Arabsat 5C, SES 2=Ariane 5 ECA(VA204) - 21.09.11 21:38 UTC

[Salo]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=25489.msg804639#msg804639

Talked to one of the orbital guys, they seem to be tracking to 19th now for launch
unconfirmed by Arianespace currently

[Salo]

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/asd/2011/09/13/02.xml&headline=Hosted%20Payload%20Hailed%20For%20New%20Business%20Model&channel=defense

Hosted Payload Hailed For New Business Model[/size]
Sep 13, 2011
 
By Amy Butler

Though U.S. Air Force officials are hailing the forthcoming launch of a military payload hosted on a commercial satellite, funding could be an obstacle to a future Pentagon satellite infrastructure that relies heavily on hosted payloads for service.

SES-2 is slated to launch Sept. 17 on an Ariane 5 rocket. The satellite, made by Orbital Sciences Corp., will carry the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (Chirp) made by Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC).

The project is a "hallmark of cooperation and opportunity" that brought together an "incredible combination of different interests," says Douglas Loverro, executive director of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC).

The payload includes one of four infrared telescopes designed by SAIC under an Air Force program started in the middle of the decade to find an alternative in the event that the performance of Space-Based Infrared System (Sbirs) prime contractor Lockheed Martin continued to disappoint, threatening to expose a gap in ballistic missile warning.

The government opted to use one of the 2,000 X 2,000-pixel wide-field-of-view staring infrared arrays for experimentation. The concept emerged through a proposal from SES, Orbital (the satellite manufacturer) and SAIC.

In total, the government spent about $216 million developing the sensors, readying the payload and integrating it onto the satellite, Loverro says. Originally, the sensor piece of the project was slated to cost $65 million. That changed to about $82.5 million owing to a one-year delay in the project, says Lt. Col. William McGuffey, director of SMC's space projects division.

Tip Osterthaler, president and CEO of SES Government Solutions, says Chirp is expected to reach orbit at about 15% of the typical cost for a government payload to be lofted.

Loverro, however, notes that while qualified for space operations, the Chirp payload is not designed to meet the rigorous demands of nuclear hardening and integrated threat-warning and attack-assessment certification required for the Sbirs satellites.

However, with the cost of the first Sbirs and Advanced Extremely High-Frequency satellites at well more than $1 billion, Loverro says he is exploring constellations that provide an alternative to simply buying more of these large spacecraft. AEHF is designed to provide jam-proof communications, including traffic to nuclear forces in the event of a nuclear war.

Loverro suggests, for example, that alternative Sbirs and AEHF fleets could reserve the nuclear-hardened portions of the mission for the basic spacecraft, with hosted payloads providing augmenting data. Both of these missions require hardware in the geosynchronous belt, where many commercial spacecraft operate.

The question, however, is if this alternative approach will prove to be less costly. "If you can't develop an architecture where the hosted payloads don't decrease the cost of the rest of the architecture, then they really can't earn their way onto the plate," Loverro says.

He says he still has a year of work to do to refine these alternative architecture concepts.

In the meantime, Air Force officials will experiment with Chirp. Initially, the satellite will be inserted at 77 deg. West and eventually shift to 87 deg. West, its final operational slot. The Air Force plans to experiment with Chirp for just more than nine months. The orbital location is situated to provide coverage of infrared events on the West Coast of the U.S. as well as at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.[/size]

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news/mission-status.asp

Launch date: September 20, 2011

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news/mission-status.asp

Launch window for Ariane Flight VA204
Universal time (GMT)  
From 9:38 p.m. to 11:02 p.m. on September 20

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/840.asp

The Ariane 5 flight with Arabsat-5C and SES-2 is set for September 20[/size]

September 13, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA204

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2011 is now scheduled for September 20, marking the wrap-up of this year's flight activity with the heavy-lift launcher from French Guiana.

Payload integration has been completed as both the Arabsat-5C and SES-2 satellites are now installed atop Ariane 5, creating the launch vehicle's dual payload "stack." Arabsat-5C is riding as the upper passenger, positioned over the SES-2 in the lower slot.

The flight had been delayed for supplementary checks on the engine that powers Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage, which were performed as part of Arianespace's commitment to quality and reliability.

"As we do not tolerate any defect on our launchers, there was no hesitation on our part in delaying this upcoming flight to ensure the highest level of quality for a successful mission," said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. "With the launch sector's 'devastation' caused by mission failures of other vehicles, Ariane 5 stands out with its track record of 45 consecutive successes."

Arabsat-5C will serve as a multi-mission platform for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat), providing capacity in both the C- and Ka-bands for a range of communications services.  Built in a joint effort of Europe's EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, it has a liftoff mass of approximately 4,630 kg. and will operate from Arabsat's 20 deg. East orbital position.

The SES-2 spacecraft is to be utilized by SES WORLD SKIES from an orbital slot of 87 deg. West.   This Orbital Sciences Corp.-built hybrid C- and Ku-band spacecraft has an estimated mass at liftoff of 3,152 kg., and will serve North America.  It also carries the Commercially Hosted InfraRed Payload (CHIRP) for the U.S. Air Force – which integrates a wide-field of view sensor in the satellite.


The payload fairing containing Arabsat-5C is lowered into position over SES-2 to complete the dual-passenger "stack" atop Ariane 5. This activity took place in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, marking one of the final preparation steps for Arianespace's September 20 mission.[/size]

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/842.asp

It's a "go" for Arianespace's Ariane 5 dual-payload mission with Arabsat-5C and SES-2[/size]

September 18, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA204

Today's launch readiness review for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 launch of 2011 has given the green light for its September 20 liftoff on a mission that will orbit the Arabsat-5C and SES-2 satellites from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The review confirmed the heavy-lift Ariane 5's "go" status, along with the readiness of its dual-passenger payload, the launch infrastructure at the Spaceport, and the network of tracking stations that will follow the flight.

This clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout tomorrow, readying the vehicle for its liftoff from French Guiana on Tuesday, September 20, during a launch window that opens at 6:38 p.m. and continues to 8:02 p.m. local time.[/size]

[instml]

Запуск Ariane-5 c космодрома Куру переносится из-за забастовки

ПАРИЖ, 20 сен - РИА Новости. Намеченный на среду запуск ракеты-носителя Ariane-5 с экваториального космодрома Куру во Французской Гвиане переносится из-за акции протеста, сообщил РИА Новости официальный представитель концерна Arianespace Марио де Лепин.

Как сообщает агентство Франс Пресс со ссылкой на Национальный центр научных исследований, перенос связан с забастовкой компании Telezpazio, которая обслуживает радары.

"Я подтверждаю перенос запуска по социальным причинам", - сказал де Лепин, который в настоящий момент находится во Французской Гвиане.

Он не уточнил требования работников и сроки, на которые переносится запуск, сообщив, что Arianespace готовит коммюнике по этому поводу.

Ракета-носитель Ariane-5 должна была вывести на орбиту спутники связи Arabsat-5C и SES-2.

На 20 октября намечен первый запуск с космодрома Куру российской ракеты-носителя "Союз СТ-Б".

http://ria.ru/science/20110920/440692996.html

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/9-21-2011-va204-new-launch-date.asp

Arianespace Flight VA204: Ariane 5 ECA - ARABSAT 5C - SES-2 Launch slated on the night of 21 September[/size]

Kourou, September 21, 2011

Since the facilities at the Guiana Space Center are now available, Arianespace has decided to restart the launch chronology of Arianespace Flight VA204.

Flight VA204 will place into geostationary transfer orbit the telecommunications satellites ARABSAT 5C and SES-2.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher is set for the night of Wednesday, September 21, as early as possible in the following launch window:

 From 6:38 p.m. to 8:02 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana
 From 5:38 p.m. to 7:02 p.m. in Washington D.C.
 From 9:38 p.m. to 11:02 p.m. UTC, on Wednesday, September 21
 From 11:38 p.m. to 01:02 a.m. in Paris, during the night of Wednesday, September 21 to Thursday, September 22
 From 00:38 a.m. to 02:02 a.m. in Riyadh on Thursday, September 22.[/size]

[Salo]

Трансляция:
http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en

[Salo]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/845.asp

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2011 is set for launch tonight[/size]

September 21, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA204

Following a one-day delay, Arianespace's Ariane 5 launch with the Arabsat-5C and SES-2 telecommunications satellites is scheduled for liftoff tonight.

This fifth heavy-lift mission of 2011 will have a total payload performance of approximately 8,975 kg., of which 7,830 kg. is the combined mass for the two satellite passengers to be deployed into geostationary transfer orbits.

SES-2 will join the fleet of European satellite telecommunications operator SES, and is to be positioned at 87 deg. West for coverage over North America and the Caribbean.  Manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the U.S., the spacecraft carries 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.  Included on the SES-2 platform is the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) sensor for the U.S. Air Force – which integrates a wide-field of view sensor.

The multi-mission Arabsat-5C platform to be lofted on tonight's Ariane 5 mission was developed for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) to deliver capacity in both the C- and Ka-bands for a range of communications services.  It was produced in a joint effort by Europe's EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, and will be positioned at Arabsat's 20 deg. East orbital location.[/size]

[Salo]

Идёт трансляция.

[Salo]

Улетела!!! :wink:

[Salo]

Есть отделение СТУ!

[LRV_75]

сброс ускорителей

[Boris R]

У них что, анимация на реальное изображение наложена?

[instml]

У них что, анимация на реальное изображение наложена?

Всего помаленьку...

[instml]

Оба спутника отделились.

[instml]

Arabsat-5C and SES-2 are orbited on Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2011

September 21, 2011 – Ariane Flight VA204

Telecommunications satellites for two key Arianespace customers were launched tonight on the company's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2011, extending the heavy-lift workhorse's string of consecutive successes to 46.

Delivering a total payload lift performance of approximately 8,975 kg., the mission lofted Arabsat-5C for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) and SES-2, which will be utilized by Europe's SES.

Arabsat-5C was deployed first, separating from Ariane 5 at 27 minutes after liftoff, followed eight minutes later by SES-2.

"Arabsat decided several years ago to entrust us with the launch of all its satellites, and the successful orbiting of this eighth satellite demonstrates that my friend, Khalid Balkheyour, Arabsat's President and CEO, was right to place his confidence in us," said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.  "Because of his wise choice, Arabsat has become one of the world's leading operators – and I congratulate it for this superb success."

Once positioned at Arabsat's 20 deg. East orbital location, Arabsat-5C will deliver capacity in both the C- and Ka-bands for a range of communications services. The spacecraft was manufactured in a joint effort by Europe's EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space.

The SES-2 passenger for tonight's mission was the 35th SES satellite launched by an Ariane vehicle, and is equipped with 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.  It will replace SES' AMC-3 spacecraft at 87 deg. West, providing coverage for North America and the Caribbean.  Also integrated aboard SES-2 is the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) sensor for the U.S. Air Force – which integrates a wide-field of view sensor for testing by the military service.

"We are particularly proud of the loyalty that SES has demonstrated since more than 20 years, and I wish to particularly thank Tip Osterthaler, the President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES U.S. Government Solutions," Le Gall said.  "I also want to thank our friends at the U.S. Air Force, because together, we have opened a new chapter for the space industry tonight in launching CHIRP on SES-2 as the initial military payload on a civilian satellite.  Arianespace is honored to once again be part of a world's first!"

After tonight's success, Arianespace is to follow with another historic milestone: the maiden liftoff of Soyuz from French Guiana, scheduled for October 20.  The Russian-built medium-lift vehicle will orbit two Galileo spacecraft for Europe's satellite-based navigation system.

The next Ariane 5 flight is planned for early 2012, performing its third mission to loft a European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for servicing of the International Space Station.

    * Additional information on today's launch is available in the Press release.
    * See the Arianespace launch kit for further details.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/846-va204-success.asp

[Salo]

[instml]

Консорциум "Арианспейс" осуществил успешный запуск ракеты-носителя "Ариан-5" с двумя спутниками связи

КУРУ, Французская Гвиана, 22 сентября. (АРМС-ТАСС). Консорциум "Арианспейс" сегодня ночью осуществил успешный запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя "Ариан-5" с двумя спутниками связи. Запуск стал 60-м по счету и 46-м успешным запуском [подряд] в программе "Ариан-5" и ее 5-м пуском в текущем году. На геопереходную орбиту выведена полезная нагрузка суммарной массой 8975 кг, в составе которой спутники связи "Арабсат-5С" и SES-2. Об этом корр.АРМС-ТАСС сообщили в компании "Арианспейс".

Первым из отсека полезной нагрузки ракеты на 27-й минуте полета был выведен спутник "Арабсат-5С", а еще через 8 минут - спутник SES-2.

Спутник "Арабсат-5С" займет на геостационарной орбите точку стояния 20 град. восточной долготы, а спутник SES-2 - точку стояния 87 град. западной долготы.

SES-2 заменит в своей точке стояния предыдущий спутник AMC-3 компании SES. На борту этого спутника в качестве дополнительной аппаратуры установлен коммерческий инфракрасный датчик CHIRP (commercially hosted infrared payload) ВВС США для проведения орбитальных испытаний.

Верхняя криогенная ступень ракеты вышла на траекторию со следующими параметрами: высота в перигее 249,7 км (расчетное значение 249,7 км), высота в апогее 35957 км (расчетное значение 35954 км), наклонение 1,99 град. (расчетное значение 2 град.).

Следующий запуск с космодрома в Куру должен состояться 20 октября, когда будет осуществлен запуск российской ракеты-носителя "Союз" с двумя навигационными спутниками "Галилео".

Следующий запуск ракеты-носителя "Ариан-5" состоится в начале 2012 года, когда будет запущен на орбиту третий европейский автоматический грузовой корабль ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) для снабжения международной космической станции.

http://www.itar-tass.com/c134/230868.html