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Mission Update

Final countdown underway for Ariane 5's flight with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2

April 9, 2010 – Ariane Flight 194

Arianespace has begun the final countdown for tonight’s dual-passenger mission from Europe’s Spaceport, which will utilize the milestone 50th Ariane 5 launch vehicle.

Activities began at the Spaceport with this morning’s electrical systems checkout, and are being followed by the fueling of Ariane 5’s cryogenic main stage.

This mission will orbit a mixed civilian and military telecommunications satellite payload of ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2, carrying a total weight of 9,116 kg. – including 7,971 kg. for the two spacecraft.

Liftoff is scheduled during a launch window that opens at 6:59 p.m. and continues to 7:48 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

To be deployed first during the 33-minute flight sequence, ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband relay across Europe and the Middle East.  Produced by EADS Astrium, it will be positioned at SES ASTRA’s important 23.5 deg. East orbital position.

COMSATBw-2 will be released from payload “stack’s” lower position, and is to deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (armed forces).  Based on the Spacebus 3000B2 satellite bus, the platform was designed, integrated and tested by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of EADS Astrium – the program’s space segment prime contractor.

• Watch the launch live with Arianespace’s real-time video broadcast.

• See the official Arianespace launch kit for further information on this mission.