Arianespace orbits JCSAT-12 and Optus D3
21 August 2009
Arianespace orbited two communications satellites: JCSAT-12, built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems for the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, and Optus D3, built by Orbital Sciences Corporation for the Australian operator Optus.
46th Ariane 5 launch, 32nd success in a row
The latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the fourth in 2009, confirms that Arianespace’s launch Service & Solutions continue to set the global standard for the world’s leading space communications operators and manufacturers.
JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 mission at a glance
The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Friday, August 21, 2009 at 7:09 pm local time in Kourou (6:09 pm in Washington, D.C., 22:09 UT, and on Saturday, August 22 at 12:09 am in Paris, 2:09 am in Moscow, 7:09 am in Tokyo and 8:09 am in Sydney).
JCSAT-12. Weighing about 4,000 kg at launch, JCSAT-12 will provide communications services for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region in general, Oceania and Hawaii. It was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and is fitted with 30 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders. JCSAT-12 has a design life of 15 years and will be used as an in-orbit spare in the SKY Perfect JSAT fleet. This is the 40th platform built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems to be launched by Arianespace.
Optus D3. Orbital Sciences Corporation integrated the Optus D3 satellite in Dulles, Virginia, using a Star-2 platform. Weighing about 2,500 kg at launch, Optus D3 will be positioned at 156 degrees East. It has a design life of 15 years and will provide direct TV broadcasting services for Australia and New Zealand. Optus D3 is the 16th satellite built by Orbital Sciences Corporation to be launched by Arianespace.