WildBlue-1 and AMC-18 launch vehicle is prepared

[BGonaSTICK]

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's final dual-satellite mission of 2006 is now fitted with its ESC-A upper stage, which utilizes a cryogenic engine that has delivered more commercial payloads into orbit than any other propulsion system.

During the past 17 years, the upper stage's HM-7B engine has performed an industry record of 80 consecutive successful flights. In addition to its service on Ariane 5, HM-7B also was the reliable third-stage engine on the predecessor Ariane 4 launch vehicle family.

The ESC-A upper stage for Ariane 5 is supplied by EADS Space Transportation, and is an element of the powerful propulsion system that provides increased lift capabilities for this workhorse heavy-lift launcher. Snecma Moteurs manufacturers the HM-7B engine.

Arianespace's year-ending Ariane 5 mission is set for December, and will be the commercial launch services provider's fifth dual-satellite mission of 2006. Both passengers on the upcoming mission will serve the U.S. marketplace: the WildBlue-1 broadband connectivity spacecraft for WildBlue; and SES AMERICOM's AMC-18 multi-mission relay platform.

WildBlue-1 will increase WildBlue's satellite broadband connectivity to areas of the U.S. where terrestrial broadband access is either limited or unavailable. The 4.7-metric ton high-power platform is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 spacecraft bus, and will provide Ka-band spot beam capacity over the contiguous United States.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Satellite Systems manufactured the AMC-18 satellite, which will distribute cable television services to the 50 United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. It will join SES AMERICOM's fleet of satellites that distribute cable, broadcast television and radio, telecommunications services, business television and broadband data throughout the Americas and transoceanic regions.