Flight 142: Artemis set for July 12 launch on Ariane 5

The European Space Agency’s Artemis telecommunications satellite has been
confirmed as one of the two passengers for Flight 142.

It will share the Ariane 5 ride with Japan’s BSAT-2b direct broadcasting
satellite on the launch scheduled for July 12.

Artemis is the most advanced telecommunications spacecraft developed by ESA.
It will demonstrate new technologies and contribute to the development of
Europe’s new satellite navigation system, new mobile communications services
and advanced inter-satellte data relay links.

The spacecraft was delivered to French Guiana by sea in March, and has
undergone the first phase of its checkout and pre-launch tests. A full
rehearsal for Artemis’ launch and early in-orbit operational phase has been
conducted, and the payload is now being prepared for its eight-week
pre-launch campaign. The campaign will include an intensive program of
checks as well as a validation of all satellite and ground system
operations.

After its launch by Arianespace Flight 142’s Ariane 5, Artemis will be
positioned at 21.5 degrees East over central Africa.