flight_VA225

Arianespace’s Ariane 5 dual-passenger heavy-lift launch vehicle has launched Eutelsat 8 West B and Intelsat 34 satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Designated as Flight VA225, the mission is the fourth this year for Arianespace’s launcher.

With a mass of 5782kg, Eutelsat-8 West B was mounted in the upper position atop Ariane’s Sylda dual-payload carrier and released into geostationary transfer orbit around 28 minutes after lift-off, followed by Intelsat-34.

From 8°W orbital position, the Eutelsat 8 West B will join the existing Eutelsat and the Egyptian-made Nilesat in 7°W position, to support HD and ultra-HD direct-to-home TV broadcast services to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as telecommunications services in Africa and eastern South America.

"My thanks to European industry, which, under the leadership of Airbus Safran Launchers [ASL], produces such a reliable launcher."

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: "Eutelsat 8 West B is the 30th satellite launched by Arianespace for Eutelsat."

Positioned at 304.5°E, the Intelsat 34 satellite is designed to serve media distribution requirements in Latin America, as well as support advanced broadband service to maritime and aeronautical providers that cater to the North Atlantic.

Israël said: "My thanks to European industry, which, under the leadership of Airbus Safran Launchers [ASL], produces such a reliable launcher.

"Today with Ariane 5, and tomorrow with Ariane 6…Arianespace will work hand-in-hand with its no. 1 shareholder, ASL."

Arianespace’s next mission is scheduled for 10 September with Soyuz on Flight VS12, to launch Europe’s latest two Galileo navigation satellites.

In September, Ariane 5 will launch two telecommunications satellites, NBN Co 1A for Australia’s National Broadband Network, and Argentinean satellite operator ARSAT’s ARSAT-2.

Image: Ariane 5 lifting off on flight VA225. Photo: courtesy of ESA.