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With AMC-18 now in place on the Ariane 5, the next step will be
to integrate the mission's other payload - WildBlue
Communication's WildBlue-1 - which will be installed over
AMC-18, utilizing the SYLDA 5 multiple payload dispenser system.
(Arianespace
photo) |
KOUROU, French Guiana, Nov.
30, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― Arianespace said
on Thursday AMC-18 satellite, the first passenger of Ariane 5's
dual-satellite payload, has been integrated on the launcher, marking
another milestone in preparations for the December 8 liftoff.
Earlier, Arianespace announced WildBlue Communications' WildBlue-1
satellite has completed its integration as the upper passenger on Ariane
5's upcoming launch. WildBlue-1 will be orbited along with SES Americom
AMC-18.
Installed in the upper position
of Ariane 5's multiple payload dispenser system will be the 4,735 kg.
WildBlue-1 spacecraft. The pioneering satellite will provide Internet
access by using next-generation, two-way wireless Ka-band spot beam
technology for multiple re-use of the same frequency.
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. The spacecraft was
produced in Palo Alto, California by Space Systems/Loral and will be
positioned at an orbital slot of 109.2 deg. West.
Joining WildBlue-1 on the December 8 mission will be AMC-18
telecommunications satellite. AMC-18 is to ride in the lower passenger
position, and will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 2,080 kg. It
was built in Sunnyvale, California by Lockheed Martin Commercial
Satellite Systems, and will operate from an orbital position of 105 deg.
West.
Equipped with 24 C-band transponders, AMC-18 will provide cable
television services to the 50 United States and the Caribbean. With a
design life of more than 15 years, it will expand SES Americom’s fleet
of satellites that distribute cable, television and radio broadcasts,
telecommunications services, business television and broadband data
throughout the Americas and transoceanic regions.
AMC-18 is equipped with 24
C-band transponders and will provide cable television services to the 50
United States and the Caribbean. It has a design life of 15-plus years,
and will expand SES Americom’s fleet of satellites that distribute
cable, television and radio broadcasts, telecommunications services,
business television and broadband data throughout the Americas and
transoceanic regions.
Recent Stories:
WildBlue-1, AMC-18
Readied for installation on Ariane 5
Arianespace in Final Preparations for Dec. 8
Launch of WildBlue-1, AMC-18 Satellites
AMC-18 Satellite Slated for December 8 Launch
AMC-18 Arrives at Europe's Spaceport for
Ariane 5's Dual-payload Launch in December |
