[Satellite TODAY 09-23-11] Arianespace successfully launched the SES-2 and Arabsat 5C satellites into orbit on board an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in French Guiana, the launcher announced Sept. 21.

   The launch came after a series of unexpected delays due to recently resolved technical issues with the Ariane 5’s upper stage and a last-minute labor strike from the Trade Union of French Guiana Workers, which represents workers from Ariane subcontractor Telespazio and includes Ariane 5 radar tracking operators.

   The Ariane 5 vehicle deployed Arabsat-5C first, followed by SES-2 eight minutes later. The SES 2 satellite was ordered by SES to replenish its fleet of satellites covering North America and designated for positioning at the 87 degrees West orbital slot. The C- and Ku-band satellite was built by Orbital Sciences to connect customers across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. SES 2 also carries the U.S. Air Force‘s Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) as a secondary instrument. CHIRP’s mission will be to demonstrate infrared detection technologies from geosynchronous orbit for missile warning applications.

   The Astrium-built Arabsat 5C satellite will offer broadcasting, telephony, professional communications, Internet routing, VSAT and interactive services across the Middle East and Africa.

   The next Ariane 5 flight is scheduled for early 2012. Arianespace will launch a European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to service the International Space Station.