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EGNOS to Gain Satellite with Scheduled Launch

March 20, 2014  - By
The ASTRA 5B is installed in preparation for launch Friday, March 21. (Photo credit: Arianespace)

The ASTRA 5B is installed in preparation for launch Friday, March 21.
(Photo credit: Arianespace)

The launch of the satellite ASTRA 5B, which will become part of the European Commission’s European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), is scheduled for Friday, March 21, according to satellite company SES. It will be launched into space from the European Space Centre in French Guiana on board an Ariane 5 ECA rocket between 19:05 p.m. and 20:02 p.m. local time (23.05 – 00.02 CET; 18.05 – 19.02 EDT).

ASTRA 5B will carry a hosted L-band payload for EGNOS. It will also extend transponder capacity and geographical reach over Eastern Europe and neighboring markets for DTH, direct-to-cable, and contribution feeds to digital terrestrial television networks.

ASTRA 5B was built by Airbus Defence and Space (formerly Astrium) in Toulouse, France, using a Eurostar E3000 platform. The multi-mission satellite will be located at 31.5 degrees East.

“The launch of ASTRA 5B will be the 39th launch of an SES satellite on board a European Arianespace launch vehicle,” said Martin Halliwell, chief technology officer of SES. “Our long-standing relationship is based on this proven track record and shows the continuous confidence we have in Arianespace and our commitment to Ariane as a launch vehicle. We look forward to a successful mission with this longstanding launch partner.”

The launch will be streamed online at the Arianespace site and at the SES YouTube channel.

Also follow the launch and the launch preparations on:
www.ses.com: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/9157?trk=tyah
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany

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