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Mission update: Ariane 5 is moved to the launch zone for Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift flight in 2014 - Ariane Flight VA220(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The workhorse Ariane 5 for tomorrow's Arianespace mission from French Guiana is now ready for liftoff following its rollout to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex. Riding atop a mobile launch table, Ariane 5 was transferred earlier today from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building - where this vehicle received its dual-satellite payload. With the rollout now completed, the final countdown will begin for an October 16 liftoff at the start of a 1-hour, 51-minute launch window opening at 6:00 p.m. local time in French Guiana. This fifth Ariane 5 mission in 2014 has an estimated payload performance of 10,000 kg., which includes a combined total of approximately 9,300 kg. for the two passengers - Intelsat 30, hosting the DLA-1 payload, and ARSAT-1 - as well as the launcher's SYLDA dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware. Riding as the upper passenger in Ariane 5's payload arrangement is Intelsat 30, which will be released at approximately 27 minutes into the flight. This spacecraft was built by SSL (Space Systems/Loral) for Intelsat and will operate from an orbital position of 95 deg. West - from which it is to greatly expand direct-to-home entertainment offerings in Latin America, as well as provide backup and restoration services. ARSAT-1 - the first geostationary satellite built in Argentina, produced by INVAP for ARSAT (Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima) - will be deployed from Ariane 5's lower passenger position at approximately 33 minutes after liftoff. From an orbital position of 71.8 deg. West, ARSAT-1 will deliver a wide range of telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services across all of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. Tomorrow's mission is designated VA220 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, signifying the 220th flight of an Ariane family vehicle since 1979. Follow Arianespace's launch activity at: www.arianespace.com. . (c) 2014 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |