Arianespace to launch communication satellites from French Guiana

The European satellite launch company Arianespace will launch two communication satellites this Tuesday from the Guiana Space Centre on Tuesday, making it the company’s 10th launch of the year and the sixth on the Ariane 5 rocket.

This file picture shows the launch of Ariane 5 from Kourou in French Guiana in April 2015. AFP PHOTO / ESA/ P. PIRON / HO

The France headquartered company will launch ARABSAT-6B for the operator ARABSAT and GSAT-15 for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

This will be the ninth satellite launched by Arianespace for the Saudi Arabia based operator ARABSAT.

It is the first of the sixth generation of satellites in the Arabsat fleet, and will provide broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

GSAT-15 which was built by ISRO, will be the 19th payload launched by Arianespace for the Indian space agency.

GSAT-15, will provide telecommunications services for the entire India sub-continent, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services.

The mission, from liftoff to release of the satellites, will last around 45. The launcher will carry a total payload of 9,810 kg, including approximately 8,962 kg for the two satellites.