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ArianespaceLaunch SuccessfulCommunicationsAriane 42L
Launched 1997-12-22 00:16 UTCAriane Launch Area 2, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Success
Reached Geostationary Orbit
Worldwide
86th
orbital launch attempt in 1997
Arianespace
11th
launch this year
Ariane Launch Area 2
11th
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
19 d 1 h
since the pad's previous launch
The Intelsat VIII-VIII/A series has been designed to meet the needs of Intelsat users throughout the system for improved C-band coverage and service. These spacecraft will incorporate six-fold C-band frequency reuse, two-fold frequency reuse of expanded C-band capacity, and the highest C-band power level ever for an Intelsat satellite. Consequently, Intelsat VIII will provide significantly more C-band capacity for public switched telephony and Intelsat Business Service, better quality for video services, and encourage new international VSAT applications.
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
Launches
328
Successful
313
95%
Upcoming
51
scheduled
Height
55.6m
Diameter
3.8m
To low Earth orbit
7,000kg
Liftoff thrust
4,600kN
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