Following the successful Launcher
System Rehearsal in Kourou on November 5, Flight 157 is now scheduled for
Thursday, November 28, 2002.
The second Launcher System Rehearsal went off without a hitch, including
the simultaneous filling with liquid hydrogen and oxygen of the cryogenic main
stage (EPC) and cryogenic upper stage (ESC-A), as well as the synchronized
launch sequence, up to T – 6 seconds.
Based on this successful rehearsal, Arianespace has scheduled the launch
of the first “10-ton payload” Ariane 5 for Thursday evening, November 28,
2002.
Arianespace’s 11th launch of the year will orbit two satellites: HOT
BIRD(TM) 7 for telecom operator Eutelsat, and STENTOR, a telecom technology
demonstration satellite for the French space agency CNES.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50
percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary
transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world’s first commercial space
transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of
more than 240 satellite payloads. For further information, see the
Arianespace Web site at http://www.arianespace.com .
