International Launch Services (ILS) have returned to action with the launch of their Russian Proton launch vehicle, carrying the ArabSat BADR-4. Launch was at 8:01pm UK time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
NASASpaceflight.com is covered the launch as a live event, with live updates, images and a free launch video, available on the link below (read more).
**LIVE LAUNCH UPDATE PAGES** – **PROTON/BADR-4 LAUNCH VIDEO** –
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Reaction:
‘This was the third ILS Proton flight in 2006, and we’re proud to say we delivered the satellite on target,’ said ILS President Frank McKenna. The satellite is a Eurostar E2000+ model. Protons also have launched five of the heavier Astrium Eurostar E3000 spacecraft.
Antoine Bouvier, Astrium chairman and chief executive officer, said: ‘I am delighted that ARABSAT’s BADR-4 has been injected into transfer orbit by ILS. Astrium has worked tirelessly to ensure that this latest significant step in the development of ARABSAT’s business is a resounding success. We look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with ARABSAT.’
‘The successful launch of BADR-4 represents the realization of a critical milestone in ARABSAT’s new strategic deployment, as well as the company’s steadfast commitment to consolidating its historical position as the leading operator of direct-to-home services in the Middle East and North Africa region,’ said Khalid Balkheyour, ARABSAT’s chief executive officer.
‘Thanks to the superb combined performance of the Proton launcher and Astrium design and manufacturing, BADR-4 is now the most state-of-the-art satellite to serve the region, providing the 130 million viewers watching our 26 degrees East video ‘hot spot’ with an unrivalled level of in-orbit reliability and back-up, as well as unprecedented reach serving all of the 324 million inhabitants now fully covered from Morocco and Algeria to the Arabian Gulf with the highest power ever.’
Background
The BADR-4 satellite, built by Astrium Satellites for ARABSAT, the communications satellite operator based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will carry direct-to-home television services, together with voice and data services, across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Europe.
BADR-4 was shipped from Toulouse to Baikonur on 9 October 2006 in readiness for its launch. The fully fuelled spacecraft is now mated with the Breeze M upper stage and the Proton Breeze M vehicle, provided by International Launch Services (ILS).
Astrium Satellites is prime contractor for the satellite and responsible for launch and early operations as part of an in-orbit delivery contract. Astrium Satellites has also developed the Satellite Control Centers in Dirab (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and in Tunis (Tunisia). The communications payload for the BADR-4 satellite was supplied by Alcatel Alenia Space.
The BADR-4 satellite is a Eurostar E2000+ model equipped with a payload featuring 32 transponders in Ku-band. With a launch mass of 3,280 kg, it will be the 31st Eurostar to orbit.
Once in service, the Astrium-built BADR-4 will offer a wide range of satellite communications services with the highest power level and the widest coverage over the Arab countries.
Co-located with the rest of the BADR constellation of satellites at Arabsat’s 26 degrees East longitude video neighbourhood, BADR-4 will provide wider choices and new possibilities to an audience of 130 million viewers enjoying more than 240 TV channels and 90 radio stations, as well as serving all of the 324 millions inhabitants covered from Morocco and Algeria to the Arabian Gulf.
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