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Ariane 5 March 5, 2010

Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 for launch in 2010 enters its assembly process at the Spaceport

The cryogenic core stage for Arianespace’s second Ariane 5 launch of 2010 is prepared for its erection (photo at left). This was followed by the rollout of its two solid boosters, which are mated to the core stage to form the launcher’s primary propulsion system for liftoff and ascent.

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s second dual-payload flight of 2010 has begun its assembly as the Spaceport in French Guiana is once again the center of activity for two parallel missions.

This latest Ariane 5 began taking shape earlier in the week as its cryogenic core stage was positioned over a mobile launch table in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building.  It was then joined by the vehicle’s two solid boosters for mating.

The second mission of 2010 will utilize a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA version of Arianespace’s workhorse launcher, and will carry two telecommunications satellites.

As the launch campaign begins for this flight, another Ariane 5 ECA is in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building, where it is awaiting the integration of its two satellite passengers: ASTRA 3B & COMSATBw-2.  The liftoff of this year-opening Arianespace launch is set for March 24.

Arianespace is targeting a total of seven Ariane 5 missions during 2010 while preparations also continue for the upcoming introductions of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega launcher in side-by-side operations at the Spaceport.

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Ariane 5 March 3, 2010

ASTRA 3B is “topped off” for Arianespace’s year-opening flight

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