Integration of the upper portion of Ariane 5's dual-passenger "stack" has been completed, with the Arabsat-5C satellite and SYLDA dispenser system now encapsulated inside the launcher's payload fairing in preparation for the September 9 Arianespace mission from French Guiana.

This encapsulation occurred at the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, adjacent to where the Ariane 5 is waiting to receive Arabsat-5C and the mission's co-passenger, SES-2.

The integration process' next step will occur when SES-2 is positioned on the launcher's core section as the lower payload, allowing the "stack" to be completed with installation of the Arabsat-5C/SYLDA/fairing combination atop it.

During the flight sequence, the payload fairing will be jettisoned first, followed by deployment of Arabsat-5C. The SYLDA dispenser is then released, allowing the subsequent separation of SES-2 to complete the Arianespace mission.

Ariane 5 is the launch services industry's workhorse vehicle of reference, with a demonstrated capability to perform efficient missions with dual satellite payloads.

For the upcoming flight, Arabsat-5C is the mission's larger payload, with an estimated liftoff mass of 4,630 kg. SES-2 will weigh approximately 3,152 kg. at launch.

The multi-mission Arabsat-5C was built for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat), and is to provide capacity in both the C- and Ka-bands for a range of communications services.

To be operated from Arabsat's 20 deg. East orbital position, this spacecraft was manufactured in a joint effort by two European companies: EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space.

SES-2 was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the U.S., and is a hybrid C- and Ku-band spacecraft for SES WORLD SKIES that will serve North America from an orbital slot of 87 deg. West.

In addition to its communications relay duties, SES-2 is carrying the Commercially Hosted InfraRed Payload (CHIRP) for the U.S. Air Force - which integrates a wide-field of view sensor in the satellite.

Related Links
Arianespace
Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com

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