SES’ Astra 5B Launch Delayed by Hispasat

Amazonas 4A. Photo: Orbital Sciences

[Via Satellite 11-15-13] Arianespace has delayed the launch of SES’ Astra 5B satellite to January 2014 due to the non-availability of Astra 5B’s co-passenger satellite, Hispasat’s Amazonas 4A. The launch, aboard an Ariane 5 booster from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana, was previously scheduled for Dec. 6, 2013. The Astra 5B spacecraft will now be put into safe storage until the launch preparations can resume.

The Amazonas 4A satellite, designed by Hispasat, has opted to delay the launch in order to spend more time making adjustments. The launch, which was to be Arianespace’s last of the year, is expected receive a new January launch date.