Stage set for launch of Thaicom 5, Satmex 6 satellites

Stage set for launch of Thaicom 5, Satmex 6 satellites

Thaicom

MUMBAI: It is all systems go for the latest Ariane 5 mission carrying the Satmex 6 and Thaicom 5 satellites.

Mission control in Kourou, French Guiana, has set the launch window for the Ariane 5 ECA and its two satellites early on Sunday, 28 May from 02:09 am to 02:54 am (Indian Standard Time).

The rocket was cleared for launch following the successful completion of systems checks, after which Arianespace decided to start the final countdown for its mission.

With the Thaicom 5 and Satmex 6 satellites on board, the Ariane 5 flight carries a combined payload weight totalling nearly 8,200 kg for its mission to geostationary transfer orbit.

Thaicom 5 carries a mixed payload of 14 Ku-band transponders and 25 C-band transponders will be located at an orbital position of 78.5 degrees east longitude.

As the name suggests, Satmex 6 will have Mexico and North America under its footprint.