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Arabsat hints at major contract |
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| Chris Forrester, on 02-07-2008 |
A giant Ariane rocket is preparing its final tasks ahead of a dual launch on the night of July 5-6 in Europe, but with a launch window that opens at about 6.47pm at Kourou in French Guiana. Its payload will be two satellites. The launch was yesterday delayed by 24-hours (from the night of July 4-5).
The pair comprises Arabsat’s BADR-6 craft, and ProtoStar-1, with
Essel/Zee as its main customer. However, Arabsat is hosting an
important press conference in Paris (currently scheduled for the
morning of July 5), and hinting that a major announcement will be made
with a large US customer. BADR-6 is due to be mated with the rocket
today (July 3).
The Arabsat craft was built by EADS Astrium and Alcatel Alenia Space,
and is destined for Arabsat’s 26 deg East orbital hot spot. ProtoStar-1
is a Space Systems/Loral craft.
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