Jacques van Oene
November 24th 05, 08:14 PM
November 23, 2005
Ariane 5 is fitted with its vehicle equipment bay
Assembly of the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming dual-satellite mission
is moving ahead rapidly, with the launcher being fitted today with its
vehicle equipment bay - which also is referred to as its "brain."
The ring-shaped equipment bay carries the power distribution system, flight
control unit, telemetry system and other components that provide flight
guidance, orientation and sequencing during the Ariane 5's mission. This key
launcher component is produced by EADS Astrium.
Arianespace's upcoming mission will use an Ariane 5 Generic launcher version
to orbit the no. 2 Meteosat Second Generation (MSG-2) meteorological
satellite for Europe, along with the INSAT 4A telecommunications spacecraft
for the Indian Space Research Organisation.
MSG-2 will provide high-resolution images of the Earth's weather patterns,
as well as measure the planet's radiation balance to provide vital
information on climate change. The the cylindrical-shaped satellite also
carries a search and rescue transponder that relays signals from aircraft
and ships in distress.
INSAT-4A is the first satellite in the INSAT-4 satellite series, which is
planned to consist of seven spacecraft. The INSAT-4A platform carries 12
Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders - with the Ku-band payload serving
primarily to meet the growing demand for direct-to-home television services.
Launch of the Ariane 5 Generic is scheduled for the second half of December.
--
--------------
Jacques :-)
www.spacepatches.info
Ariane 5 is fitted with its vehicle equipment bay
Assembly of the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming dual-satellite mission
is moving ahead rapidly, with the launcher being fitted today with its
vehicle equipment bay - which also is referred to as its "brain."
The ring-shaped equipment bay carries the power distribution system, flight
control unit, telemetry system and other components that provide flight
guidance, orientation and sequencing during the Ariane 5's mission. This key
launcher component is produced by EADS Astrium.
Arianespace's upcoming mission will use an Ariane 5 Generic launcher version
to orbit the no. 2 Meteosat Second Generation (MSG-2) meteorological
satellite for Europe, along with the INSAT 4A telecommunications spacecraft
for the Indian Space Research Organisation.
MSG-2 will provide high-resolution images of the Earth's weather patterns,
as well as measure the planet's radiation balance to provide vital
information on climate change. The the cylindrical-shaped satellite also
carries a search and rescue transponder that relays signals from aircraft
and ships in distress.
INSAT-4A is the first satellite in the INSAT-4 satellite series, which is
planned to consist of seven spacecraft. The INSAT-4A platform carries 12
Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders - with the Ku-band payload serving
primarily to meet the growing demand for direct-to-home television services.
Launch of the Ariane 5 Generic is scheduled for the second half of December.
--
--------------
Jacques :-)
www.spacepatches.info