 пишет:
One source in Japanese is here from the Superbird-8 operator:
http://www.sptvjsat.com/load_pdf.php?pTb=t_news_&pRi=599&pJe=1 (http://www.sptvjsat.com/load_pdf.php?pTb=t_news_&pRi=599&pJe=1)

In particular:

Цитировать調査の結果、1号機及びそれに相乗りする自社衛星Superbird-8への損傷も認められたため、今年度中の衛星打ち上げは困難と見込まれます

which machine-translates as:
"Results of the investigation, damage to Unit 1[aka DSN-1] and also to own satellite Superbird-8 piggybacked were  observed,  satellite launch in the current fiscal year is expected to be difficult"

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185524.jpg) Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes  (https://twitter.com/pbdes)  25 мин.25 минут назад (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/745301103475105792)
India's ISRO: GSat-18 telecom sat, delayed because of damaged co-passenger, to launch in Sept w/ new Ariane 5 co-passenger, so 2 mnth delay.

Цитировать http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-defence-satellite-idUSKCN0ZZ0AK
Tue Jul 19, 2016 1:03am EDT
Tarpaulin mishap delays Japan's first military satellite by two years -sources
The launch of Japan's first dedicated military communications satellite will be delayed by two years after a mishap with a blue tarpaulin damaged sensitive antennas during transportation to Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, two government sources told Reuters.
The mishap has set back plans by Japan's military to unify its fractured and overburdened communications network, and could hinder efforts to reinforce defenses in the East China Sea as Chinese military activity in the region escalates.
"When we need to shift units to the southwest and troops are moving down fr om the north, we need a stable communications link and this delay could affect that," a senior Defense Ministry official said on condition he wasn't identified because he isn't authorized to talk to the media.
The satellite was damaged in a plane's cargo hold on May 25 after a tarpaulin blocked valves used to equalize its container's internal air pressure as it descended into thicker atmosphere when landing in French Guiana, according to an internal Japanese government document viewed by Reuters.
The document did not detail who was responsible for the mishap, or whether they suffered any consequences.
The damage will take more than a year to fix, and could force Japan to pay tens of millions of dollars for stop-gap access to commercial communications satellites it currently uses, the sources said.
"We are not yet at the point wh ere we can decide on a new launch window. We want to do it as soon as we can," a spokesman for Japan's defense ministry said.
The satellite is first of three planned X-band satellites that will deliver a unified communications network designed to quadruple the broadband capacity of Japan's Self Defence Forces.
.....

Цитировать"Наверное, улетела"

Цитировать- Штирлиц, что вы здесь делаете?
- Трамвай жду...
Борман прошёл в свой кабинет. Потом выглянул в коридор, но Штирлица уже не было.
«Дождался», подумал Борман.

ЦитироватьSalo пишет:
http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/

ЦитироватьJuly 26 • Ariane 5 • Superbird 8 & GSAT 18
Launch window: TBD
 Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA231, to launch the Superbird 8 and GSAT 18 communications satellites. Superbird 8 will provide communications services over Japan for SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. GSAT 18 is a multipurpose communications satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization. Superbird 8 replaced Japan's DSN 1 military communications satellite on this mission after it sustained potential damage during transport to the launch site. Delayed from July 12. [June 9]

ЦитироватьСпутник, названный DSN-1 для своей военной полезной нагрузки Х-диапазона и Superbird-8 для своей коммерческой телекоммуникационной миссии, был поврежден в пути к Европе Гвианского космического центра в Южной Америке в июне и потребует год или больше ремонта и переаттестации.

ЦитироватьStéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 26 янв. 
 (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/956910740752957440)Flight VA241's two satellite payloads – SES-14 and Al Yah 3 – are in orbit and operating nominally, despite a trajectory deviation experienced during the launch. Upcoming launch campaigns currently underway at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) are proceeding as scheduled.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) Feb 9 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/961888703454072832)

Top Secret project i'm working on during my lunch break: #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) live event countdown and trajectory sim, hopefully ready for #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173551.jpg)

ЦитироватьOrbital ATK‏Verified account @OrbitalATK (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK) · 9m (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/964166857438752768)

The Orbital ATK-built HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite for @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) has safely arrived at its French Guiana launch site in preparation for next month's launch

Цитироватьche wi пишет:
#13 (//forum/messages/forum12/topic15414/message1740796/#message1740796)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186309.jpg)AvantiCommunications‏ @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) 10h ago (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc/status/964454375954550785)

Yesterday, our HYLAS 4 satellite and launch crew landed in French Guiana. Launch preparations are well underway for our March lift-off. Follow the story here https://goo.gl/NYJwd5  (https://t.co/0TCP8nBAi2)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173843.jpg)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173844.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 6h ago (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/966280217701552129)

Small #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) update, as expected after the #VS18 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VS18?src=hash) move to the 6th of March, also #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) moves a couple of days, now planned for 21 March (TBC)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/968408954865946624)

Next #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) launch #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) currently planned for 21 March at 21:42 UTC

Цитировать

Update on HYLAS 4

Avanti Communications Group plc ("Avanti") has been advised by Arianespace of a delay to the launch of its HYLAS 4 satellite ("HYLAS 4"), which will not have a material effect on the HYLAS 4 in-service date. Avanti anticipates a revised launch date in early April and expects to be able to confirm a fixed launch date shortly.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186309.jpg)AvantiCommunications‏ @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) 7 мар. (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc/status/971347264886231041)

With its propellant loading completed, HYLAS 4 is set for its journey to 36,000km above the Earth! Discover more about the launch of our new High Throughput Satellite. http://goo.gl/YQ6oCU  (https://t.co/tdHEiwqGKh)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174311.jpg)

Цитировать

Update on HYLAS 4

Avanti Communications Group plc ("Avanti") has been formally advised by Arianespace of a launch date of Thursday 5th April 2018 for its HYLAS 4 satellite.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186309.jpg) AvantiCommunications‏ @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) 22 мар. (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc/status/976809498189889536)
Our team is busy working on the final preparations before HYLAS 4 makes its way to the Final Assembly building. Find out more about our new High Throughput Satellite. http://goo.gl/k5rcc9  (https://t.co/myk4IhAwHI)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174442.jpg)

ЦитироватьAraine 5 VA-242 - DSN-1 /Superbird Hylas 4 upcoming launch April 5, 2018

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220938.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)  arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 26 мар. 2018 г.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/press-releases/?taxonomy%5Bpress-release-category%5D=ariane-5) | March 26, 2018
Flight VA242 – Arianespace to launch DSN-1/Superbird-8 for Sky Perfect JSAT and HYLAS 4 for Avanti on April 5

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223147.jpg)

For its third launch of 2018, Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana to launch the DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 satellites.

With this 242nd mission utilizing an Ariane launcher, and the second this year with the Ariane 5 heavy launch vehicle, Arianespace once again serves the ambitions of two long-lasting partners: the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT and the British operator Avanti Communications.

The launch will be from the Ariane Launch Complex (ELA) in Kourou, French Guiana.

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Kourou, to authorize the start of operations for the final countdown.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 is the 19th SKY Perfect JSAT satellite assigned to Arianespace for launch. The most recent Arianespace launch for this operator was with JCSAT-15 in December 2016.

Спойлер

On this dual-use satellite, the Superbird-8 payload is composed of high-performance Ku and Ka transponders and will provide satellite communications services mainly in the Japanese market. Located at 162 degrees East Longitude, it will replace the Superbird-B2 satellite launched in 2000 by Arianespace.

The DSN-1 (X-Band Defense Communications Satellite-1) payload is associated with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation – a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT – has concluded a program contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 was built by MELCO (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation), with manufacturing management by NEC Corporation, using a DS2000 platform.

HYLAS 4 is Avanti's third satellite launch, and marks its third with Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

HYLAS 4 will deliver high speed, reliable and secure satellite communications to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), governments and satellite operators across Europe, through its Ka-band capacity. The high throughput satellite will also provide services in regions such as West and Central Africa, and with its steerable beams that provide services in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

It is the 28th Orbital ATK-built satellite to be launched by Arianespace, a series that started with the TOPEX-Poseidon mission in 1992.

Спойлер

For further information, download the Flight VA242 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/

To watch a live, high-speed online transmission of the launch (including commentary in French and English from the launch site), go to arianespace.com on April 5, 2018, beginning 15 minutes before liftoff.

Follow the launch live on youtube.com/arianespace and on iPhones or iPads (the Arianespace HD app is free).

[свернуть]

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | March 26, 2018

Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission to orbit satellites for Japanese and UK operators

Arianespace's third mission of 2018 is set for April 5, using its workhorse Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher from French Guiana to deliver the DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.

With an evening liftoff from the Spaceport, the upcoming mission – designated Flight VA242 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system – will serve two long-time customers: SKY Perfect JSAT of Japan and British operator Avanti Communications.

Another launch for SKY Perfect JSAT

Спойлер

(http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-26-2018-VA242-sm.jpg) (http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-26-2018-VA242-lg.jpg)
Avanti Communications' HYLAS 4 is installed on its adapter interface unit, readying the relay satellite for integration on Flight VA242's Ariane 5.

As the 19th SKY Perfect JSAT satellite entrusted to Arianespace for launch, DSN-1/Superbird-8 is a dual-use relay platform. Its Superbird-8 payload uses high-performance Ku- and Ka-band transponders for communications services primarily in the Japanese market.

The spacecraft's DSN-1 (X-Band Defense Communications Satellite-1) payload is associated with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation – a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT – has concluded a contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 was produced by MELCO (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation) using a DS2000 platform, with manufacturing management provided by NEC Corporation. It will be the third MELCO-built satellite to be launched by Arianespace. Once in geostationary orbit, the spacecraft will operate at 162 deg. East Longitude, replacing the Superbird-B2 satellite lofted in 2000 by Arianespace.

[свернуть]

Arianespace's third launch for Avanti Communications

Спойлер

The HYLAS 4 satellite to be orbited on Flight VA242 is Avanti Communications' third spacecraft for launch by Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana. This platform will deliver high-speed, reliable and secure satellite communications in Ka-band to Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile network operators (MNOs), governments and satellite operators across Europe. The high throughput satellite also will provide services in regions such as West and Central Africa, while its steerable beams enable coverage for Europe, South America, the Caribbean and Middle East.

HYLAS 4 will be the 28th Orbital ATK-built satellite orbited by Arianespace in a series that started with the TOPEX-Poseidon mission in 1992. The operational geostationary orbital slot for HYLAS 4 is 33.5 deg. West Longitude.

[/li]
• A larger version of the photo above is available for downloading in the Gallery (http://www.arianespace.com/gallery/).
  

 

[свернуть]

Launch window for Flight VA242:

[TH]French Guiana[/TH][TH]Universal Time (UTC)[/TH][TH]Tokyo, Japan[/TH][TH]Paris, France[/TH]

Between 6:34 p.m. and 7:24 p.m. on April 5	Between 21:34 and 22:24 on April 5	Between 6:34 a.m. and 7:24 a.m. on April 6	Between 11:34 p.m. and 12:24 a.m. on April 5/6

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg)Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 2 мин.2 минуты назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/978633748198690817)


Coming soon: #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) Flight #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash), our next mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana, is scheduled for an April 5 liftoff with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/978902156337123328)

Nice shot of #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) passenger HYLAS-4 inside S5C at #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174906.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/979702888728539136)

Final integration and fairing encapsulation has been performed for the next #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) launch #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174760.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174761.jpg)

ЦитироватьВВК пишет:
Не могу понять почему в дате пуска 2016год

Цитироватьпоц пишет:
Coming soon: #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) Flight #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) , our next mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana, is scheduled for an April 5 liftoff with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186190.jpg)Orbital ATK‏Подлинная учетная запись @OrbitalATK (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK) сейчас1 минуту назад (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/980168113248505856)


The Orbital ATK-built HYLAS 4 for @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) has arrived at its French Guiana launch site prior to its April 5 launch. This satellite will deliver cost-effective and high-speed broadband across Africa and Europe.
(https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/81784)

ЦитироватьNAVAREA IV 258/2018 (24,51,57)

NORTH ATLANTIC.
FRENCH GUIANA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING:
   A. 2029Z TO 2324Z DAILY 05 THRU 15 APR
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   05-26.00N 048-23.00W, 05-25.00N 047-25.00W,
   04-54.00N 047-25.00W, 04-55.00N 048-24.00W.
   B. 2029Z TO 2324Z DAILY 05 THRU 15 APR
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   05-13.00N 047-19.00W, 05-09.00N 045-36.00W,
   04-53.00N 045-36.00W, 04-57.00N 047-20.00W.
   C. 2127Z TO 0008Z COMMENCING DAILY 05 THRU 15 APR
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   03-08.00N 016-51.00W, 01-27.00N 001-52.00W,
   00-20.00S 002-04.00W, 01-21.00N 017-03.00W.
   D. 2119Z TO 2324Z DAILY 05 THRU 15 APR
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   05-18.00N 052-47.40W 05-22.35N 052-33.83W,
   05-11.16N 052-24.63W 05-09.00N 052-36.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 160108Z APR 18.

( 281350Z MAR 2018 )

ЦитироватьHYLAS 4 Presentation

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 3 апр. 2018 г.

HYLAS 4 is Avanti's third satellite launch, and marks its third with Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

HYLAS 4 will deliver high speed, reliable and secure satellite communications to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), governments and satellite operators across Europe, through its Ka-band capacity. The high throughput satellite will also provide services in regions such as West and Central Africa, and with its steerable beams that provide services in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

It is the 28th Orbital ATK-built satellite to be launched by Arianespace, a series that started with the TOPEX-Poseidon mission in 1992.

ЦитироватьDSN-1/Superbird-8 Presentation

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 3 апр. 2018 г.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 is the 19th SKY Perfect JSAT satellite assigned to Arianespace for launch. The most recent Arianespace launch for this operator was with JCSAT-15 in December 2016.

On this dual-use satellite, the Superbird-8 payload is composed of high-performance Ku and Ka transponders and will provide satellite communications services mainly in the Japanese market. Located at 162 degrees East Longitude, it will replace the Superbird-B2 satellite launched in 2000 by Arianespace.

The DSN-1 (X-Band Defense Communications Satellite-1) payload is associated with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation – a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT – has concluded a program contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 was built by MELCO (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation), with manufacturing management by NEC Corporation, using a DS2000 platform.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186309.jpg)AvantiCommunications‏ @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) 4 ч.4 часа назад (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc/status/981172659089113088)


We're growing communications across Africa; Watch our new HYLAS 4 video to find out more

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | April 3, 2018

Approval is given for Arianespace's Ariane 5 launch with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4

Arianespace's next Ariane 5 flight has been authorized for liftoff on April 5 following today's launch readiness review, which was conducted at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

(http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/4-3-2018-VA242-poster.jpg)

This milestone confirmed that the heavy-lift launcher and its dual-satellite payload – comprised of DSN-1/Superbird-8 for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and Avanti Communications' HYLAS 4 – are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.

With approval granted, Ariane 5 is cleared for tomorrow's rollout from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone. Liftoff will occur the following day during a 50-minute launch window that opens at 6:34 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 will deliver a total payload lift performance of approximately 10,260 kg. on the mission to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), which is designated Flight VA242. This total includes the two satellite passengers, plus the workhorse vehicle's dual-payload deployment system and integration hardware.

Launch window for Flight VA242:

[TH]French Guiana[/TH][TH]Universal Time (UTC)[/TH][TH]Tokyo, Japan[/TH][TH]Paris, France[/TH]

Between 6:34 p.m. and 7:24 p.m. on April 5	Between 21:34 and 22:24 on April 5	Between 6:34 a.m. and 7:24 a.m. on April 6	Between 11:34 p.m. and 12:24 a.m. on April 5/6

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg)Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/981244235411283973)

Today's launch readiness review has cleared #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) for an April 5 liftoff with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4. It will be #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash)'s third launch so far in 2018. #SKYPerfectJSAT (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKYPerfectJSAT?src=hash) @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) @NEC_corp (https://twitter.com/NEC_corp) #MELCO (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MELCO?src=hash) @OrbitalATK (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DZ4ULvAW4AAtoEL.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DZ4ULvAW4AAtoEL.mp4)

ЦитироватьVA242 - Launch Campaign

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 4 апр. 2018 г.

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg)Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) сейчас2 минуты назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/981595573882163200)


Another day, another step closer to liftoff -- #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) has reached the launch zone for its #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) mission w/ DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4, which is scheduled for April 5
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174671.jpg)

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | April 4, 2018

Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone for Arianespace's dual-payload mission on April 5

(http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2018/04/4-4-2018-VA242-pano-1/974920967.jpg)
The Ariane 5 for Flight VA242 is shown midway in its transfer to the ELA-3 launch zone.

The DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 satellites are another step closer to launch following the rollout of their heavy-lift Ariane 5, which occurred earlier today at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

With this transfer from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, Arianespace's third mission in 2018 can now enter its final countdown for liftoff on April 5.

Designated Flight VA242 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, tomorrow's Ariane 5 launch will deploy its two passengers to geostationary transfer orbit on a mission lasting just under 34 minutes from liftoff to final payload separation.

Спойлер

A launch for Japanese and UK operators

As the 19th SKY Perfect JSAT satellite entrusted to Arianespace for launch, DSN-1/Superbird-8 is a dual-use relay platform. Its Superbird-8 payload uses high-performance Ku- and Ka-band transponders for communications services primarily in the Japanese market.

The spacecraft's DSN-1 (X-Band Defense Communications Satellite-1) payload is associated with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation – a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT – has concluded a contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

The HYLAS 4 satellite to be orbited on Flight VA242 is Avanti Communications' third spacecraft for launch by Arianespace from the Spaceport in French Guiana. This platform will deliver high-speed, reliable and secure satellite communications in Ka-band to Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile network operators (MNOs), governments and satellite operators across Europe.

[/li]
• A larger version of the photo above is available for downloading in the Gallery (http://www.arianespace.com/gallery/).
  

 
Launch window for Flight VA242:

[TH]French Guiana[/TH][TH]Universal Time (UTC)[/TH][TH]Tokyo, Japan[/TH][TH]Paris, France[/TH]

Between 6:34 p.m. and 7:24 p.m. on April 5	Between 21:34 and 22:24 on April 5	Between 6:34 a.m. and 7:24 a.m. on April 6	Between 11:34 p.m. and 12:24 a.m. on April 5/6

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981797377257496576)

Launch day ! nice shot of #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) inside the BAF before roll-out to the pad yesterday
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162431.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981798847440654336)

And going to and arriving at the pad #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162432.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162433.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162434.jpg)

[свернуть]

4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981799589400535040)

Close-ups on the #ZL3 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZL3?src=hash) pad at #CSG (https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162435.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162436.jpg)

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4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981800373580124160)

And almost ready for launch at dusk yesterday #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162440.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162441.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981804257044295680)

Close-up of the #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) fairing #SKYPerfectJSAT (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKYPerfectJSAT?src=hash) @Avanti_plc (https://twitter.com/Avanti_plc) @NEC_corp (https://twitter.com/NEC_corp) #MELCO (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MELCO?src=hash) @OrbitalATK (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162442.jpg)

3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981807967497605121)

Placing the Japanese flag on the #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) fairing #Japan (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash) #Nippon (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nippon?src=hash) #日本 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162444.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162445.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162446.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162447.jpg)

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 46 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981881947336200193)

15:11:00 [L-08:23:00] EPC lines flushing #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981897062903140353)

16:11:00 [L-07:23:00] OBCs switch-on and flight program loading #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 48 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981903302630703104)

16:36:00 [L-06:58:00] EPC High-Pressure sphere pressurization #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

ЦитироватьLive coverage: Ariane 5 readies for first flight since off-target launch
April 5, 2018 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/04/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

04/05/2018 19:00 Stephen Clark

Ground teams in French Guiana are counting down today to the first Ariane 5 rocket launch since a mission flew off course Jan. 25, deploying two communications satellites into an off-target orbit.

Liftoff is set for 2134 GMT (5:34 p.m. EDT; 6:34 p.m. French Guiana time) at the opening of a 50-minute launch window.

Спойлер

Investigators probing the erroneous launch determined coordinates programmed into the Ariane 5's inertial reference units led the rocket approximately 20 degrees off course from its intended easterly trajectory seconds after liftoff Jan. 25.

The rocket performed as designed, but the incorrect navigation input caused it to place its two satellite payloads -- the SES 14 and Al Yah 3 communications satellites -- into an unplanned orbit. The spacecraft will make up for the orbit shortfall using their on-board fuel, but it will take longer than planned to place the satellites into commercial service.

For details about the investigation into the Jan. 25 launch anomaly, see our earlier story.

Investigators recommended Arianespace and its parent company, Ariane Group, to improve the way engineers develop and verify documentation before a launch, and to introduce additional consistency checks to prevent the recurrence of an error like the one Jan. 25.

Arianespace said the cause of the trajectory deviation during the Jan. 25 launch was "perfectly understood and corrective measures clearly identified." The recommendations were "immediately implemented," Arianespace said, and will be applied to the future Ariane 5 flights, beginning with a commercial mission due for blastoff today.

The Jan. 25 anomaly ended a streak of 82 consecutive flawless Ariane 5 flights dating back to 2003.

The payloads stowed aboard the Ariane 5 launcher set to fly from French Guiana today are the DSN 1/Superbird 8 and Hylas 4 communications satellites for Japanese and British customers.

The Ariane 5 rocket made the 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) journey from its final assembly building to the ELA-3 launch zone yesterday. A diesel-powered truck pulled the Ariane 5 and its mobile launch platform along dual rail tracks.

Once at the launch pad, the rocket was connected to ground electrical and fluid supplies in preparation for today's countdown. The Ariane 5's first stage liquid helium reservoir, used to pressurize the core stage's propellant tanks, was also filled.

The final countdown today commenced at 1011 GMT (6:11 a.m. EDT), with clocks at the Guiana Space Center timed for a targeted liftoff at 2134 GMT (5:34 p.m. EDT; 6:34 p.m. French Guiana time). Today's launch window extends until 2224 GMT (6:24 p.m. EDT; 7:24 p.m. French Guiana time).

Electrical systems checks on the Ariane 5 were to begin at 1101 GMT (7:01 a.m. EDT).

Workers also put finishing touches on the launch pad, including the closure of doors, removal of safety barriers and configuring fluid lines for fueling. The flight program for Wednesday's launch was also to be loaded into the rocket's computer.

The launch team will begin the process to fuel the rocket with super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants around 1656 GMT (12:56 p.m. EDT). First, ground reservoirs and the rocket's helium tank will be pressurized, then the fuel lines will be chilled down to condition the plumbing for the flow of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which are stored at approximately minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit and minus 298 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

It will take approximately two hours to fill the Ariane 5 core stage tanks.

A similar procedure for the Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage will commence at 1806 GMT (2:06 p.m. EDT).

Chilldown conditioning of the Vulcain 2 first stage engine will occur at 1816 GMT (2:16 p.m. EDT), and a communications check between the rocket and ground telemetry, tracking and command systems is scheduled for 2019 GMT (4:19 p.m. EDT).

A final weather briefing will come at T-minus 10 minues, and then the computer-controlled synchronized countdown sequence will begin seven minutes before launch to pressurize propellant tanks, switch to on-board power and take the rocket's guidance system to flight mode.

The Vulcain 2 engine will ignite as the countdown clock reaches zero, followed by a health check and ignition of the Ariane 5's solid rocket boosters seven seconds later to send the 1.7 million-pound launcher skyward.

Five seconds after blastoff, the rocket will begin pitching east from the ELA-3 launch pad, surpassing the speed of sound less than a minute into the mission. The Ariane 5's twin solid rocket boosters will jettison nearly two-and-a-half minutes after liftoff.

Once above the dense atmosphere, the launcher's payload fairing will fall away at an altitude of more than 70 miles — about 112 kilometers -- at Plus+3 minutes, 28 seconds. The Ariane 5's first stage will shut down 8 minutes, 53 seconds, after liftoff, followed moments later by stage separation and ignition of the hydrogen-fueled cryogenic HM7B upper stage engine.

The rocket's upper stage will fire more than 16 minutes, accelerating to a velocity of 21,000 mph, or more than 9.3 kilometers per second, to reach an orbit with a planned high point of 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles), a targeted low point of 250 kilometers (155 miles) and an inclination of 3 degrees.

The release of the DSN 1/Superbird 8 communications satellite, which rides in the upper position inside the Ariane 5's dual-payload accommodation, will come first. The exact time of its deployment has not been disclosed due to the satellite's mission for the Japanese military.

Once DSN 1/Superbird 8 is deployed, the Ariane 5 rocket's barrel-shaped Sylda 5 dual-payload adapter will be jettisoned at Plus+32 minutes, 15 seconds.

Hylas 4 will separate from the lower portion of the payload stack at 33 minutes, 56 seconds.

Both satellites will use their own engines to raise their orbits to a circular perch along the equator at an altitude of nearly 22,300 miles (35,800 kilometers).

Built by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. under the contract management of NEC Corp., the DSN 1/Superbird 8 satellite has a dual mission for commercial customers in Japan and the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

The commercial part of the satellite's payload, known as Superbird 8, will provide Ku-band an Ka-band communications services in the Japanese market for Sky Perfect JSAT Corp., replacing coverage currently provided by the aging Superbird B2 satellite launched in 2000.

The rest of the satellite's telecom capacity, operating in X-band frequencies, will be employed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense through a commercial provider named DSN Corp., a subsidiary of Sky Perfect JSAT. The Japanese military's first dedicated communications satellite, known as DSN 2, launched on an H-2A rocket in January 2017.

The 11,790-pound (5,348-kilogram) DSN 1/Superbird 8 spacecraft was supposed to launch on an Ariane 5 rocket in 2016, but the satellite was damaged during its transport to the launch base from Japan aboard a cargo plane. The satellite was returned to Japan for repairs.

The Hylas 4 communications satellite, built by Orbital ATK, will provide high-speed broadband services across Europe and Africa. Owned by London-based Avanti Communications, Hylas 4 will provide connectivity to mobile network operators and Internet providers, and beam high-speed services to civilian and defense users in governments.

The 8,928-pound (4,050-kilogram) satellite is based on Orbital ATK's GEOStar 3 spacecraft platform.

Both satellites launching today have missions expected to last at least 15 years.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30754.jpg)Arianespace‏ @Arianespace (https://twitter.com/Arianespace) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/981930719487381504)

Later today, #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) will take to the skies for #Arianespace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arianespace?src=hash)'s third mission of the year. Live coverage begins at 21:19 UTC on http://Arianespace.com  (https://t.co/W7okeIwHLW). #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981933369922588672)

18:29:00 [L-05:05:00] Last personnel evacuation from ELA3 #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981952408099196928)

19:51:00 [L-03:43:00] EPC filling lines cooling and tanks filling #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981954961167867910)

20:01:00 [L-03:33:00] ESC-A filling lines cooling and tanks filling #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981957440450244609)

20:11:00 [L-03:23:00] Vulcain 2 engine cooling #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать04/05/2018 21:34 Stephen Clark

T-minus 3 hours. The Ariane 5 rocket's first stage, known by the French acronym EPC, is currently being filled with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The second stage, or ESC-A, should also be receiving the same mix of liquid propellants. The first stage Vulcain 2 engine and the upper stage HM7B engine both consume the super-cold fuel.

The cryogenic propellant will be gradually pumped inside the rocket to maintain proper levels as the fuel evaporates over the rest of the countdown.

The Ariane 5's supply of cryogenic liquid helium, used to pressurize the rocket's propellant tanks, was loaded aboard the launcher Wednesday.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 Ready for Comeback Mission with Communications Satellite Pair
 April 5, 2018 (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-ready-for-comeback-mission-with-communications-satellite-pair/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151937.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/29683464_1785925588112448_4433837847418958384_n.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

Europe's Ariane 5 rocket stands ready for its comeback mission a little over two months after taking a wrong turn and leaving a pair of communications satellites in a seriously-deficient orbit. Cleared to return to action via more stringent quality control checks, Ariane 5 is targeting liftoff on Thursday during a 50-minute window opening at 21:34 UTC with the Superbird-8/DSN-1 dual-use satellite fr om Japan and the HYLAS 4 high-throughput satellite for London-based Avanti Communications.

Спойлер

Ariane 5 last launched on January 25 on a rare Supersynchronous Transfer Mission with the SES 14 and Al Yah 3 communications satellites. For outside observers, the mission appeared to go by the book until communications with the climbing rocket were lost some nine minutes after liftoff and could not be regained for the rest of the planned 35-minute mission – sparking fears that the two satellites had been lost. Tracking stations went into search mode and successfully discovered both passengers in good health, but far off from their planned orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151939.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/va241-launch3.jpg)
Ariane 5 VA241 Liftoff – Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

As it transpired over the weeks after the incident, Ariane 5 lifted off with an improper value programmed into its inertial guidance system which sent the rocket into a roll maneuver immediately after liftoff and caused a 20-degree shift to the south in the rocket's flight path.

The improper setting was the result of an unusual set of requirements for this mission that dictated a 70-degree azimuth setting instead of the usual 90 degrees that had been the norm for all recent GTO missions by the vehicle. Checks and re-checks did not reveal the error as all involved entities had gotten used to seeing the azimuth parameter as 90.

Going into a roll immediately after liftoff resulted in the rocket departing on a launch azimuth in the neighborhood of 110 degrees (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va241/ariane-5-va241-anomaly-analysis/) – taking it much closer to the city of Kourou than for a normal mission and leaving the satellites in a 21-degree inclined orbit instead of the planned orbital inclination of three degrees.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151940.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/VA241Zones-Overview.jpg)
Ariane 5 Trajectory Deviation – Planned (North) vs. Actual (South)

Both satellites have since taken steps to correct their orbits – a difficult endeavor as they have to rotate their orbits in order to achieve circularization over the equator to reach a Geostationary Orbit, a process that requires time and/or additional maneuvering propellants.

The all-electric SES 14 satellite was expected to suffer a lesser impact than Al Yah 3 that relies on a hybrid propulsion system combining chemical and ion thrusters. Insurance claims have been submitted for Al Yah 3 and both satellites are still several weeks from reaching their operational orbits.

An investigation into the anomalous Ariane 5 flight was conducted by Arianespace, ESA and the French Space Agency CNES, recommending a number of steps to strengthen the quality control steps involved in generating the mission-specific parameter inputs for Ariane's navigation system.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151943.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151943.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

"Recommendations to improve processes and quality control have been made. Furthermore, additional recommendations to enhance end-to-end verifications of mission-specific parameters used during the launch campaign were made," ESA said in a statement after the investigation had presented its findings.

ESA and Arianespace were somewhat tight-lipped on the specifics of the anomaly and corrective measures and the results of a CNES-led probe into the response of flight safety to the launcher deviating from its trajectory have also not been disclosed to the public. The launch of a Soyuz rocket in March had to be delayed by three days because range-related recommendations from the VA241 inquiry were still being implemented.

The VA242 mission was originally expected in the second half of March but was pushed to a new date of April 5th without a reason for the delay being made public.

Thursday's mission is carrying a total payload upmass of 10,260 Kilograms between the two satellites and their various adapter systems holding them in place in a stacked configuration, primarily enabled by the Sylda divider structure. Riding in the upper berth is the Superbird-8/DSN-1 satellite setting out on a dual-purpose mission delivering commercial and military communications services while HYLAS 4, affixed to the rocket's second stage, will provide high-throughput data services as part of Avanti Communications' satellite fleet.

Superbird-8/DSN-1 was commissioned as a dual-use satellite, outfitted with a Ku/Ka-Band payload to deliver commercial networking services while a military X-Band terminal provides encrypted communications for Japan's armed forces under the DSN project.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151938.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dsn1.jpg)
Superbird-8/DSN-1 Satellite – Image: SKY Perfect JSAT

DSN Corporation was instated as a joint venture between SKY Perfect JSAT, technology company NEC, telecommunications provider NTT Communications, and civil engineering company Maeda Corp. Under Japan's first Private Finance Initiative, these companies put up private funds to realize the DSN satellite constellation and ground infrastructure that is being leased to the Japanese government through 2031 and driving in revenue for the commercial partners.

The DSN Network comprises two space segment components – DSN-1 is a hosted X-Band payload on the Superbird-8 satellite and DSN-2 is a dedicated satellite. DSN-1 had been set for launch in 2016 but encountered an overpressurization event during the transfer to the Guiana Space Center and required extensive repairs; also resulting in DSN-2 becoming operational as the first constellation member following its launch atop an H-IIA rocket.

>> Superbird-8/DSN-1 Satellite Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/superbird-8-dsn-1/)

Because of its partially military nature, no photos were released of the Mitsubishi Electric-built satellite and details on its mission are withheld from the public. The commercial part of the satellite's payload will be re-named Superbird-B3 once in orbit and replace the B2 satellite that launched in 2000 to deliver business telecommunications services and VSAT expansion services over Japan.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151941.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/03/27973330_10155963447175479_4722362349373957054_n.jpg)
Photo: Orbital ATK

HYLAS 4 weighs in at 4,050 Kilograms and employs Orbital ATK's GEOStar-3 satellite platform that was inaugurated earlier this year as the company's most advanced satellite bus. Outfitted with a Ka-Band payload, HYLAS 4 will deliver high-throughput broadband and networking services to markets in Europe and Africa.

The payload delivers 66 fixed Ka-Band beams positioned over Africa and Europe with a total capacity of 28 Giga-Hertz; the addition of four steerable Ka-Band beams enables supplementary coverage to be directed wh ere it is needed within the satellite's footprint.

>> HYLAS 4 Satellite Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/hylas-4/)

HYLAS 4 switched from a late 2017 launch slot on Ariane 5 to the VA242 mission to be paired with a slightly lighter upper berth passenger in order to gain a little bit of mass itself in the form of additional propellant loaded into its tanks. This additional propellant load allowed the satellite's orbit-raising scheme to be accelerated by eliminating 100 days of orbit topping with its electric propulsion system and so arrive on Station earlier while also saving stationkeeping propellant for a longer operational life.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981976244169461761)

Nice picture while we wait... (yup its the wet season in CSG alright...) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162489.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981981182849056774)

21:41:00 [L-01:53:00] ESC-A Helium sphere pressurization #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/981988519143931905)

22:14:00 [L-01:20:00] Telemetry transmitters and Radar Transponders switch on #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash) #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash)

Цитировать04/05/2018 23:49 Stephen Clark

Minus-45 minutes. Everything remains on track for launch at 2134 GMT (5:34 p.m. EDT; 6:34 p.m. French Guiana time).

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186390.jpg)Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 7 мин.назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/981997851860459521)

Riding in the upper payload berth is Superbird-8/DSN-1 - built by Mitsubishi Electric and operated by SKY Perfect JSAT and DSN Corp. under a dual-mission architecture. Commercial services are provided through Ku/Ka-Band, military comms use X-Band: http://bit.ly/2HbM0P1  (https://t.co/SzFiWjotBb)

7 мин.7 минут назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/981997854406344706)

The satellite was originally planned to launch in 2016 but suffered an overpressurization within its transport container when traveling to French Guiana, necessitating extensive refurbishment and re-testing. This led to a delay of nearly two years.

Цитировать04/05/2018 23:59 Stephen Clark

Minus-30 minutes. The Ariane 5's first and second stages should now be loaded with cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants.

Спойлер

The 17.7-foot-diameter first stage's Vulcain 2 engine burns 149.5 metric tons, or about 329,000 pounds, of liquid oxygen and 25 metric tons, or about 55,000 pounds, of liquid hydrogen. The cryogenic upper stage's HM7B engine consumes about 14.7 metric tons, or more than 32,000 pounds, of oxygen and hydrogen.

The fluids are stored at super-cold temperatures and naturally boil off in the warm tropical atmosphere in French Guiana. More propellant is slowly pumped into the rocket for most of the countdown to replenish the cryogenic fuel.

The topping sequence ends in the final few minutes of the countdown as the fuel tanks are pressurized and the fueling system is secured.

Built by a consortium of European contractors led by Airbus Safran Launchers in Vernon, France, the Vulcain 2 engine generates up to 300,000 pounds of thrust during its 9-minute firing. It burns about 320 kilograms, or 705 pounds, of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant per second.

The engine's nozzle has an exit diameter of 2.1 meters, or about 6.9 feet. It weighs more than 4,600 pounds and its liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen turbopumps spin at 12,300 rpm and 35,800 rpm, respectively.

The Vulcain 2 replaced the Vulcain engine used on the initial version of the Ariane 5. The newer engine produces 20 percent more thrust.

The Ariane 5's upper stage is powered by an HM7B engine, a modified version of the HM7 engine used on the upper stage of the Ariane 4 rocket. The 364-pound HM7B engine is manufactured by Airbus Safran Launchers in Ottobrunn, Germany.

The HM7B engine produces more than 14,500 pounds of thrust in vacuum.

The Ariane 5 configuration with a Vulcain 2 engine and HM7B-powered cryogenic upper stage is known as the Ariane 5 ECA.

The Ariane 5's twin solid rocket boosters are packed with propellant near the launch site in French Guiana before they are assembled and positioned on each side of the cryogenic core stage.

With the rocket now fully fueled for launch, the vehicle weighs 1.7 million pounds. At liftoff, the rocket produces 2.9 million pounds of thrust.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/982001257396269057)

22:59:00 [L-00:35:00] Preparation of the synchronized sequence #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/982012098740932620)

23:47:13 [L+00:13:13] Ascension acquisition of signal (AOS) #V242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/V242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/982013032246235142)

23:52:07 [L+00:18:07] Libreville acquisition of signal (AOS) #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 33 с. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/982014056730161157)

23:56:59 [L+00:22:59] Malindo acquisition of signal (AOS) #V242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/V242?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29242.jpg)DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/982015896247037952)

Superbird-8 sep #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162503.jpg)

Цитировать04/06/2018 01:14 Stephen Clark

Arianespace has declared success on tonight's mission.

"Arianespace is delighted to announce that DSN 1/Superbird 8 and Hylas 4 have been separated as planned in their targeted geostationary transfer orbits," said Stephane Israel, chairman and CEO of Arianespace. "For our third launch of the year, Ariane 5 performed flawlessly. Congratulations to all."

This mission marks the successful resumption of Ariane 5 launches after a rocket placed two commercial in an off-target orbit in January.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | April 5, 2018

Liftoff of Arianespace's Ariane 5 with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4

The Arianespace mission with DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 is now underway following Ariane 5's liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Total lift performance for the launch is estimated at 10,260 kg., with the two satellites to be deployed to geostationary transfer orbit during a flight lasting just under 34 minutes.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/mission-updates/?taxonomy%5Bmission-update-category%5D=ariane-5) | April 5, 2018

200+ satellites launched: Ariane 5 surpasses key milestone on its latest dual-payload success

(http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2018/04/Lanceur-en-ZL3_114-1/1920796864.jpg)
The Ariane 5 for Flight VA242 is shown ready for liftoff at the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone.

Telecommunications satellites for two major Arianespace customers – Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and Avanti Communications of the UK – were orbited today on a record-breaking flight for the launch services provider.

Ariane 5 lofted the DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 payloads from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana during a flight lasting just under 34 minutes, and in doing so, exceeded the 200-mark in the number of satellites launched during its operational career (DSN-1/Superbird-8 is #200; HYLAS 4 is #201).

The heavy-lift workhorse delivered an estimated total lift performance of 10,260 kg. on today's flight, including the two passengers and hardware for its dual-payload deployment system. Designated VA242 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, this mission was the 242nd launch of an Ariane-series vehicle to date, as well as the 83rd Ariane 5 success since 2002.

Спойлер

Another launch at the service of Japan

As the 19th SKY Perfect JSAT satellite entrusted to Arianespace for launch, DSN-1/Superbird-8 – a dual-use relay platform – rode in the upper payload position on Ariane 5 and was deployed first on today's flight.

Its Superbird-8 payload uses high-performance Ku- and Ka-band transponders for communications services primarily in the Japanese market. DSN-1 is an X-Band Defense Communications Satellite, in association with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation, a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT, has concluded a program contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222991.jpg)

"We are proud to help provide civilian and defense satellite communication services for the Japanese market and Japan's Ministry of Defense," said Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël, who provided his post-flight comments from the Spaceport's mission control center.

Koki Koyama, Board Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer of SKY Perfect JSAT, thanked Arianespace for today's mission success and noted that his company's first satellite – JSAT-1 – was launched on an Ariane vehicle in March 1989. "JSAT-1 served many customers and became part of the business foundation of SKY Perfect JSAT," he said, adding that SKY Perfect JSAT was now looking forward to a long life with DSN-1/Superbird-8 at the service of both civilian and defense ministry operators.

DSN-1/Superbird-8 was produced by MELCO (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation) using a DS2000 platform, with manufacturing management provided by NEC Corporation. It is the third MELCO-built satellite to be launched by Arianespace and will operate from a final orbital position at 162 deg. East Longitude.

Delivering satellite communications across Europe

Completing today's mission was the deployment of HYLAS 4, which was released from Ariane 5's lower passenger position. Once it its final orbital slot of 33.5 deg. West Longitude, this platform will deliver high-speed, reliable and secure satellite communications in Ka-band to Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile network operators (MNOs), governments and satellite operators across Europe.

"With the launch of this high-throughput satellite, Arianespace is proud to help provide services in regions such as West and Central Africa," Israël said. Produced by Orbital ATK, HYLAS 4's steerable beams also enable coverage for Europe, South America, the Caribbean and Middle East.

The CEO also gave special thanks to Ariane 5 production prime contractor ArianeGroup, the European Space Agency, the French CNES space agency, the ground contractors in French Guiana and his own teams at Arianespace.

The 2018 launch cadence continues

Flight VA242 was Arianespace's third mission so far this year. Next up in the company's launch manifest is another with Ariane 5: Flight VA243, which is scheduled to orbit the GSAT-11 and Azerspace-2/Intelsat 38 satellites on May 25.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAriane 5 (http://www.arianespace.com/press-releases/?taxonomy%5Bpress-release-category%5D=ariane-5) | April 5, 2018

Mission success: Flight VA242 orbits DSN-1/Superbird-8 for SKY Perfect JSAT and HYLAS 4 for Avanti Communications

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/223149.jpg)

Arianespace has successfully launched two telecommunications satellites: DSN-1/Superbird-8 for the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT; and HYLAS 4 for the British operator Avanti Communications.

Arianespace's third launch of the year took place on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6:34 p.m. (local time) from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

With this 98th launch of Ariane 5, the heavy-lift launcher has now transported more than 200 satellites since its entry in service.

Спойлер

Arianespace: long-standing partner to SKY Perfect JSAT, and the operator of reference in Japan

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222989.jpg)

DSN-1/Superbird-8 is the 19th satellite launched by Arianespace for SKY Perfect JSAT. SKY Perfect JSAT is the leading satellite operator in Asia, and plays a major role in the satellite broadcasting and telecommunications markets.

Arianespace has two more SKY Perfect JSAT satellites in its order book: Horizons 3e and JCSAT-17.

Superbird-8 will provide telecom services, primarily for the Japanese market, and will replace Superbird-B2, launched by Arianespace in 2000.

DSN-1 is an X-Band Defense Communications Satellite, in association with the Program to Upgrade and Operate X-Band Satellite Communications Function, for which the DSN Corporation, a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT, has concluded a program contract with Japan's Ministry of Defense.

With this latest successful launch, Arianespace confirms its status as a benchmark launch services provider for the country's two leading operators, SKY Perfect JSAT and B-SAT.

Since launching JCSAT-1 in 1989, Arianespace holds nearly 75% of the Japanese geostationary satellite launch market open to competition.

Arianespace at the service of Avanti Communications

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/222990.jpg)

Arianespace has launched the entire operational fleet of British operator Avanti Communications. HYLAS 4 is the third satellite launched for this company by Arianespace, following HYLAS 1 (in November 2010) and HYLAS 2 (August 2012). The HYLAS 3 auxiliary payload, integrated in the EDRS-C satellite, will be launched as well by Ariane 5.

At the forefront of Ka-band satellite communications in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Avanti Communications' HYLAS satellite fleet provides broadband Internet access via top service providers to homess, schools, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and governments.

Thanks to its Ka-band capacity, HYLAS 4 will provide secure and reliable satellite communications services to Internet Service Providers (ISP), Mobile Network Operators (MNO's), governments and satellite operators throughout Europe. This High Throughput satellite will also cover regions in central and western Africa, while its steerable spotbeams will enable it to cover Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and South America.

Ariane 5 has launched more than 200 satellites since 1996

With today's Flight VA242 mission, the 98th completed by Ariane 5 since it entered service in 1996, Arianespace has now launched its 200th and 201st satellites with its heavy-lift launcher. This is a record for the Ariane launcher family, since the previous generation of Ariane 4 vehicles had orbited a total of 187 satellites during its entire service life. The 201 satellites were launched for 70 different customers, amounting to a cumulative total mass more than 775 metric tons.

Shortly after the announcement of the orbital injection of the two satellites, Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, said:

"Arianespace is very proud to serve our Japanese and British customers with this third launch of 2018. We are very honored by SKY Perfect JSAT's ongoing trust in us, since we have launched 19 of their satellites since 1989; and by the trust of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Congratulations go to Avanti Communications, which has entrusted us with the launch of all three of its satellites now in orbit. I would like to congratulate NEC Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, builders of DSN-1/Superbird-8, and Orbital ATK, which built HYLAS 4.

"I would also like to thank all of our partners in this new Ariane 5 success which confirms the launcher's outstanding reliability: ArianeGroup, together with the entire industrial sector; ESA, which provides key support for the Ariane program; CNES/CSG, our ground segment companies and all staff at the launch center, who are mobilized with us for a sustained launch rate. And finally, "bravo" to everyone at Arianespace who successfully completed this third launch of the year."

ЦитироватьThe DSN-1/Superbird-8 satellite was built on a DS2000 platform by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), with NEC as prime contractor.

Once positioned at 162° East longitude, it will replace Superbird-B2, launched by Arianespace in 2000, and will cover Japan and neighboring regions. It weighed 5,348 kg. at liftoff and offers a design life exceeding 15 years.

ЦитироватьHYLAS 4 was built by Orbital ATK.

It is a very-high-throughput Ka-band satellite, with 53 operational transponders and four gateway beams.

Positioned at 33.5° West, it will provide broadband communications and connectivity services in Africa and Europe. It weighed 4,050 kg at liftoff and offers a design life of 15 years.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/740932957309947906/eyELdt9o_bigger.jpg)Stéphane Israël‏ @arianespaceceo (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/982018773325631494)

Arianespace has reached a new record with #Ariane5 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash): 201 satellites launched, representing a total mass of more than 775 tons and supporting 70 different customers. The previous record was 187 satellites with #Ariane4 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane4?src=hash). #MissiontoSuccess (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissiontoSuccess?src=hash)
https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DaDU3rWVAAA3JZw.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/DaDU3rWVAAA3JZw.mp4)

ЦитироватьLaunch Successful - VA242

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 5 апр. 2018 г.

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA242 - HYLAS 4 and DSN-1/Superbird-8 (EN)

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Трансляция началась 2 часа назад

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67516.jpg)Jonathan McDowell‏Подлинная учетная запись @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/982017388894998529)

The Hylas 4 satellite has separated, completing the Ariane mission. 4 objects in geotransfer orbit: Kirameki 1, Hylas 4, SYLDA and the ESC-A rocket stage.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185973.jpg)Caleb Henry‏ @CHenry_SN (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN/status/982009568342564864)

Side booster separation. #VA242 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA242?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162500.jpg)

ЦитироватьSuccessful Mission Arianespace VA242 - HYLAS 4 et DSN-1/Superbird-8

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 5 апр. 2018 г.

ЦитироватьArianespace Flight VA242 - Official Speeches

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 5 апр. 2018 г.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 Blasts Off at Sunset on Heavy-Haul with Japanese & U.S.-Built Communications Satellite Pair
 April 5, 2018 (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/ariane-5-va242-launch-success/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151950.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-4-1.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace Webcast

Loaded with a payload mass of over ten metric tons, Europe's Ariane 5 rocket pierced into the twilight haze over French Guiana on Thursday on a flight to redeem itself after a nail-biting mission in January that saw the rocket take a wrong turn and lift its passengers into an erroneous orbit. Coming back ten weeks after the January mission, Ariane 5 was tasked with lifting the Superbird-8/DSN-1 satellite for Japan and HYLAS 4 for London-based operator Avanti Communications.

Ariane 5 blasted off fr om the edge of the Amazon at 21:34 UTC, 6:34 p.m. local time – just three minutes before sunset over the Atlantic-side launch pad. Riding into low-hanging clouds, Ariane 5 fired its boosters for the first two minutes and 15 seconds of the flight before they dropped away and the vehicle continued its express flight across the ocean powered by its cryogenic core stage alone. The 17-meter long fairing separated three and a half minutes into the flight and the second stage of the rocket took over at the nine-minute mark to complete the final boost into orbit, tasked with accelerating the satellites to nearly 9.5 Kilometers per second at the point of engine shutdown.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151947.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-1.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

Checking off its 93rd successful flight since debuting in 1996, Ariane 5 dispatched the semi-secret Superbird-8/DSN-1 dual-use commercial/military communications satellite 28 minutes after launch. HYLAS 4, built by Orbital ATK for Avanti, was released at T+34 minutes to mark the successful conclusion of Ariane's comeback mission.

The year was off to a somewhat rocky start for the Ariane 5 workhorse, lifting off on January 25 with the SES 14 and Al Yah 3 satellites on what was expected to be a rare Supersynchronous Transfer Mission by the vehicle. However, Ariane 5 lifted off with faulty programming in its inertial navigation system that caused the vehicle to roll by 20 degrees immediately after taking flight and heading off on a flight path shifted to the south by 20 degrees from the desired flight trajectory (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va241/ariane-5-va241-anomaly-analysis/) – resulting in the satellites reaching a less-than-optimal orbit and having to spend additional propellants to rectify the situation.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151948.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-2.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

In the weeks after, it transpired that the specific mission parameters of the VA241 flight required an azimuth setting of 70 degrees to be put into the rocket's navigation system whereas virtually all other Geotransfer missions employed a 90-degree setting. It is therefore clear why all entities reviewing the parameters did not spot the erroneous input due to it usually being 90°; it is however less clear why launch simulations with the input parameters did not reveal the off-nominal flight trajectory.

An independent investigation led by ESA zeroed-in on the human error that caused the faulty azimuth setting in the rocket's navigation platform and how this was missed in the rigorous pre-flight validation process. A number of recommendations were made to strengthen the quality control related to the development and validation of flight parameters for Ariane 5; and a CNES-led inquiry studied the response of the flight safety team to the launch vehicle deviating from its flight path, but, to best public knowledge, remain just inside the bounds of allowable safety limits.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151949.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-3.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

Getting back on track after overcoming January's close call, Arianespace is eyeing up to 14 missions of its launch vehicle fleet this year if the current manifest can remain in place despite the typical schedule fluidity in the space flight business. Per the company's 2018 plans, Ariane 5 would fly up to seven missions, six in its ECA configuration to deliver pairs of satellites into Geostationary Transfer and send  ESA's BepiColombo mission on a long odyssey to Mercury; the lone flight of the ES variant will be in support of the Galileo constellation.

Named VA242 in Arianespace's numbering system of missions, Thursday's Ariane 5 carried a total payload upmass of 10,260 Kilograms including the 5,348-Kilogram Superbird-8/DSN-1 riding in the upper passenger slot and the 4,050-Kilogram HYLAS 4 affixed to the rocket's second stage and enshrouded by the Sylda adapter that allows Ariane 5 to launch two sizeable satellites in a stacked configuration.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151945.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/dsn1.jpg)
Superbird-8/DSN-1 Satellite – Image: SKY Perfect JSAT

Superbird-8/DSN-1 fulfills a dual role in military and commercial communications, flying under SKY Perfect JSAT's commercial fleet and joining DSN Corp's two-satellite constellation designed to deliver encrypted communications to the Japanese government and the country's armed forces.

Built on the DS2000 platform by Mitsubishi Electric, the satellite had been targeting a 2016 launch date until it sustained severe damage due to an overpressurization in its climate-controlled transport container when being shipped to French Guiana. As a result, it had to be sent back for refurbishment and re-testing, setting the project back by nearly two years.

The commercial part of the satellite, to be re-named Superbird-B3 once in orbit, comprises a series of Ku/Ka-Band transponders designed to deliver business telecommunications and VSAT networking as part of JSAT's fleet. It is replacing the Superbird-B2 satellite launched in 2000 and, through the use of modern-day technology, also allows for significant expansion services to be offered.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151944.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/DS2000-Melco2-1.jpg)
DS-2000 Components – Photo: Mitsubishi Electric

DSN Corporation, a subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT with involvement of a number of other Japanese companies, was formed as the country's first Private Finance Initiative in which the involved companies incur the capital investment in realizing the two-satellite DSN system and then drive in annual revenue from the lease of the system to the Japanese government through 2031.

DSN comprises two space segment elements: DSN-1 is a hosted X-Band payload riding on Superbird-8 & positioned at 162 degrees East to cover Japan and the Asia-Pacific Region; and DSN-2, a dedicated satellite stationed further west to provide additional coverage across the Indian Ocean and deployed forces in the area. Given its military nature, no detailed information on the structure of DSN is available and neither are any photos of its satellites published before launch.

>> Superbird-8/DSN-1 Satellite Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/superbird-8-dsn-1/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151942.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151942.jpg)
Image: Orbital ATK

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151946.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/HYLAS4.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace/ESA/CNES/Optique Video du CSG

HYLAS 4 is Avanti's third owned-and-operated satellite, all three of which have launched on Arianespace vehicles. It was built by Orbital ATK as the third GEOStar-3 satellite, employing a platform that offers a revamped structure and enhanced electrical power system to support heavier and more power-demanding payloads than Orbital's predecessor satellite bus. The addition of hybrid and electric propulsion capability allows for flexible maneuvering and a longer operational life.

Operating from 33.5 degrees West, HYLAS 4 will deliver 66 fixed Ka-Band beams to Europe and Africa, plus four steerable beams to direct Ka-Band capacity wh ere it is needed within the satellite's footprint to support flexible broadband and networking services.

With its powerful payload, HYLAS 4 will double Avanti's total capacity and expand services to 36 countries across the globe. It is hoped to operate for up to 19 years, taking advantage of propellant margin gained by moving HYLAS 4 from a late 2017 Ariane 5 launch to the VA241 mission that paired it with a lighter upper-berth passenger and allowed it to take on more propellant.

>> HYLAS 4 Satellite Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/hylas-4/)

Loading up on 184 metric tons of Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen, Ariane 5 stood fully fueled when computers were handed control for the final countdown sequence toward the late afternoon liftoff. The trusted Vulcain 2 engine came to life when clocks reached zero, soaring to a launch thrust of nearly 100 metric ton force under close supervision by computers that ensured the engine was up and running before committing to flight via the ignition of the boosters at 21:34:07 UTC.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151951.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-5.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace Webcast

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151952.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-6.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace Webcast

Jumping off from its launch pad on the edge of the Amazon jungle, Ariane 5 had a thrust equivalent to ten Airbus A380s running at full power. Riding on pillars of fire and smoke, Ariane 5 pitched and rolled onto a due easterly departure path for a quick flight across the Atlantic Ocean, heading into a veil of darkness as it passed into the night within minutes of lifting off.

The twin EAP boosters did most of the work in the initial flight phase, contributing the majority to Ariane's total launch thrust of around 1,420 metric-ton-force – helping accelerate the launcher beyond the speed of sound just 49 seconds into the flight. Ariane 5 encountered Maximum Dynamic Pressure shortly after T+1-minute when passing 13 Kilometers in altitude.

The two boosters, each consuming some 237 metric tons of propellant, finished their job at T+2 minutes and 21 seconds, helping accelerate Ariane 5 to over 2 Kilometers per second. Burnout of the boosters was sensed by their declining chamber pressure, triggering pyrotechnics to separate the boosters and separation motors to push them away from the still-firing core stage 66 Kilometers in altitude.

Now only relying on its Vulcain engine, Ariane 5 continued towards orbit with a vacuum thrust of 136,600 Kilogram-force, tasked with accelerating the vehicle by another five Kilometers per second before handing over to the upper stage. Passing 112 Kilometers in altitude at T+3 minutes and 28 seconds, Ariane 5 split open its Swiss-built payload fairing and separated the 17-meter long halves as aerodynamic forces were no longer a danger to the payloads.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151953.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-7.jpg)
Photo: Arianespace Webcast

The first stage exhausted its supply of cryogenics eight minutes and 54 seconds into the flight when it shut down its Vulcain 2 engine, having reached a sub-orbital speed of 6.96 Kilometers per second. Four seconds later –168 Kilometers in altitude – the 30.5-meter core stage dropped away and cleared the ESC-A upper stage to take over powered flight duties.

The 6,400-Kilogram-force HM-7B engine of the second stage fired up just past T+9 minutes on a burn of 16 minutes and five seconds to provide another 2.5 Kilometers per second of delta-v to achieve the planned GTO injection speed of 9.49km/s. Ariane 5 aimed for an optimized Geostationary Transfer Orbit of 250 by 35,786 Kilometers at an inclination of only 3 degrees – taking advantage of French Guiana's low latitude plus surplus performance on the Ariane 5 to shave another three degrees off the inclination.

Ariane 5 finished its heavy haul into Geostationary Transfer Orbit just after passing T+25 minutes, concluding the powered phase of the mission. Enjoying a smooth climb, Ariane 5 traded the power of its main engine to the precision of its attitude control thrusters for the ballistic phase designed to carefully deploy the satellites on safe orbital paths.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151954.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/ariane-5-va242/wp-content/uploads/sites/214/2018/04/va242-9.jpg)
Image: Arianespace Webcast

Springs pushed the heavy Superbird-8/DSN-1 on its way 28 minutes after launch, embarking on a semi-classified mission serving the Japanese armed forces and commercial customers across the island nation for at least 15 years. With the heavier of its two passengers away, the ESC-A upper stage maneuvered into a slightly different direction to jettison the Sylda adapter onto a different flight path than the first payload to reveal the lower passenger. HYLAS 4 sailed off at the T+34-minute mark, embarking on a mission delivering broadband services to Europe and Africa.

Checking off its return to service, Arianespace is already deep in the campaign for the next Ariane 5 mission, currently targeting liftoff on May 25 with India's heaviest communications satellite to date, GSAT-11, and the Intelsat 38 satellite for one of the world's largest satellite fleet operators.

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Successful launch of HYLAS 4

Avanti Communications Group Plc ("Avanti"), a leading satellite operator providing Ka-band satellite data communications services across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, announces the successful launch of HYLAS 4 from Kourou, French Guiana on Ariane Flight VA242 on Thursday 5th April 2018.

The Ariane 5 rocket launched HYLAS 4 into the correct orbit on schedule. HYLAS 4 successfully separated from the Ariane 5 on time and telemetry was received by the control centre at the European Spaceport.

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David Bestwick, Chief Technology Officer of Avanti Communications, said:
"I'm pleased to announce HYLAS 4 has been successfully launched and is operating under our control. The satellite will undertake a series of pre-planned in orbit acceptance tests over the coming months before we commence service for customers.

"HYLAS 4 will set the new standard of affordability, quality and flexibility to Internet Service Providers, Mobile Network Operators, Governments and other Satellite Operators. The High Throughput Satellite (HTS) has 64 Ka-band spot beams that complement our existing coverage across Europe, East and Southern Africa, as well as providing new capacity across West and Central Africa. Furthermore, HYLAS 4 has 4 steerable beams which can provide highly flexible capacity across Africa and Latin America."

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ЦитироватьDécollage du Vol Ariane 242 depuis le Centre spatial guyanais.

CNES CSG (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5WxcqciZKvkJr2_AOhVsA)

Опубликовано: 5 апр. 2018 г.

ЦитироватьAriane 5 returns to service with dual-satellite launch
April 5, 2018 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/04/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/144288.jpg)
A European Ariane 5 rocket lifts off Thursday from French Guiana. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – S. Martin

Boosted by two solid-fueled motors and a hydrogen-burning main engine, a European Ariane 5 rocket took off Thursday from French Guiana with a Japanese military communications payload and a U.S.-built, British-owned broadband satellite, returning to service after a January mission placed two spacecraft in the wrong orbit.

Riding nearly 3 million pounds of thrust, the Ariane 5 lifted off from a launch pad nestled on the northeastern shore of South America at 2134 GMT (5:34 p.m. EDT; 6:34 p.m. French Guiana time).

The Ariane 5's on-board guidance computer commanded the rocket's twin solid rocket boosters to swivel their exhaust nozzles, steering the launcher toward the east from the Guiana Space Center, a European-funded, French-managed spaceport near Kourou, French Guiana.

The rocket's solid-fueled boosters, primarily manufactured and prepared by affiliates of the Italian company Avio, burned out and jettisoned less than two-and-a-half minutes into the flight. The Ariane 5's nose fairing, built by Ruag Space in Switzerland, dropped away from the launcher around a minute later.

Status callouts from the space center's range operations manager indicated the Ariane 5 flew right on course as it headed over the Atlantic Ocean. The Ariane 5's French-made core stage Vulcain 2 main engine shut down and separated around nine minutes after liftoff, and the German-built HM7B upper stage ignited, consuming a mix of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for around 16 minutes to place two communications satellite — named DSN 1/Superbird 8 and Hylas 4 — into an elliptical geostationary transfer orbit.

After arriving in in orbit, the Ariane 5's upper stage released the Japanese DSN 1/Superbird 8 satellite around 28 minutes into the mission. A few minutes later, the rocket jettisoned a composite structure to reveal Hylas 4 for separation.

Arianespace confirmed deployment of the Hylas 4 communications craft around Plus+34 minutes. Moments later, Arianespace chairman and chief executive Stephane Israel declared success.

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"Arianespace is delighted to announce that DSN 1/Superbird 8 and Hylas 4 have been separated as planned in their targeted geostationary transfer orbits," Israel said. "For our third launch of the year, Ariane 5 performed flawlessly. Congratulations to all."

Thursday's launch from the edge of the Amazon rainforest came a little more than two months after an Ariane 5 rocket deployed two commercial communications satellites into an off-target orbit.

Investigators probing the erroneous launch determined coordinates programmed into the Ariane 5's inertial reference units led the rocket approximately 20 degrees off course from its intended easterly trajectory seconds after liftoff Jan. 25.

The rocket performed as programmed, but the incorrect navigation input caused it to place its two satellite payloads — the SES 14 and Al Yah 3 communications satellites — into an unplanned orbit. The spacecraft will make up for the orbit shortfall using their on-board fuel, but it will take longer than planned to place the satellites into commercial service.

For details about the investigation into the Jan. 25 launch anomaly, see our earlier story.

Investigators recommended Arianespace and its parent company, Ariane Group, to improve the way engineers develop and verify documentation before a launch, and to introduce additional consistency checks to prevent the recurrence of an error like the one Jan. 25.

Arianespace said the cause of the trajectory deviation during the Jan. 25 launch was "perfectly understood and corrective measures clearly identified." The recommendations were "immediately implemented," Arianespace said, and will be applied to future Ariane 5 flights, beginning with Thursday's mission.

The Jan. 25 anomaly ended a streak of 82 consecutive flawless Ariane 5 flights dating back to 2003.

Arianespace continued its 2018 launch campaign with the successful March 9 liftoff of a Russian-built Soyuz rocket from French Guiana carrying four commercial O3b broadband satellites.

The Ariane 5 rocket launched Thursday aimed to release the DSN 1/Superbird 8 communications satellites in an elongated orbit ranging between 155 miles (250 kilometers) and 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth, with an inclination of 3 degrees to the equator.

U.S. military tracking data published late Thursday indicated the Ariane 5 reached an orbit close to the pre-flight prediction.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/144234.jpg)
Technicians inside a clean room at the Guiana Space Center fuel the Hylas 4 satellite with its on-board propellant supply. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace – Photo Optique Video du CSG – JM Guillon

Built by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. under the contract management of NEC Corp., the DSN 1/Superbird 8 satellite has a dual mission for commercial customers in Japan and the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

The commercial part of the satellite's payload, known as Superbird 8, will provide Ku-band an Ka-band communications services in the Japanese market for Sky Perfect JSAT Corp., replacing coverage currently provided by the aging Superbird B2 satellite launched in 2000.

The rest of the satellite's telecom capacity, operating in X-band frequencies, will be employed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense through a commercial provider named DSN Corp., a subsidiary of Sky Perfect JSAT. The Japanese military's first dedicated communications satellite, known as DSN 2, launched on an H-2A rocket in January 2017.

The 11,790-pound (5,348-kilogram) DSN 1/Superbird 8 spacecraft was supposed to launch on an Ariane 5 rocket in 2016, but the satellite was damaged during its transport to the launch base from Japan aboard a cargo plane. The satellite was returned to Japan for repairs.

Also known as Kirameki 1, the Japanese telecom relay craft will enter service in the next few months.

"Kirameki 1 is extremely important to the communications infrastructure for Japanese security," said Masashi Yasuzato, a project manager at the Japanese Defense Ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency. "In cooperation with Kirameki 2 launched last year, I believe this launch is very meaningful and will greatly contribute to the operations of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the future."

The Hylas 4 communications satellite, built by Orbital ATK, will provide high-speed broadband services across Europe and Africa. Owned by London-based Avanti Communications, Hylas 4 will provide connectivity to mobile network operators and Internet providers, and beam high-speed services to civilian and defense users in governments.

Hylas 4 joins two other satellites in Avanti's network, and the newest addition is set to double the company's broadband capacity, according to David Bestwick, Avanti's chief technology officer.

"Hylas 4 is extremely important to Avanti," Bestwick said in remarks after Thursday's launch. "It more than doubles the communications capacity that we have in orbit, and it completes our coverage of Africa and the Middle East."

The new spacecraft carries 64 fixed Ka-band beams that can reach Avanti customers in Europe and Africa. Four additional steerable Ka-band beams aboard Hylas 4 can also provide coverage over Europe, Africa and South America.

"The World Bank has said that if a country can increase its broadband penetration by 10 percent, then an increase in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of 4 percent will follow," Bestick said. "Now with Hylas 4 in orbit with 100 gigabits per second of capacity, we want to help all the nations of Africa achieve that objective."

In addition to the two satellites it owns, Avanti leases Ka-band capacity on an SES-owned communications satellite, and plans to launch another broadband spacecraft on an Ariane 5 rocket in 2019 in a public-private partnership with the European Space Agency.

The 8,928-pound (4,050-kilogram) satellite is based on Orbital ATK's GEOStar 3 spacecraft platform. It carries a hydrazine-fueled thruster to conduct five major orbit-raising burns over the next 10 days, followed by the extension of the satellite's power-generating solar panels to their full span April 15.

Testing of the Hylas 4 satellite's Ka-band telecom payload will begin April 19.

Both satellites launched Thursday have missions expected to last at least 15 years.

Arianespace's next mission is scheduled for May 25, when an Ariane 5 rocket will place into orbit the Indian GSAT 11 communications satellite and Azerspace 2/Intelsat 38, a television broadcast spacecraft shared by Azerbaijan's national satellite operator and Intelsat.

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Orbital ATK-Built Hylas 4 Commercial Communications Satellite Successfully Launched

HYLAS 4 is Company's Third GEOStar-3 Satellite to Launch This Year

Initial On-Orbit Testing Shows Satellite Performing Nominally

Dulles, Virginia 05 April 2018 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced the HYLAS 4 commercial communications Ka-band satellite, built by the company for Avanti Communications Group plc (Avanti), was successfully launched aboard an Arianespace rocket. HYLAS 4 is the third GEOStar-3™ satellite to be completed by Orbital ATK and will provide high speed and affordable broadband communications to Europe and Africa.

Liftoff occurred at 5:34 p.m. EDT from Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite separated successfully from the launch vehicle approximately 35 minutes into the mission after reaching its targeted orbit. Orbital ATK completed the satellite's initial post-launch health check and configuration in preparation for orbit-raising procedures and in-orbit tests. The spacecraft handover to Avanti is anticipated in April.

"The data from initial testing shows the satellite is in good health and performing as expected," said Amer Khouri, Vice President of the Commercial Satellite business at Orbital ATK. "As the third GEOStar-3 satellite to launch within three months, HYLAS 4 demonstrates Orbital ATK's ability to develop and execute an enhanced product that offers increased capability to meet our customers' emerging needs."

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HYLAS 4 was built in Orbital ATK's satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. It is a hybrid electric propulsion and all Ka-band high-throughput satellite that sets a new standard for affordability and payload flexibility in its class. The satellite will extend Avanti's Ka-band coverage across Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, additional capacity can be provided through four steerable beams, which can address existing regions or new regions such as Latin America.

The GEOStar-3 platform is the newest, highest power and most advanced platform in the flight-proven GEOStar product line. The spacecraft bus features an increase in both battery capacity and solar array power, enabling the GEOStar-3 to provide up to 8 kilowatts of power to the payload. The hybrid electric propulsion system provides the benefits of higher power and greater payload capability while maintaining cost-effective launches and a faster path to orbit than all electric systems.

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ЦитироватьSuccessful Mission Arianespace VA242 - HYLAS 4 et DSN-1/Superbird-8

arianespace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn9F2D9j-t4A-HgudM7aLQ)

Опубликовано: 6 апр. 2018 г.

Arianespace has successfully launched two telecommunications satellites: DSN-1/Superbird-8 for the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT; and HYLAS 4 for the British operator Avanti Communications.

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Avanti Communications announces its HYLAS 4 satellite has successfully reached its geostationary orbital position

19th April 2018

Avanti Communications Group PLC (AIM: AVN), ("Avanti", the "Company") announces that following its successful launch on 5th April 2018, the HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite has reached its geostationary orbital position on schedule.

The spacecraft is performing as expected and is in good health. The solar arrays, antenna pallets and electric propulsion thrusters have been successfully deployed. The in-orbit payload testing will begin shortly with service commencing as scheduled at the end of July 2018.