Tags: Arianespace, Ariane 5 Satellite Launch, Hispasat Azercosmos
Publication: ASDNews.com
Publication Date: 12/10/2012

Suspended over its launch table inside the Launcher Integration Building, Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage is readied for the mating of its two solid propellant boosters. Image credit: Arianespace

Arianespace has started preparations for its first heavy-lift flight of 2013. The Ariane 5 vehicle is expected to launch in early February from French Guiana carrying the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1 telecommunications satellites.

Reports indicate that the assembly process of the heavy lifter started this week at the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building and that the vehicle is ready to be armed with its cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay. Then, it will be ready for transfer into the Final Assembly Building for integration of the dual-satellite payload.

Hispasat will operate the Amazonas 3 in partnership with its Brazilian subsidiary Hispamar Satellites. The spacecraft was built by Space Systems/Loral and will provide relay capacity through 52 simultaneous transponders.

Azercosmos, the government-owned satellite operator of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will operate the Azerspace/Africasat-1, built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. The satellite will provide C- and Ku-band communication services to Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

This Arianespace’s first 2013 launch will be the 212th of an Ariane vehicle since the company started in 1979.

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