Arianespace (30 outdoor) has delayed the launch of its heavylift Ariane 5 ECA launcher due to a technical problem with one of the two satellites scheduled for launch.
The mission to launch the Spaceway 2 and Telkom 2 spacecraft into orbit, originally scheduled for 24-25 June, has now been pushed back to an unspecified date. Arianespace cites a "technical problem" with one of the satellites as the reason for the delay.
The 6t Spaceway 2 was due to be launched for the DirecTV company to provide satellite television services for the United States.
Telecommunications
The smaller 2t Telkom 2 was also due to be launched on behalf of Indonesian operator PT Telkom Indonesia to provide telecommunications services for the region.
The next scheduled Ariane 5 launch will now occur on 7-8 July when an Ariane 5 generic vehicle will carry the IPStar satellite to orbit for Thailand's Shinsat telecommunications operator.
The Ariane 5 ECA launcher can deliver several satellites at once, taking a maximum of 10t into a geostationary transfer orbit.
The first successful flight of an ECA launcher was on 12 February when it delivered a double payload plus a telemetry instrumentation package with a cumulative weight of 8,300kg (18,000 lb) to orbit.
The ECA's debut launch in 2002 ended in disaster when the rocket had to be destroyed after it veered out of control.
Source: Flight Daily News