Arianespace launched its fourth commercial Ariane 5 mission successfully from Kourou on 16 November, carrying a record 6,313kg (13,900lb) into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The payload comprised the PanAmSat PAS 1R communications satellite, an Amsat Phase 3D amateur radio satellite and two UK Space Technology Research Satellites, STRV 1c and 1d.
The 4,763kg PAS 1R is a Boeing HS-702 spacecraft with 36 Ku-band and 36 C-band transponders and is to replace PAS 1, launched in 1988. Amsat Phase 3D was built by AmSat Deutschland. The UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA)-built STRV's weigh 100kg each.
The Ariane 5 achieved an orbit of 590km by 39,269km, compared with the target of 590km and 39,245km. Ariane 5 is currently the only commercial launcher capable of placing over 6,000kg into GTO, but it will be matched by the Boeing-led Sea Launch Zenit 3SL by next year.
The launch was the 10th successful Arianespace flight this year and marked the first use of the Astrium-built Ariane Structure for Auxiliary Payloads, ASAP 5. A further three launches are scheduled before the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
