Arianespace Launches Arabsat-6B and GSAT-15 satellites for Arabsat and ISRO
Arianespace successfully launched two satellites this evening: Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) for the operator Arabsat, and GSAT-15 for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
The company’s tenth launch of the year from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), and sixth with the Ariane 5 heavy launcher, took place on November 10 at 6:34 pm local time in Kourou, French Guiana. Through this mission, the 69th successful launch in a row by Ariane 5, Arianespace is proud to deliver reliable, sustainable solutions to Arabsat and ISRO, two loyal customers for over 30 years.
Arianespace, a long-standing partner of Arabsat, the Arab world’s leading regional satellite operator
Arabsat is the leading regional satellite telecommunications operator in the Middle East and Africa. Arabsat-6B (BADR 7) is the ninth satellite orbited by Arianespace for this operator since the launch of Arabsat-1A in 1985. This satellite is the first of the sixth generation of satellites in the Arabsat fleet. It will provide telecommunications and directto- home (DTH) TV broadcast services for the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. In 2012 Arabsat also confirmed its goal of bolstering its position in the Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) zone by acquiring the company Hellasat.
Arianespace will be launching another Arabsat satellite, Hellasat-4.
ISRO and Arianespace: a strategic partnership
GSAT-15 is the 19th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It will provide telecommunications services for the country, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services. Arianespace has launched 91% of ISRO’s geostationary satellites that used non-Indian launch systems, dating back to the launch of the country’s experimental satellite APPLE on Flight L03 in 1981.
The favored relationship between Arianespace and ISRO reflects the exemplary collaboration in the space sector between France and India, a partnership that will help ISRO realize its aim of using space to foster the development of the Indian sub-continent through a full range of satellite applications, for Earth observation, telecommunications, science and navigation.
Six more successful Ariane 5 launches in 2015
This evening’s launch from the French Guiana Space Center, was the last of the year for Arianespace’s heavy launcher. Ariane 5 carried out six launches in 2015, all successful, orbiting 12 telecommunications satellites for 12 different operators, both government and private, from around the world. More than ever, today’s most reliable and available commercial launch vehicle enabled Arianespace to meet all commitments to all customers.
Shortly after the announcement that the two satellites had been injected into orbit, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: “Arianespace is very proud this evening to have carried out another successful mission for our two faithful customers, who implement a wide range of practical applications based on satellite telecommunications. One of these customers, Arabsat, the inter-governmental organization leader of satellite operators in the Arab world; and ISRO, the Indian space agency that promotes a particularly ambitious space program. I would like to thank Arabsat and ISRO for their renewed trust. Launch after launch for more than 30 years, this expression of confidence honors us and also encourages us to keep meeting and exceeding their expectations.”
“I also would like to thank all our partners involved in this 10th successful launch of the year, which is in line with our ambitious schedule for 2015: ESA, responsible for the Ariane program; the Airbus Safran Launchers joint venture, and the entire European space industry, for the outstanding reliability and availability of Ariane 5 ECA – which this evening logged its 69th consecutive successful launch; CNES-CSG and all of the industrial companies who work at the launch base for their mobilization at our side; and, of course, the men and women of Arianespace for their professionalism and their customer commitment.”
