LM delivers BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R payload for next Ariane 5 flight

Ariane Flight VA203 - Both payloads for Arianespace's fourth Ariane 5 flight of 2011 are now at the Spaceport following delivery of the BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R relay satellite, which will join its ASTRA 1N co-passenger on the upcoming heavy-lift mission.

BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R arrived at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner and was transferred to the Spaceport's clean room facilities to begin its pre-launch preparations.


Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems on behalf of B-SAT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R will serve as a hybrid broadcasting and telecommunications satellite - operating from an orbital position of 110 degrees East longitude. The spacecraft is based on Lockheed Martin's A2100A platform and was designed to meet a required 15-year service life.

The mission with BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R and ASTRA 1N is scheduled for liftoff on July 1, keeping up Arianespace's mission pace with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 workhorse. It will follow Arianespace's three previous launches of 2011: on May 20 with the ST-2 and GSAT-8 payloads; on April 22 to orbit the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft; and on February 16 with the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) Johannes Kepler.

Source : Arianespace