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Mission Update

The Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone receives its fourth Ariane 5 of 2008

July 6, 2008

Moving on its mobile launch table, the Ariane 5 with ProtoStar I and BADR-6 enters the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport.

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's fourth mission of 2008 has moved to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport, clearing the way for tomorrow's evening liftoff with its dual payload of commercial telecommunications satellites.

This heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA rolled out of the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport today, covering a 2.8-km. section of the dual-rail track that links the Spaceport's major launch infrastructure elements.

All is ready for tomorrow's final countdown to an evening liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:47 p.m.

The Ariane 5 ECA will deliver a payload performance of 8,639 kg. - which includes 7,537 kg. for the mission's ProtoStar I and BADR-6 spacecraft passengers, along with their integration hardware and the SYLDA 5 multiple satellite dispenser system.

ProtoStar I is the first in a fleet of relay platforms that Asian satellite services company ProtoStar will deploy for advanced satellite television services and powerful two-way broadband communications access. It is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 spacecraft bus, and will provide K-band/C-band relay capacity over Asia for the needs of both emerging and existing direct-to-home (DTH) operators, as well as other broadband communication requirements in the region.

Arabsat's BADR-6 satellite will open up new video broadcasting and telecommunications services for the entire Middle East and North Africa region, along with a large part of sub-Saharan Africa. Built by EADS Astrium, the Ku/C-band relay platform is designed for a lifetime of about 15 years, and will operate from Arabsat's 26 deg. E geostationary orbital location.

Tomorrow's mission is part Arianespace's accelerated flight rate in 2008, during which a total of seven Ariane 5 missions are planned. This will be the busiest year since Ariane 5's commercial service introduction in 1999.

• Watch the launch live in Arianespace's Video Corner.
• Arianespace's official Launch Kit has additional information on this Ariane 5 mission with ProtoStar I & BADR-6.