During activity inside the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building for Ariane 5, the “upper composite” – consisting of its cryogenic upper stage and equipment bay – was installed atop the vehicle’s already-assembled components: the core cryogenic stage and two solid propellant boosters.

This clears the way for additional integration and check-out, enabling Ariane 5’s subsequent rollout to the Final Assembly Building for installation of the mission’s DIRECTV-14 and GSAT-16 satellite passengers.

DIRECTV-14 already has arrived in French Guiana and currently is undergoing its pre-launch processing.  Built by SSL (Space Systems/Loral) for operator DIRECTV, this high-capacity satellite is to strengthen DIRECTV’s direct-to-home (DTH) digital entertainment services across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Joining DIRECTV-14 on the flight will be the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-16 telecommunications satellite. This relay platform is designed to provide telecommunications services that include VSAT transmissions, TV broadcasting and emergency communications.

The December flight of Ariane 5 is designated VA221 in Arianespace’s numbering system for its family of launchers, which also includes the medum-lift Soyuz and light-lift Vega.