LAUNCH CENTER

Launch Image
Success
Fri Dec 21 2007
Arianespace

RASCOM-QAF 1 & Horizons-2

Launch Successful
LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

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(9:41 PM UTC)

Launch Window Start

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(9:41 PM UTC)

Launch Window End

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(9:41 PM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Ariane 5 GS

Description:

At the time of the failure of the first Ariane 5 ECA flight in 2002, all Ariane 5 launchers in production were ECA versions. Some of the ECA cores were modified to use the original Vulcain engine and tank volumes while the failure was investigated; these vehicles were designated Ariane 5 GS. The GS used the improved EAP boosters of the ECA variant and the improved EPS of the G+ variant, but the increased mass of the modified ECA core compared to the G and G+ core resulted in slightly reduced payload capacity. Ariane 5 GS could carry a single payload of 6,600 kg (14,600 lb) or a dual payload of 5,800 kg (12,800 lb) to GTO. The Ariane 5 GS flew 6 times from 2005 to 2009 with no failures.

Ariane 5 GS rocket
MISSION OVERVIEW
  • Type: Communications
  • RASCOM-QAF 1 is the first satellite dedicated to the African continent. It operates at 2.85 degrees East, providing telecommunication services. Horizons-2 is a communications satellite owned by Horizons Satellite a joint venture between SKY Perfect JSAT Group and Intelsat. It operates at 74 degrees West.
COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Pad

Ariane Launch Area 3