[Satellite TODAY 12-21-09] Arianespace launched the Helios 2B military observation satellite after two delays caused by last-minute anomalies, the company announced Dec. 18.
    The satellite was launched using an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
    Helios 2B, built for the French Ministry of Defense by EADS Astrium, is the second satellite in France’s next-generation space-borne observation system for military applications that will be used in conjunction with Belgium, Spain, Italy and Greece. The satellite features a very-high-resolution optical imaging instrument produced by Thales Alenia Space.

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Arianespace in Final Preparations for Helios 2B Launch   Satellite Today   December 3, 2009
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Arianespace CEO: Kourou On-Target to Debut Soyuz Service in 2010    Satellite News   December 9, 2009
[Satellite News 12-09-09] Arianespace is on schedule to introduce its new medium-lift launch service in 2010, according to CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, who celebrated the company s 30th anniversary at its U.S. headquarters in Washington D.C.