The first Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s launch activity next year is taking shape at the Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission joins another heavy-lift launcher that is nearing completion for Arianespace’s final mission of 2008.

The newest vehicle is being assembled in the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building, where its cryogenic core stage was erected and positioned over one of two operational launch tables for Ariane 5. This was followed by the rollout of the first in a pair of solid propellant rocket boosters. These are to be mated with the core stage, completing the launcher’s primary propulsion system. The photos to the right show the core stage and the rollout (courtesy of Arianespace). While the launcher is undergoing its build-up process, the second heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA is in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building where it will be equipped with a dual-satellite payload for Europe’s Eutelsat. The upcoming mission, which is scheduled before the end of this year, will carry the HOT BIRD-9 and W2M telecommunications satellites into orbit and will be the sixth Ariane 5 flight conducted by Arianespace in 2008.