Article Posted on : - Jan 10, 2011

The Ariane 5 core cryogenic stage for Arianespace’s mission with Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn is unloaded from the MN Colibri at Pariacabo Port at the Spaceport. Photo: Arianespace

EVRY (BNS): Arianespace is preparing itself for the launch of Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites from its Spaceport Center in French Guiana.

Key elements of the Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace’s second flight of 2011 have arrived at the Spaceport, where they will be readied for the dual payload mission.

The Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage and payload fairing were delivered to French Guiana by the MN Colibri, which is one of two sea-going ships utilised by Arianespace for the transportation of launch vehicle components from Europe to South America.

This second mission of 2011 – which will be the 201st flight of an Ariane family vehicle – is to utilise an Ariane 5 ECA version of the heavy-lift launcher.

Its Yahsat 1A passenger is designed to provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.

To be positioned at 52.5 deg. East, Yahsat 1A will deliver innovative solutions for Internet links via satellite, business data networks and television transmission services – particularly for high-definition TV.