Arianespace third heavy-lift mission of 2006 has entered its final countdown as preparations continue on schedule for this evening's liftoff with the JCSAT-10 and Syracuse 3B satellites.
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Fuelling of the Ariane 5 ECA's cryogenic main stage with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen began during mid-day at the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone as part of the final pre-launch sequence.
Today's mission highlights Arianespace's ability to team up passengers of varied utilisations on efficient dual-passenger launches: the 3,750-kg. Syracuse 3B is a secure military relay platform, while the 4,050-kg. JCSAT-10 is a commercial telecommunications that weighs in at approximately 4,050 kg. satellite.
Ariane 5 is scheduled for lift-off at the start of a 37-minute launch window that opens at 7:15 p.m. (local time in French Guiana). JCSAT-10 is installed in the upper payload position on the launcher, and its release will occur 27 min. into the mission, followed approximately five minutes later by the separation of Syracuse 3B from the lower passenger slot.
Launch window:GMT: Between 10:15pm and 11:52pm on August 11, 2006.
PARIS: Between 00:15am and 01:52am on August 12, 2006.
WASHINGTON: Between 06:15pm and 07:52pm on August 11, 2006.
KOUROU: Between 07:15pm and 08:52pm on August 11, 2006.
TOKYO: Between 07:15am and 08:52am on August 12, 2006.
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