The Star One D1 satellite is encapsulated in Ariane 5’s payload fairing (photo at left), readying it for positioning as Flight VA234’s upper payload, while JCSAT-15 is processed in preparation for its installation atop the heavy-lift launcher in the lower passenger position (photo, right).

Designated Flight VA234 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, the mission will be the launch services company’s 11^th liftoff in 2016 and the year’s seventh using an Ariane 5. It also is to mark the second time this year that Arianespace has launched two passengers built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) together on an Ariane 5.

The heavy-lift vehicle will carry a total payload of approximately 10,720 kg. and is to deploy its Star One D1 and JCSAT-15 satellites into geostationary transfer orbit during a flight lasting just over 43 minutes.

Upper and lower passengers for Ariane 5’s dual launch

To be installed today atop Ariane 5 is JCSAT-15 for Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. Once in orbit, its relay duties will be broadcasting the multi-channel pay TV service SKY PerfecTV! across Japan, as well providing data transfer communications and maritime/aviation applications for the Oceania and Indian Ocean regions.

JCSAT-15 replaces the N-SAT-110 satellite launched in 2000 by Arianespace, with the new spacecraft’s orbital location set for 110 degrees East longitude.

Star One D1 – contained in Ariane 5’s SYLDA dispenser system and protected in a long version of Ariane 5’s ogive-shaped payload fairing – is to be positioned atop JCSAT-15, completing the payload integration process.  The Star One D1 relay platform is the largest satellite ever built for Brazil’s Embratel Star One.

When operational at its geostationary orbital position of 84 to 75 degrees West, Star One D1 will complement the service provided by Embratel Star One’s Brasilsat B4 satellite – launched by Arianespace in 1994 – extending operations in C-Band and bringing new capacities in Ku-band for Latin America and Ka-band for Brazil.

• For additional information on Arianespace’s Flight VA234, see the press release.
• Larger versions of the photos above are available for downloading in the gallery.
• More details are available in the Arianespace Launch Kit for Flight VA234: