ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
French scientists look on towards the testing of a major communications satellite.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
The Satellite SES-6, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted in the Near Field Range of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
French scientists look on towards the testing of a major communications satellite.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
French scientists look on towards the testing of a major communications satellite.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
The Satellite SES-6, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted in the Near Field Range of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse.
TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
SES-6 is mounted in a thermo-vacuum test chamber in Toulouse. The chamber is designed to both simulate the vacuum of space but also the cycle of temperature and radiation changes as the satellite passes through different solar cycles.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 07 MARCH, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is positioned in the clean room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. This clean room is the principal area of electrical circuit and system assembly. Robust testing is completed throughout the assembly.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 APRIL, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is positioned in the clean room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. This clean room is the principal area of electrical circuit and system assembly. Robust testing is completed throughout the assembly.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 APRIL, 2013
A satellite solar array is fully extended in the clean room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. This clean room is the principal area of electrical circuit and system assembly. Robust testing is completed throughout the assembly.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 APRIL, 2013
A scientist inspects the delicate solar panels before transportation of the satellite.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 April, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 April, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 April, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 April, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 APRIL, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 30 APRIL, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is mounted into a custom pressurised shipping contrainer in the export room of Astrium’s test facility in Toulouse. The container will lower the satellite horizontally before being sealed and secured for safe transportation to Kazachstan for rocket mating and launch.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road. In the dead of night, to minimise disturbance, the custom low-loader drives from Astrium's manufacturing facility to Toulouse Blagnac Airport. The truck travels slowly to avoid vibration and is escorted by police for safety and security.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road. In the dead of night, to minimise disturbance, the custom low-loader drives from Astrium's manufacturing facility to Toulouse Blagnac Airport. The truck travels slowly to avoid vibration and is escorted by police for safety and security.
ASTRIUM, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road. In the dead of night, to minimise disturbance, the custom low-loader drives from Astrium's manufacturing facility to Toulouse Blagnac Airport. The truck travels slowly to avoid vibration and is escorted by police for safety and security.
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road and air. The container (weighing over 9 tons) is loaded by crane and ramp into a waiting Antonov 124. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft. .
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road and air. The container (weighing over 9 tons) is loaded by crane and ramp into a waiting Antonov 124. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft. .
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road and air. The container (weighing over 9 tons) is loaded by crane and ramp into a waiting Antonov 124. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft. .
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
A satellite, commissioned by SES and constructed by Astrium, is safely stowed in a pressurised shipping container for transport by road and air. The container (weighing over 9 tons) is loaded by crane and ramp into a waiting Antonov 124. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft.
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
An engineer gets to work on an Antonov 124 scheduled to heavy lift SES-6 Satellite from France to Kazachstan. The Antonov An-124 is a Russian strategic airlift jet aircraft. It was designed by the Antonov design bureau in the Ukrainian SSR, then part of the Soviet Union. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft, behind the one-off Antonov An-225 , an enlarged variant of the An-124.
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY, 2013
An engineer gets to work on an Antonov 124 scheduled to heavy lift SES-6 Satellite from France to Kazachstan. The Antonov An-124 is a Russian strategic airlift jet aircraft. It was designed by the Antonov design bureau in the Ukrainian SSR, then part of the Soviet Union. The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft, behind the one-off Antonov An-225 , an enlarged variant of the An-124.
BLAGNAC AIRPORT, TOULOUSE, FRANCE – 02 MAY 2013
The An-124 is the world's largest serially manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft. .The AN-124 will depart for Baikonor cosmodrome in Kazachstan for launch of the sateliite by Proton rocket.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 02 JUNE, 2013
Aerial view across the Cosmodrome including what is believed to be the Boran shuttle test facility and Energia launch pad. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. It is located in the desert steppe of Kazakhstan and leased by the Kazakh government to Russia and is managed jointly by the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Russian Space Forces. It was originally built by the Soviet Union in the late 1950s as the base of operations for its space program.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 02 JUNE, 2013
Aerial view across the Cosmodrome including what is believed to be the Boran shuttle test facility and Energia launch pad. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. It is located in the desert steppe of Kazakhstan and leased by the Kazakh government to Russia and is managed jointly by the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Russian Space Forces. It was originally built by the Soviet Union in the late 1950s as the base of operations for its space program.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Baikonur Cosmodrome has a small museum, located right next to two small cottages, once residences of Sergey Korolev and Yuri Gagarin. This cottage where Yuri Gagarin stayed, witha portrait of Lenin, before his first spce flight is part of the museum complex and have been preserved. The museum is home to a collection of space artifacts.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Interior of the Buran Space Shuttle at the Gagarin Space museum near Baikonur city. The Buran spacecraft, Snowstorm or Blizzard, was a Soviet orbital vehicle analogous in function and design to the US Space Shuttle and developed by Chief Designer Gleb Lozino-Lozinskiy of RKK Energia. Buran completed one unmanned spaceflight in 1988 and remains the only Soviet space shuttle that was launched into space, as the Buran programme was cancelled in 1993.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Transmitter equipment stored at the exterior of the Gagarin Space Museum. Baikonur Cosmodrome has a small museum, located right next to two small cottages, once residences of Sergey Korolev and Yuri Gagarin. Both cottages are part of the museum complex and have been preserved. The museum is home to a collection of space artifacts.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Fire trucks, ambulances and science support vehicles wait on standby at the minimum safe-distance of Pad 39 ahead of the ILS Proton launch.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 02 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the top of a Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite for launch. The maiden flight of the Proton rocket took place on 16 July 1965. The launcher's lead designer, Vladimir Chelomei, initially designed it with the intention of creating both a powerful rocket for military payloads and a high-performance ICBM. The program was changed, and the rocket was developed exclusively for launching spacecraft.The original name of the launch vehicle was UR-500, but it adopted the name “Proton,” which also was the name of the first three payloads that the rocket launched.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 02 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the top of a Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite for launch. The maiden flight of the Proton rocket took place on 16 July 1965. The launcher's lead designer, Vladimir Chelomei, initially designed it with the intention of creating both a powerful rocket for military payloads and a high-performance ICBM. The program was changed, and the rocket was developed exclusively for launching spacecraft.The original name of the launch vehicle was UR-500, but it adopted the name “Proton,” which also was the name of the first three payloads that the rocket launched.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 02 JUNE, 2013
A model of the Proton Rocket System stands outside the Proton Club in Area 95 of Baikonour Cosmodrome. The Proton Club provides a safe view of the launch on launchpad 39. Area 95 contains modern hotels for VIP guests but is also littered with decaying barracks from the regions military history.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite at lift-off . The powerful first stage rockets consist of a central tank containing an oxidizer, surrounded by six-outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated thrust level is 11.0MN.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite at lift-off . The powerful first stage rockets consist of a central tank containing an oxidizer, surrounded by six-outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated thrust level is 11.0MN.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite at lift-off . The powerful first stage rockets consist of a central tank containing an oxidizer, surrounded by six-outboard fuel tanks. Each fuel tank also carries one of the six RD-276 engines that provide first stage power. Total first stage vacuum-rated thrust level is 11.0MN.
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite shortly after lift-off. The white halo formed by condensed water droplets is thought to result from an increase in air pressure around the aircraft at transonic speeds close to the speed of sound. It is the 3876th launch of the Proton vehicle and the 81st launch of the ILS Proton. The height of the rocket is 58.2m and the weight of the satellite payload is 6100kg,
BAIKONUR, KAZACHSTAN, – 03 JUNE, 2013
Telephoto shot of the Proton rocket system containing SES-6 Satellite shortly after lift-off. The white halo formed by condensed water droplets is thought to result from an increase in air pressure around the aircraft at transonic speeds close to the speed of sound. It is the 3876th launch of the Proton vehicle and the 81st launch of the ILS Proton. The height of the rocket is 58.2m and the weight of the satellite payload is 6100kg,
SES HEADQUARTERS, LUXEMBOURG, – 31 OCT 2013
View of the antenna field in Luxembourg that controls communication satellites above the Northen Hemisphere. This site is the largest satellite uplink station in the world. Each dish connects to single satellite by microwave frequency and must track it accurately.
SES HEADQUARTERS, LUXEMBOURG, – 30 OCT 2013
View of the antenna field in Luxembourg that controls communication satellites above the Northen Hemisphere. This site is the largest satellite uplink station in the world. Each dish connects to single satellite by microwave frequency and must track it accurately.
SES HEADQUARTERS, LUXEMBOURG, – 31 OCT 2013
The DINO of SES's Headquarters in Luxembourg. DINO stands for Digital Network Operations and is where all the quality control of every broadcasted channel is monitored. The quality is maintained by delicate manoeveres of the satellite and tweaking of the data stream.
SES HEADQUARTERS, LUXEMBOURG, – 31 OCT 2013
The DINO of SES's Headquarters in Luxembourg. DINO stands for Digital Network Operations and is where all the quality control of every broadcasted channel is monitored. The quality is maintained by delicate manoeveres of the satellite and tweaking of the data stream.
SES HEADQUARTERS, LUXEMBOURG, – 31 OCT 2013
The DINO of SES's Headquarters in Luxembourg. DINO stands for Digital Network Operations and is where all the quality control of every broadcasted channel is monitored. The quality is maintained by delicate manoeveres of the satellite and tweaking of the data stream.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite will be co-located with NSS-6 at 95 degrees East to provide growth capacity over Asia-Pacific. The image shows a view of a satellite tracking system from the cafeteria.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range being inspected by Quoc Tran and David Sadowski.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
Portait of Mr. June Moon who is a Senior Antenna Engineer that worked on the design and test of the SES-8 deployable reflectors. SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range being inspected by Quoc Tran and David Sadowski.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range being inspected by Quoc Tran and David Sadowski.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is shown here in the Orbital Science Near Field Testing Range being inspected by Quoc Tran and David Sadowski.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite will be co-located with NSS-6 at 95 degrees East to provide growth capacity over Asia-Pacific. The image shows the thermo-vacuum test chamber.
ORBITAL FACILITY, VIRGINIA, – 27 APRIL, 2013
SES-8 is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and will be the first geostationary satellite that will be launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite will be co-located with NSS-6 at 95 degrees East to provide growth capacity over Asia-Pacific. The image shows the propulsion laboratory.
COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 24 2013
Martin Halliwell, CTO of the Satellite SES-8, and Elon Musk, CEO of Space-X and Chief Designer of Falcon 9 Rocket attend a press-briefing in Florida at Launch Day -1.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 25 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 25 NOVEMBER 2013
Security lock down the launch pad ahead of rocket roll-out of Space X Falcon carrying the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit. Family and friends of the launch team look on from behind the security fence as the rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 25 NOVEMBER 2013
Security lock down the launch pad ahead of rocket roll-out of Space X Falcon carrying the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit. Family and friends of the launch team look on from behind the security fence as the rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 26 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit and is positioned on the launch pad for a second launch window. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling. Once the rocket is fuelled with liquid oxygen and kerosene the cradle arm retracts.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 26 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit and is positioned on the launch pad for a second launch window. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling. Once the rocket is fuelled with liquid oxygen and kerosene the cradle arm retracts.
VIEWING CAUSEWAY, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 28 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit and is positioned on the launch pad for a third launch window. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling. Once the rocket is fuelled with liquid oxygen and kerosene the cradle arm retracts.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 28 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit and is positioned on the launch pad for a third launch window. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling. Once the rocket is fuelled with liquid oxygen and kerosene the cradle arm retracts.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 40, CAPE CANAVERAL, USA - 28 NOVEMBER 2013
Space X's falcon 9 rocket system is destined to carry the SES-8 Satellite to a geostationary orbit and is positioned on the launch pad for a third launch window. The rocket is rolled-out from its hangar and erected vertically on the launch pad between the 4 lightning towers ready for pre-flight testing and fuelling. Once the rocket is fuelled with liquid oxygen and kerosene the cradle arm retracts.
FRENCH GUIANA, 20 MARCH 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
Astra 5B is prepared for movement in the cleanroom of S5 Satellite Preparation Area. ASTRA 5B will extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern European and neighbouring markets for DTH, direct-to- cable and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks. It will also carry a hosted L-band payload for the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
S5 SATELLITE PREPARATION BUILDING, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FREN
The large CCU3 spacecraft container is used for the transfer of empty and fueled spacecraft between facilities at the Spaceport. It docks to the outside of the airlock doors on the S5A, S5B and S5C halls, making contact with an inflatable airtight seal. Satellites are moved into and out of the container on an air cushion pallet. The CCU3 container meets customer requirements for temperature control, shock protection and other conditions during the transfer of payloads.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 12 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 13 MARCH, 2014
Astra 5B is prepared for integration into the Ariane 5 fairing (nose-cone) in the cleanroom of the Fairing Integration Area. The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 13 MARCH, 2014
The last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
JUPITER 2 CONTROL ROOM, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA
The Jupiter Mission Control Room in the Technical Centre at Europe's Spaceport during the Ariane 216 launch dress rehearsal. Engineers and representatives from CSG, Arianespace and thier clients follow launches from the Jupiter Control Room. Final countdown takes place here and flights of Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, are closely monitored until their payload has been accurately placed in their correct orbit.
JUPITER 2 CONTROL ROOM, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA
The Jupiter Mission Control Room in the Technical Centre at Europe's Spaceport during the Ariane 216 launch dress rehearsal. Engineers and representatives from CSG, Arianespace and thier clients follow launches from the Jupiter Control Room. Final countdown takes place here and flights of Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, are closely monitored until their payload has been accurately placed in their correct orbit.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 19
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 19
The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff. A separate metallic tower equipped with baffles helps protect the launcher from air turbulence created by wind acting on the launch table's umbilical mast and the launch vehicle itself.
BAF, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 20 MARCH, 2014
he last major step in the launch campaign is Ariane 5's transfer by rail to the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building. It is inside this facility that the launcher receives its payload, along with the Sylda structures, and the payload fairing. These payload elements are processed within an encapsulation hall inside the Final Assembly Building. The payload is then hoisted by a traveling crane and transferred for installation atop the launcher.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 21
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 21
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 21
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 21
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 22
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 22
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
LAUNCH CONTROL ROOM, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA –
The Mission Control Room in the Technical Centre at Europe's Spaceport during the Ariane 216 launch sequence. Engineers and representatives from Arianespace, CNES follow and monitor launches especially during the critical fuelling and final countdown. Final countdown takes place here and flights of Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, are closely monitored until their payload has been accurately placed in their correct orbit.
LAUNCH CONTROL ROOM, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA –
The Mission Control Room in the Technical Centre at Europe's Spaceport during the Ariane 216 launch sequence. Engineers and representatives from Arianespace, CNES follow and monitor launches especially during the critical fuelling and final countdown. Final countdown takes place here and flights of Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, are closely monitored until their payload has been accurately placed in their correct orbit.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD, CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA – 22
After leaving ELA-3's Final Assembly Building on its mobile launch table, the completed Ariane 5 arrives at the launch zone, where it is positioned over a concrete foundation with three flame trenches.Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen feed lines for the launcher's cryogenic main stage are hooked up via connectors under the launch table, as are the connections for the umbilical mast. The launch zone has four 80-meter-tall towers that provide lightning protection, and a tower that delivers water to the launch site for cooling and noise damping during Ariane 5's liftoff.
ARIANE LAUNCHPAD – 22 MARCH 2014
An Ariane 5 launcher lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two telecom satellites, Astra-5B and Amazonas-4A, into their planned transfer orbits. Liftoff of flight VA216 occurred at 22:04 GMT (23:04 CET; 19:04 French Guiana). The target geostationary transfer orbit had a perigee altitude of 250 km, an apogee altitude of 35 736 km and an inclination of 3° to the equator.Astra-5B, with a launch mass of 5755 kg and mounted on top of Ariane’s Sylda dual payload adapter, was the first to be released 27 minutes into the mission.
CENTRE SPATIAL GUYANAIS, FRENCH GUIANA
An Ariane 5 launcher lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two telecom satellites, Astra-5B and Amazonas-4A, into their planned transfer orbits. Liftoff of flight VA216 occurred at 22:04 GMT (23:04 CET; 19:04 French Guiana). The target geostationary transfer orbit had a perigee altitude of 250 km, an apogee altitude of 35 736 km and an inclination of 3° to the equator.Astra-5B, with a launch mass of 5755 kg and mounted on top of Ariane’s Sylda dual payload adapter, was the first to be released 27 minutes into the mission.