Ariane 5 sets a new payload lift record – Heavy-lift launcher places four satellites into orbit

Arianespace launched PanAmSat’s Pas-1R
communications satellite and three auxiliary payloads on a single flight on Wednesday
evening, setting a new record by placing 6,313 kg. into orbit.

Using an Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle, Flight 135 lofted the PAS-1R communications
satellite for PanAmSat, the Amsat Phase 3D amateur radio satellite, and on the first
Ariane 5 ASAP adaptator two British technology microsatellites, STRV-1c and 1d.

Launch occurred at 8:07 p.m. EST (0107 GMT Nov. 16).