[SatNews] Pre-launch processing is now underway in French Guiana with ARSAT-1, one of two satellite passengers that will be orbited on Arianespace’s fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission in 2014, which is planned for mid-October.

ARSAT-1 is the milestone, first geostationary satellite built in Argentina, produced by the company INVAP for operator ARSAT (Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima)—with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space serving as leading equipment suppliers. After its deployment by Ariane 5, ARSAT-1 will operate from an orbital position of 72 degrees West, from which it deliver a wide range of telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services across all of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Artistic rendition of the Intelsat DLA-1 satellite.

Image courtesy of SSL.

Joining ARSAT-1 on this upcoming mission—designated Flight VA220 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system—is the Intelsat DLA-1 co-passenger, which was built for international operator Intelsat by SSL (Space Systems/Loral). Together with the DLA-2 satellite that will be lofted on a future flight, DLA-1 will greatly expand DTH entertainment offerings in Latin America, as well as provide backup and restoration services.

The October launch with ARSAT-1 and Intelsat DLA-1 will follow Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission on September 11, which is to loft a pair of commercial telecommunications satellites: MEASAT-3b and Optus 10.

Follow Arianespace's launch activity at: http://www.arianespace.com