Europe's Ariane 5 rocket has launched two telecom satellites BSAT-4B and Galaxy-30, as well as the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2-) into orbit. Arianespace announced liftoff at 11:04 pm BST Sunday from the Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch vehicle is also scheduled for significant updates.
Galaxy-30 was the first satellite to be released, with the MEV-2 following shortly after. After a series of burns controlled by Ariane's computer, BSAT-4B was released into its own transfer orbit roughly 14 minutes after MEV-2.
Intelsat-owned Galaxy-30 is set to deliver high-performance broadcast distribution capabilities, such as superfast streams and ultra-high definition. Lasting for 15 years, the satellite will also support mobility, broadband, and enterprise network solutions.
"Today's launch of Galaxy 30 demonstrates Intelsat's long-term commitment to our North American media customers," said Stephen Spengler, Intelsat's CEO. "At Intelsat, we're constantly innovating, investing in and upgrading our satellite fleet and terrestrial infrastructure.
BSAT-4B is owned and operated by Japan's Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation. Its purpose is to provide ultra-high-definition direct-to-home television services across Japan. It is also designed to last 15 years.
As for MEV-2, it will be used for in-orbit satellite servicing. It follows the MEV-1 mission launched late last year aboard a Russian Proton rocket. It is owned by Northrop Grumman.
This launch marks Arianespace's first since the start of the pandemic. All operations in French Guiana had been suspended since March 16 to comply with COVID-19 measures.
This launch also includes new upgrades to Ariane 5. The rocket now has a new tech called Kassav, which is the first version of an autonomous tracking system developed by CNES in collaboration with ArianeGroup.
Kassav has its own dedicated telemetry that doesn't rely on Ariane 5's operations in order to send real-time info on the rocket's speed and position at Europe's Spaceport Flight Safety team.
The system was funded by CNES, which also assess safety. ESA meanwhile funded and did the overseeing of the installation on Ariane 5. The launch vehicle will use Kassav from now onwards, including on Ariane 6 flights.
Ariane 5 is operated by Arianespace at Europe's Spaceport. It is capable of carrying payloads of more than 10 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit and over 20 tonnes into low-Earth orbit. Its performance perfectly complements that of Europe's Vega light-lift launch vehicle, and Soyuz.
Eventually, Ariane 5 will be replaced by the Ariane 6 rocket, with a first test flight scheduled for 2021.
