Ariane 5 set to launch ABS-2 and Athena Fidus tomorrow
Arianespace is set to launch an Ariane 5 booster from Kourou, French Guiana on Feb. 6. Photo Credit: Jeremy Beck / SpaceFlight Insider
Jason Rhian
Arianespace is moving forward with plans to launch one of the firm's Ariane 5 ECA boosters, designated VA217 from Kourou, French Guiana on Thursday, February 6 at 3:30 p.m. EST (2030 GMT). The payload for tomorrow's launch is duet, with the ABS-2 and Athena-Fidus satellites sharing the ride aloft.
A "headless" Ariane 5 ECA booster is rolled out to the pad at French Guiana in preparation for the ABS 2 / Athena-Fidus mission. Photo Credit: Jeremy Beck / SpaceFlight Insider
A launch readiness review has cleared the heavy-lift rocket for launch. The team has cleared not only the launch vehicle itself, but the payload, launch support system and the downrange tracking stations which will support tomorrow's launch as well.
The rocket was rolled out to the launch pad earlier today from Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone. If things don't go according to plan at the outside of the window, the launch team has 2 hours and 5 minutes in which to get the rocket off of the pad.
Each of the spacecraft on board the Ariane 5 will serve as advanced relay platforms.
This marks the first launch of the year for the Ariane 5, which is described as having the capacity to lift an estimated 22,462 lbs (10,210 kg) to orbit. The two satellites along with the launcher's SYLDA dual-passenger dispenser system (which allows more than one spacecraft to utilize the Ariane 5 launcher) weigh approximately 20, 702 lbs (9,410 kg).
Space Systems / Loral (SSL) produced the ABS 2 spacecraft for satellite operator ABS. ABS will provide a wide range of services, these include direct-to-home, cable distribution, VSAT and data networks. It will operate at orbital location 75 degree East.
Athena-Fidus was built by Thales Alenia Space for the French and Italian Space Agencies (CNES and ASI respectively). According to Arianespace, the spacecraft will also provide data transmission services to the French DGA and Italian Segredifesa defense ministry organizations.
Tagged: Ariane 5 ArianeSpace Athena Fidus French Space Agency Italian Space Agency Kourou
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.