The fourth Ariane 5 mission of 2010 has successfully launched two telecommunications satellites, W3B and BSAT-3b, into geostationary transfer orbit.

The launcher, with a payload lift performance of about 8,260kg, includes a combined 7,460kg for two satellites along with its SYLDA 5 multipayload dispenser system and associated integration hardware.

W3B, based on Thales Alenia Space’s 4000 spacecraft platform, will offer TV broadcasting, professional data networks and broadband access to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands for its design life of 15 years.

The satellite will be located at 16°E, followed by a move to an orbital slot of 7°E for collocation with Eutelsat’s W3A satellite.

The BSAT-3b satellite also lofted along with W3B is designed by Lockheed Martin for Japan’s B-SAT Corporation.

Manufactured using Lockheed Martin’s A2100 A platform, the 2,060kg relay satellite is fitted with 12 130W Ku-band channels, allowing it to deliver direct-to-home television programming to Japan during its planned 15-year lifespan.