Status Report

Arianespace Flight 157: Launch of the “10-ton” Ariane 5 is scheduled for December 11

By SpaceRef Editor
December 7, 2002
Filed under , ,

The go-ahead for Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 with a 10-ton payload lift capacity followed the replacement of two external chill-down igniters (AMEF) on the launch table in Kourou, French Guiana.

Arianespace has authorized the resumption of preparations for the liftoff of Flight 157, which is now slated for Wednesday, December 11.

Tests performed pinpointed that the sensors did not provide data on the igniters’ operation. Two new igniters were validated, and they have been integrated on the launch table.

Reconfiguration of the Ariane 5 for Flight 157 is now complete. The two satellites for this mission, HOT BIRDTM 7 and STENTOR, remained under the launcher’s fairing during these operations. The launcher will be transferred to the launch zone on Tuesday, December 10.

Flight 157 is set for liftoff at the opening of the following launch window:















Launch Window for Flight 157
KOUROU GMT PARIS WASHINGTON D.C.

Between 7:22 p.m.
and 8:14 p.m.
on December 11, 2002



Between 10:22 p.m.
and 11:14 p.m.
on December 11, 2002



Between 11:22 p.m.
and 00:14 a.m.
on December 11/12, 2002



Between 5:22 p.m.
and 6:14 p.m.
on December 11, 2002


SpaceRef staff editor.