Kourou February the 12th. Arianespace initiated another busy year of launch activity with a new successful Ariane 5 launch, which orbited payloads for two of the world’s leading satellite communications operators – Eutelsat and SES.After an on-time liftoff from the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe’s Spaceport, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA deployed HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat, followed by NSS-9 for SES NEW SKIES. Two small Spirale auxiliary payloads for the French DGA defense procurement agency were then injected into orbit to complete the 34-minute mission.Giuliano Berretta, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, congratulated the Arianespace team for tonight’s mission, adding: “While a launch is still an emotional experience, the technology is assured with Arianespace.” Scott J. Sprague, SES NEW SKIES’ Senior Vice President, Global Sales, expressed his appreciation to Arianespace for the effort that went into the mission success, and said he had “goosebumps from head to toe” in viewing Ariane 5’s liftoff from the Jupiter launch control center.Total payload performance for tonight’s mission was 8,511 kg., which included 7,420 kg. for the satellites, along with the associated integration hardware and the launcher’s SYLDA multi-payload dispenser system.
