ARSAT-1

Argentina’s first geostationary satellite, ARSAT-1, has arrived in French Guyana to prepare for pre-launch processing with Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission.

The spacecraft reached the Félix Eboué Airport near Cayenne, France, on-board a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner.

It was then transported by road to the Spaceport’s clean room facilities, where it will be readied for launch.

ARSAT-1 was designed for Argentine satellite operator ARSAT.

"The satellite will operate from an orbital position of 72° W and provide telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services."

Built by INVAP, the satellite will operate from an orbital position of 72° W and provide telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services across all of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space provided equipments required for the development of ARSAT-1.

Named Flight VA220, the Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for lift-off in the middle of October, and will have the ARSAT-1 satellite and co-passenger, Intelsat DLA-1, on-board.

The DLA-1 spacecraft is built by Space Systems/Loral for Intelsat.

Along with the upcoming DLA-2 satellite, the DLA-1 will expand direct-to-home entertainment offerings in Latin America, in addition to providing backup and restoration services.

Image: The shipping container with ARSAT-1 emerges from the An-124 cargo aircraft after its arrival at Félix Eboué International Airport. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.

Defence Technology