Commercial launch service provider Arianespace is readying for its first launch on 2013 with the heavy-lift flight scheduled for February. According to reports, the France-based company is already assembling the heavy lifter that will be carrying the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1 telecommunications satellites.
Arianespace is already working on the rocket at the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building and is also in the process of equipping the vehicle with the cryogenic upper stage and vehicle equipment bay. The Amazonas 3 will be operated by the Brazilian company Hispasat’s subsidiary, Hispamar Satellites. The vessel was built by SS/L.
On the other hand, the Azerspace/Africasat-1 was built by the Orbital Sciences Corporation for the Azerbaijan state satellite operator Azercosmos. Reports indicate the communications satellite will be providing Ku and C band capacity across Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.
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