Ariane 5 - second launch of 2008

Ariane 5 ECA launcher clears the launch tower at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana (Picture: ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE/Photo Optique Video du CSG).

21.04.2008

Two days ago Ariane 5 ECA launcher lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two telecommunications satellites into geostationary transfer orbits.

Lift-off of flight V182 took place at 00:17 CEST/Paris on 19 April (22:17 UTC/GMT; 19:17 UTC-3/Kourou on 18 April). The satellites were accurately injected into the correct transfer orbits about 30 minutes later.

The payload comprised Star One C2 - a telecommunications, multimedia and Internet satellite that will serve South America - and Vinasat-1 - Vietnam's first telecommunications satellite. The payload mass was 7762 kg; the satellite masses totalled 6737 kg, with payload adapters and dispensers making up the additional 1025 kg.

This second launch of the year keeps Arianespace and Europe's Spaceport on target for the seven missions planned for 2008. Payload preparations and launcher assembly for the next flight are already under way.

Read more from ESA´s webpage.

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