Ariane 4 Mission Log 15 Dec 2000

Actions are underway for the stand-down of Flight 137 to enable additional checkout of the Eurasiasat 1 satellite payload. The mission’s Ariane 4, which remains in the ELA-2 launch zone, is being emptied of its first and second stage propellants. Tomorrow, the payload will be removed from atop the launcher and returned to the S3B satellite preparation building. The payload fairing is expected to be opened this weekend, allowing Alcatel Space to perform the additional inspection of the spacecraft. Eurasiasat 1 is one of the most powerful spacecraft ever built in Europe. The platform is equipped with 32 high-power Ku-band transponders for broadcast via two fixed beams and two steerable beams. The satellite’s fixed beams cover Europe, Turkey and Central Asia, while the steerable beams can be pointed where the market dictates – including the Middle East, Russia, India and South Africa.