AMC-18 Launch Campaign Begins
AMC-18 is lowered onto the cone-shape payload adapter structure that serves as the installation interface with Ariane 5. Credit: Arianespace. |
by Staff Writers
Paris, France (SPX) Nov 09, 2006
The activity pace is picking up for Arianespace's December heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission as final pre-launch preparations begin with SES AMERICOM's AMC-18 satellite payload. After arriving at the Spaceport, AMC-18 made the traditional fit check today (November 7) with its Ariane 5 payload adapter, which verifies the correct interface between the satellite and the launcher hardware.
For the December mission, AMC-18 will be launched along with WildBlue's WildBlue-1 satellite, marking the fifth Ariane 5 dual-payload flight in 2006.
Related Links
Arianespace
Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
TerreStar Networks Chooses Arianespace to Launch TerreStar I
Washington DC (SPX) Nov 09, 2006
Arianespace and TerreStar Networks have signed a "Launch on Demand" contract for TerreStar I, which will be the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched into geostationary orbit. "We are very proud of our role in the development of the TerreStar system," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace CEO.
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