November 7, 2014 – Ariane Flight VA221
The Indian GSAT-16 telecommunications satellite for Arianespace’s next heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission is undergoing a detailed checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana ahead of its scheduled liftoff on December 4.
GSAT-16 was designed, assembled and integrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and validations performed in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility include its initial fit-check with launch vehicle hardware, as well as solar panel deployment.
The latter step involved the extension of GSAT-16’s multi-segment solar panels, validating the proper operation before they are definitively stowed against the satellite in the final liftoff configuration. This particular test uses an overhead latticework that helps support the solar panel’s weight – simulating zero gravity conditions of space as the panel opens to its full length.
GSAT-16 will weigh approximately 3,150 kg. at liftoff, and is to deliver C- and Ku-band telecommunications services that include very small aperture terminal (VSAT) transmissions, TV broadcasting and emergency communications.
For the upcoming launch, GSAT-16 will be joined by its co-passenger: DIRECTV-14, which was built by SSL (Space Systems/Loral) for operator DIRECTV.
The December 4 flight with Ariane 5 is designated VA221 in Arianespace’s numbering system for its family of launchers, which also includes the medium-lift Soyuz and light-lift Vega.
