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Mission Update

Ariane 5's mission with Arabsat-5A and COMS has entered the final countdown

June 23, 2010 – Ariane Flight 195

The final countdown is now underway for tonight’s dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission from Europe’s Spaceport, which will orbit the Arabsat-5A and COMS satellite payloads.

Activities began with this morning’s electrical systems checkout for the heavy-lift launch vehicle, and are being followed by the fueling of Ariane 5’s cryogenic main stage and upper stage.

After being orbited by Arianespace, Arabsat-5A will be utilized by the Arabsat telecommunications operator for telecommunications and TV broadcasting services over the Middle East and Africa.  COMS is a satellite for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), which is to perform meteorological observations, ocean surveillance and experimental broadband multimedia communications services.

Ariane 5’s liftoff is scheduled during a launch window that opens at 6:41 p.m. and continues to 7:45 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

• Watch the launch live with Arianespace’s real-time video broadcast.
• See the official Arianespace launch kit for further information on this mission.