Ariane rocket to hoist communications satellites

An Ariane 5 rocket is set to propel two communications satellites into space Friday, one for Japanese telecom operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and second for Australian operator Optus. The dual payload is scheduled for lift off from the Arianespace launch site in Kourou, French Guiana between 22:09 and 23:09 GMT on August 21, Arianespace said in a statement. Weighing some 4,000 kilos (8,800 pounds), the JSAT satellite will provide communication services for Japan, the Asia-Pacific region, Oceania and Hawaii. It was built by US company Lockheed Martin, and is designed to last 15 years. More

(Source: AFP - Aug 20)