Arianespace completed its 26th launch in 26 months on 25 June when an Ariane 44P carried the Intelsat 802 communications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit from the Guiana Space Centre at Kourou, French Guiana.
The European commercial launcher company's next launch is due on 7 August, carrying the delayed PanAmSat 6 communications satellite. This was scheduled originally for the most recent flight - number V96 - but was delayed by the need to check the spacecraft, which is similar to one which had experienced problems in orbit.
Arianespace's flexible launch operation allowed the delayed V96 flight to be replaced quickly by the V97 launch, carrying the Insat 2D and Inmarsat 3F4 on 3 June (Flight International, 9-15 April).
The company's outstanding orderbook of satellites now stands at 43, following the receipt of three more official contracts announced at the Paris air show.
These are the launch of the European Space Agency's Envisat 1 polar platform and X-Ray Multi Mirrortelescope, and another PanAmSat craft. They follow the receipt of contracts for four satellites, the Telstar 6, Sirius 3 and two from an unidentified customer.
Source: Flight International
