Ariane 5 Ready For HOT BIRD 10, NSS-9 And Spirale Satellites Launch

Arianespace's first Ariane 5 for launch in 2009 is now complete following the full installation of its multi-satellite payload, keeping preparations on schedule for a February 12 evening liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The final assembly step occurred today (February 4) when Ariane 5's upper payload stack component was installed atop the launcher. This element is composed of the Eutelsat HOT BIRD 10 satellite, which is mounted on Ariane 5's SYLDA dispenser system and encapsulated inside the launch vehicle's protective payload fairing. More

(Source: Space Daily - Feb 5)