Ariane 5 puts two more satellites into orbit
The European Space Agency's Ariane 5 ECA (heavy lift) launcher lifted off during the night of 14 August at the start of a mission to place two telecommunications satellites into geostationary transfer orbits. The 8842 kilogram payload will delivery broadband services throughout North America (SPACEWAY 3), and provide direct television links for Japan (BSAT-3a). This was the third launch of the year, in line with Arianespace's goal of executing six Ariane 5 launches in 2007. In 2009 the target will rise to eight launches per year. 'With this perfect launch of Ariane 5, you have once again seen a further demonstration of the excellence of European technology,' said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace chairman and chief executive officer. Spaceway 3 was first to separate from the rocket. The satellite is to be operated by Hughes Network Systems for over 12 years, beaming Internet and multimedia services to businesses, government users and private consumers across North America. It includes advanced antenna technologies that allow the Ka-band communications system to shape spot beams so that they meet real-time demands for broadband services. A digital signal processor aboard Spaceway 3 will be able to switch and route broadband traffic, removing the need for a ground station. Almost seven minutes after deploying Spaceway 3, Ariane 5 released BSAT-3a, a satellite belonging to the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation of Japan.BSAT-3a will beam direct-to-home digital television programmes to more than 20 million customers across Japan. Arianespace's next launch is scheduled for late September, when an Ariane 5 GS rocket will orbit the Intelsat 11 and Optus D2 communications satellites.