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WildBlue-1
approaches the Ariane 5payload adapter (in the foreground) for
its fit-check.
(Arianespace photo) |
KOUROU, French Guiana, Nov. 16, 2006/Satnews
Daily/ ― The WildBlue-1 payload for Ariane 5's upcoming launch has
marked a milestone in its pre-launch campaign, completing the "fit
check" verification with its launcher interface hardware.
Arianespace said that during an activity inside the
S5 satellite preparation facility, WildBlue-1 was lowered onto the
cone-shape payload adapter structure that serves as the interface with
Ariane 5. This is a standard step in the launch campaign, and verifies a
proper fit between the payload and the hardware with which it will be
integrated on Ariane 5.
WildBlue-1 is a pioneering satellite, using next-generation, two-way
wireless Ka-band spot beam technology for multiple re-use of the same
frequency. This provides higher capacity at lower cost compared to other
available satellite systems, lowering the cost of providing high
bandwidth access to the Internet.
Once in orbit, WildBlue-1 will allow Colorado-based WildBlue
Communications, to triple its customer capacity in the United States,
providing Internet access to homes and small offices in areas where
terrestrial broadband access alternatives are either limited or
unavailable
WildBlue Communications initiated its Internet connectivity service by
using relay capacity on Telesat's Anik F2 satellite - which was launched
by an Ariane 5 in July 2004. At that time, the 5,950 kg. platform was
the largest commercial telecommunications platform ever lofted.
For Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 heavy-lift mission (which is set for
early December from the Spaceport in French Guiana), WildBlue-1 will be
orbited along with SES Americom's AMC-18 telecommunications satellite.
The flight will be Ariane 5's fifth dual-satellite launch of the year.
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