The sixth Ariane 5 mission has completed payload integration with the successful installation of the NSS-12 satellite.

The Ariane 5 has already completed mating with the THOR 6 relay platform as its lower stage payload, with NSS-12 encapsulated in the nose cone of the launch vehicle.

The rocket will deliver a payload of 9,515kg, which includes a combined total of about 8,700kg for the NSS-12 and THOR 6 spacecraft and a dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware for the launch vehicle.

NSS-12 built by Space Systems / Loral for telecommunications operator SES World Skies will be based on SS/L 1300 platform.

The spacecraft outfitted with 48 active Ku-band transponders and 40 C-band transponders will be operated from a geostationary orbit of 57° East and will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting has been built by Thales Alenia Space using a Spacebus 4000B2 platform, and carries 36 Ku-band transponders.

The satellite will be positioned at 1° West, and will offer direct-to-home services to the Nordic region and throughout Central and Eastern Europe.