Ariane 5 ECA – launch success

by Chris Bergin

Arianespace’s Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle is in action for the third time this year, with the launch of her dual payload of communication satellites.

The JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B satellites are on board for this evening’s launch from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch was on time at 11:15pm (UK). Free launch video can be viewed below.










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The successful launch of JCSAT-10 represents the 30th launch of an A2100 spacecraft for customers worldwide and all 30 currently are operational. The first A2100 was launched in 1996.

Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa., JCSAT-10 is the fourth in a series of six A2100 satellites planned this year and the second of three satellites the company will deliver to JSAT. JCSAT-9 was launched earlier this year and JCSAT-11 is scheduled for launch in 2007.

‘We are proud to deliver another outstanding spacecraft to one of our premier customers, JSAT,’ said Lockheed Martin President Ted Gavrilis. ‘The 30th straight successful A2100 launch is a testament to Lockheed Martin’s commitment to excellence and mission success for our customers.

‘Congratulations are in order to the entire team and we look forward to continuing our record of mission success for the remainder of 2006 and beyond.’

Based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100AX satellite bus, JCSAT-10 is a high-power hybrid satellite consisting of 30 active Ku-band transponders and 12 active C-band transponders that will provide coverage to Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. JCSAT-10 will operate from 128 degrees east and is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years.

Mission Preview:

JCSAT-10 is to be operated by JSAT Corporation of Tokyo, providing fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii.

The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and carries a mixed relay payload of 30 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders. JCSAT-10 is based on Lockheed Martin’s A 2100 AX satellite bus, and its liftoff mass is approximately 4,050 kg.
 
The Syracuse 3B satellite is to operate with nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) secure relay channels, joining France’s Syracuse III third-generation military communications system.

It will provide communications with defense forces and improve relay links between the country’s political and military authorities and operating units deployed around the world. Alcatel Alenia Space produced the Syracuse 3B spacecraft, which utilizes the company’s Spacebus 4000 B3 satellite bus and has a mass at liftoff of 3,750 kg.
 
Fueling of the Ariane 5 ECA’s cryogenic main stage with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen began during mid-day at the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone as part of the final pre-launch sequence.
 
JCSAT-10 is installed in the upper payload position on the launcher, and its release will occur 27 minutes into the mission, followed approximately five minutes later by the separation of Syracuse 3B from the lower passenger slot.
 
After its Ariane 5 launch, JCSAT-10 is to be positioned at 128 deg. East, providing fixed satellite services (FSS) for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. To be operated by JSAT Corporation of Tokyo, the satellite carries a mixed relay package of 30 Ku-band transponders and 12 C-band transponders.
 
The Syracuse 3B satellite will occupy an orbital slot at 5 deg. West after its Ariane 5 deployment, and is to become part of France’s Syracuse III third-generation military communications system.

Equipped with with nine SHF (super high frequency) and six EHF (extremely high frequency) secure relay channels, it will provide communications with defense forces and upgrade the relay links between French political and military authorities and operating units deployed worldwide.

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