Ariane 5 sets a heavyweight record with THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR)

August 11, 2005

Ariane 5 sets a heavyweight record with THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR)

Arianespace's Ariane 5 launcher demonstrated its performance and maturity
today by lofting THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) during an early-morning mission from the
Spaceport in French Guiana.

This payload is the heaviest commercial satellite ever delivered to
geosynchronous orbit. Built for Shin Satellite Plc of Thailand by Space
Systems/Loral, the large telecom platform had a liftoff mass of 14,300 lb.
(6,485 kg.), and is to provide Internet access service throughout 14
countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The mission was delayed briefly to verify telemetry readings from the Ariane
5's mobile launch table. THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) and the Ariane 5 Generic vehicle
were placed into a safe mode while this activity occurred.

After its liftoff from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone, tracking cameras
followed the Ariane 5 during its ascent, clearly showing separation of the
solid boosters two minutes into the mission. THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) was released
from the launcher's upper stage 26 minutes later.

Once in operational service, THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) will generate 14 kW of
electrical power during its planned 12-year mission life, providing Internet
access and broadband services to businesses and consumers through 84 spot
beams, three shaped beams and seven regional broadcast beams.

Today's successful launch was followed closely in Bangkok by more than 300
guests and 50 members of the media who attended a gathering organized by
Shin Satellite PLC. Guests watched Arianespace's video transmission of the
mission, which provided a real-time monitoring of Ariane 5's final
countdown, the launcher's ascent and its successful deployment of THAICOM 4
(IPSTAR).

A photo from the Bangkok event shows Richard Bowles, the Director of
Arianespace's ASEAN Office, who joined (from right to left) Shin Satellite
PLC President Dr. Nongluck Phinainitisart; William Pecriaux, Deputy
Counsellor of the French Embassy in Bangkok; and Arianespace Mission Manager
Luca Chiecchio for a celebration of Ariane 5's latest success.

The Bangkok region is home to Shin Satellite PLC's Thaicom Satellite Station
nerve center, which is located just north of the city. This facility
controls the company's fleet of satellites, and contains some of the most
advanced satellite technology in the world.



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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info