אינדקס
TerreStar-1 Threads Its Way Into Orbit Via Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA
On Wednesday, July 1st, for its third mission of the year, Arianespace successfully launched into geostationary transfer orbit the largest commercial satellite ever launched, TerreStar-1, for North American operator TerreStar Networks Inc., via a rare, afternoon liftoff.
Ariane 5 is the only launcher available in the market that can ensure a large number of missions, as it launches the heaviest commercial satellites into geostationary orbit and complex scientific satellites into specialized orbits. The choice of Arianespace by a pioneer in new satellite communications technologies brings Arianespace's 29th new client and TerreStar-1 is the 34th satellite constructed by Space Systems Loral to be launched by Arianespace.
The launch was carried out by Ariane 5 ECA from the European Space Port in the Guiana Space Center at 01:52 pm, EDT. The TerreStar-1 satellite will be the foundation for a satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network that will provide voice, data, and video services. Capable of managing some 500 spot beams, TerreStar-1 will have a design life exceeding 15 years in orbit. TerreStar-1 weighed nearly 6,910 kg at launch and is the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched. It will be positioned at 111 degrees West, offering new-generation mobile communications services across the entire United States and Canada.
In post-launch comments from the Spaceport's control center, TerreStar Networks President Jeffrey Epstein showed the type of handheld device that will function with the company's communications network and the TerreStar-1 satellite. He also expressed the excitement of experiencing the Ariane 5's launch first-hand. "We are deeply appreciative of Arianespace's efforts," Epstein said. "What we just witnessed is the culmination of millions of hours of advanced technology in satellite deployment here, and it's truly remarkable to watch."
At the completion of today's mission, Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced that Ariane 5's next launch is set for mid-August, carrying a dual-satellite payload for two Asia-Pacific customers: JCSAT-12 for Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT Corp.; and Australia's Optus D3.
On Wednesday, July 1st, for its third mission of the year, Arianespace successfully launched into geostationary transfer orbit the largest commercial satellite ever launched, TerreStar-1, for North American operator TerreStar Networks Inc., via a rare, afternoon liftoff.
Ariane 5 is the only launcher available in the market that can ensure a large number of missions, as it launches the heaviest commercial satellites into geostationary orbit and complex scientific satellites into specialized orbits. The choice of Arianespace by a pioneer in new satellite communications technologies brings Arianespace's 29th new client and TerreStar-1 is the 34th satellite constructed by Space Systems Loral to be launched by Arianespace.
The launch was carried out by Ariane 5 ECA from the European Space Port in the Guiana Space Center at 01:52 pm, EDT. The TerreStar-1 satellite will be the foundation for a satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network that will provide voice, data, and video services. Capable of managing some 500 spot beams, TerreStar-1 will have a design life exceeding 15 years in orbit. TerreStar-1 weighed nearly 6,910 kg at launch and is the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched. It will be positioned at 111 degrees West, offering new-generation mobile communications services across the entire United States and Canada.
In post-launch comments from the Spaceport's control center, TerreStar Networks President Jeffrey Epstein showed the type of handheld device that will function with the company's communications network and the TerreStar-1 satellite. He also expressed the excitement of experiencing the Ariane 5's launch first-hand. "We are deeply appreciative of Arianespace's efforts," Epstein said. "What we just witnessed is the culmination of millions of hours of advanced technology in satellite deployment here, and it's truly remarkable to watch."
At the completion of today's mission, Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced that Ariane 5's next launch is set for mid-August, carrying a dual-satellite payload for two Asia-Pacific customers: JCSAT-12 for Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT Corp.; and Australia's Optus D3.
