Article Posted on : - Aug 01, 2011

An artist's conception of Astra satellite.

KOUROU, FRENCH GUIANA (BNS): An Ariane 5 rocket will launch two satellites dedicated to direct-to-home television broadcasting on August 5.

Carrying out its 59th launch mission, the European rocket will place EADS Astrium-built ASTRA 1N and Lockheed-built BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.

The heavy-lift launch vehicle will deliver a total payload of 9,095 kg at the orbit.

Aerianespace had originally scheduled the mission on July 1 but technical anomaly delayed the launch.

The flight was postponed to allow for reconfiguration of the Ariane 5 and the subsequent checkout, the European space transport company said.

While the ASTRA 1N will be operated by Luxemburg-based satellite oprator SES Astra, the second satellite will be used by Japan’s B-SAT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.