Arianespace successfully launched two satellites from the French Guiana Space Center on board its Ariane 5 heavy launcher rocket. This marks the 69th successful launch in a row by Ariane 5.
Arabsat-6B (BADR 7) is the ninth satellite orbited by Arianespace since the launch of Arabsat-1A in 1985. This satellite is the first of the sixth generation of satellites in the Arabsat fleet. It will provide telecommunications and direct- to-home (DTH) TV broadcast services for the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. The satellite is fitted with 27 Ku-band transponders and offers multiple Ka-band spotbeams. It will be positioned at 26° East, and has a design life exceeding 15 years.
GSAT-15 is the 19th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It will provide telecommunications services for the country, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services. Arianespace has launched 91% of ISRO’s geostationary satellites that used non-Indian launch systems, dating back to the launch of the country’s experimental satellite APPLE on Flight L03 in 1981. It is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, plus two GAGAN transmitters for augmented navigation accuracy. It will be positioned at 93.5° East, and offers a design life of 12 years.
