From: "Jacques van Oene" Newsgroups: sci.space.news Subject: Ariane-5, Flight-161 update, 20-05-2003 Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 09:04:35 GMT Organization: Chello Broadband Approved: sci-space-news@zagami.jpl.nasa.gov Message-ID: Flight 161 May 20: BSAT-2c arrives at the Spaceport Preparations for Arianespace's upcoming Flight 161 have moved into full swing following the BSAT-2c satellite payload's arrival at the Spaceport. The spacecraft was flown into Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport May 13 aboard a cargo airliner. Protective covering on the satellite's shipping container included signatures of workers at spacecraft manufacturer Orbital Sciences Corp., along with a drawing of an Ariane 5 and a good luck message for the launch. The production of BSAT-2c, which began at Orbital's Virginia facility, is part of a series for Japan's Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) to provide direct-to-home digital high-definition television throughout Japan. After its arrival at the Spaceport, BSAT-2c was moved into the massive S5 satellite preparation facility, where final checkout began with electrical tests. BSAT-2c is designed for an operational lifetime of 10 years, and it will be positioned 110 degrees East over Borneo with coverage over all of Japan. The satellite is based on Orbital Sciences' Star-1 platform, and will have a mass at launch of 1,300 kg. Liftoff of Flight 161 with BSAT-2c and Australia's Optus and Defence C1 remains on schedule for early June from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex. -- ---- Jacques :-) Editor: www.spacepatches.info ------------------------------------------------------