Produced by EADS Space Transportation, the cryogenic ESC-A upper stage is part of the propulsion system that provides increased lift capabilities for the Ariane 5 ECA. It is powered by Snecma Moteurs’ proven third stage HM-7B engine – which provided years of reliable service on Ariane 4.

The ESC-A upper stage is hoisted inside the launcher assembly building, with its Ariane 5 launcher partly visible in the background.

The Ariane 5 ECA’s build-up is continuing inside the Spaceport’s launcher assembly building, after which the vehicle will be transferred to the final assembly facility for integration of its dual-satellite payload.

Passengers for the mid-May flight are Satmex 6, to be operated by Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V., a leading satellite services provider in Latin America; and Thailand’s Thaicom 5 spacecraft, which join the satellite fleet operated by Shin Satellite Public Company Limited.

The upcoming mission will be Arianespace’s second launch of 2006, following the March 11 dual-payload success that used another Ariane 5 ECA to place the SPAINSAT and HOT BIRD™ 7A telecommunications platforms into accurate geostationary transfer orbits.