ASTRA 1L is integrated on Ariane 5's dual-payload dispenser system

[Analoguesat]

ASTRA 1L is integrated on Ariane 5's dual-payload dispenser system


Final payload integration for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission has begun at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where SES ASTRA's ASTRA 1L satellite has been placed atop the launch vehicle's SYLDA satellite deployment system.

ASTRA 1L is one of two payloads to be orbited by the May 3 flight, and it was installed on the SYLDA dispenser during activity inside the integration hall of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building (photo at right).

With this step now completed, the ASTRA 1L/SYLDA combination ready to be encapsulated in the Ariane 5's large payload fairing, completing the upper element of this launch vehicle's dual payload "stack."

The integrated payload component will then be hoisted to the upper levels of the Final Assembly Building for positioning over the mission's other payload - Intelsat's Galaxy 17 satellite, which is to be mated to the top of Ariane 5's central core stage

ASTRA 1L's 29 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders will provide TV relay services for SES ASTRA, the leading direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast system in Europe. The satellite was manufactured in the U.S. by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, and will be the ninth SES ASTRA satellite launched by Arianespace. It is to be positioned at 19.2° East as a replacement satellite for ASTRA's existing capacity at this orbital slot, strengthening the company's unique customer service, security and redundancy scheme.

The upcoming Ariane 5 flight is Arianespace's second dual-payload mission of 2007, and is scheduled for an evening liftoff from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex.

[BGonaSTICK]

:clap:

Looking good. Hope they've got some worthwhile content ready to chuck on it. I can't take another 500 cruddy mega-soft porn slideshow channels.

[Analoguesat]

She should be taking over the Astra 1E channels.