Ariane 5 sets a heavyweight space record
Arianespace's Ariane 5 launcher demonstrated its performance and maturity today by lofting THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) during an early-morning mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.This payload is the heaviest commercial satellite ever delivered to geosynchronous orbit. Built for Shin Satellite Plc of Thailand by Space Systems/Loral, the large telecom platform had a liftoff mass of 14,300 lb. (6,485 kg.), and is to provide Internet access service throughout 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. After its liftoff from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone, tracking cameras followed the Ariane 5 during its ascent, clearly showing separation of the solid boosters two minutes into the mission. THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) was released from the launcher's upper stage 26 minutes later.
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