Flight 131 Mission Update – Ariane 4 arrives at the ELA-2 launch zone

Flight 131’s Ariane 4 is now in the ELA-2 launch zone as the mission campaign moves into its final phase.
 
The Ariane 4 was transferred yesterday from ELA-2’s launcher assembly hall to the launch zone, riding the distance on its mobile launch table. After arriving at the launch pad, the mobile table was locked in place and the large service gantry moved in to cover the vehicle until launch day.
 
Ariane 4 was transferred to the launch zone yesterday as a nearly compete vehicle, with its first, second and third stages already integrated, along with the vehicle equipment bay and the two liquid strap-on boosters.
 
The first of two solid strap-on boosters that will be added to the first stage was ready for mating today. It will be followed by the second solid strap-on tomorrow. This will complete the propulsion system integration for this Ariane 44LP version of Ariane 4 – which uses the mix of two liquid and two solid boosters to augment the first stage’s thrust during liftoff and ascent.
 
Jean-Marc Artaud, Arianespace’s mission manager, said the launch countdown rehersal for Flight 131 is planned for Friday. This includes fuelling the launch vehicle and performing a simulated countdown to first stage engine ignition.
 
The Nilesat 102 and Brasilsat B4 satellites for Flight 131 have completed the filling of their own propellant systems, and they are awaiting transfer to the launch zone for integration atop the Ariane 4.
 
Artaud said liftoff of Flight 131 continues to be targeted for August 17.