The EUTELSAT 25B/Es’hail 1 satellite is ready for its integration on SYLDA (photo at left), and is installed atop the dispenser in Ariane 5’s Final Assembly Building (photo at right). Photos courtesy of Arianespace.

This marks a new milestone in preparations for Flight VA215 from French Guiana, which will loft EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 and GSAT-7. Once in orbit, EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 will be used by two operators: the European telecommunications operator Eutelsat Communications; and Qatar's Es'hailSat Satellite Company.

As a high-power, multi-mission relay platform, the satellite is to deliver television broadcasting, telecommunications and government services with its Ku-band payload, while Ka-band relay capability is included to open business opportunities for both Eutelsat and Es'hailSat. It was produced by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) with a design operating lifetime of 15 years or more, and will be positioned at 25.5 deg. East after deployment by Ariane 5.

EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 was installed on the SYLDA dispenser in the payload preparation area of the Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building. With this step completed, the satellite/SYLDA combination is ready for encapsulation in the payload fairing, followed by integration on Ariane 5 - positioning it atop GSAT-7, which already has been mated to the launcher.

Flight VA215 will be Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift mission in 2013 and the 215th launch of an Ariane-series vehicle from French Guiana.