Two communications satellites will be launched into orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket from a South American spaceport on Oct. 23. There will be a one-day delay, and you can live stream the liftoff online.
Arianespace, a French launch provider, will launch the Ariane 5 rocket tonight from the Guiana Space Center, Kourou, French Guiana. The window is 2.5 hours long and opens at 9:01 PDT (11:01 PM EDT in Kourou) or 0101 GMT Sunday Oct. 24. To allow for more time for ground system checks, the launch will be delayed by 24 hours.
The launch window can be viewed in the above window. It starts approximately 20 minutes prior to liftoff. Arianespace also offers a way to view the launch from its website.
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Arianespace representatives stated that an investigation of the ground equipment was complete and that the "anomaly that prevented Friday's launch had been "identified and corrected", paving the way for tonight’s launch attempt. The mission will launch SES-17, a communications satellite for Luxembourg-based SES and the Syracuse 4A military communication satellite for France's Ministry of Defense.
Arianespace representatives stated that the Ariane launch vehicle, spacecraft SES-17 (Syracuse 4A), and the spacecraft SES-17 (Syracuse 4A) are safe and stable at the launch pad.
Thales Alenia Space built the SES-17 communications satellite for Luxembourg's SES. Image credit: Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space built the SES-17 communications satellite. It is a high-throughput satellite for communications that serves SES customers across North America, South America and the Caribbean. The satellite provides high-speed Ka band communications coverage from a geosynchronous orbit.
Officials from SES stated that the project will meet the demands for high-speed, flexible data connectivity in aviation, maritime and government segments. This will help to advance the region's digitalization objectives and bridge the digital divide.
According to Arianespace's mission overview, the satellite has 200 spot beams that can be adjusted to meet customer requirements. It is also the first SES satellite with a digital payload powered entirely by a Digital Transparent Processingor.
Arianespace stated in an overview that the Thales Alenia Space's 5th Generation Digital Transparent Processor, (DTP), embarked on SES-17 allows easy frequency conversions, as well as unlimited gateway switching. It will be able to meet changing customer requirements and real-time traffic demands thanks to its flexible amplifiers.
Artist's illustration of the Syracuse 4A military communication satellite, which will be launched on an Ariane 5 rocket by the French Ministry of Defense. Image credit: Thales Alenia Space/Arianespace
Thales Alenia Space, a French satellite builder, also constructed the Syracuse 4A. It was commissioned by France's Armament General Directorate.
Arianespace stated in its mission description that militaries must have secure and powerful communication channels to exchange information with the command centre. "Syracuse 4A's state-of the-art equipment (antijamming antenna, digital transparent processor) will ensure a high resistance against extreme jamming techniques.
Two other satellites will be added to Syracuse 4A in the near future, to form a constellation of military communications satellites that can link the country’s aircraft and armored vehicles.
Arianespace officials stated that Syracuse 4A would connect most naval vessels, moving armoured vehicles or aircraft, in particular Griffon armored vehicle, the upcoming Suffren attack subs or tanker Phoenix.
Tariq Malik can be reached at tmalik@space.com, or on Twitter @tariqjmalik. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook and Instagram.
