The Arabsat-5C communications satellite has been fueled as preparations continue for the spacecraft's September 9 launch on Arianespace's next dual-passenger Ariane 5 flight from French Guiana. This multi-mission satellite received its onboard propellant load in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation building, readying Arabsat-5C for the upcoming integration in Ariane 5's payload "stack" along with co-passenger SES-2 for SES WORLD SKIES.
The Arabsat-5C satellite is shown during its propellant fueling, which was performed in the S5B hall of the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility.
Photo courtesy of Arianespace.
Arabsat-5C was built by EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space in a joint program for the satellite's assembly and in-orbit delivery. As the lead partner, Astrium supplied the Eurostar E3000 platform, with responsibility for assembling and testing the spacecraft. Thales Alenia Space designed and built the communications payload, which integrates C- and Ka-band transponders. The spacecraft will have an estimated launch mass of 4,630 kg., and is to operate from an orbital position of 20 deg. East to provide a wide range of communications relay services for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat).