Assembly of the Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace's next dual-satellite mission marked another milestone this week when the launcher received its cryogenic ESC-A upper stage. The upper stage, supplied by EADS Space Transportation, is an element of the upgraded propulsion system that provides increased lift capabilities for the Ariane 5 ECA.
The ESC-A system is powered by Snecma Moteurs' third stage HM-7B cryogenic engine, which has provided reliable service during its many years of service on the Ariane 4 launcher version.
The ESC-A upper stage burns for approximately 16 minutes during the Ariane 5 ECA's mission, and injects the launcher's payload into orbit.
Satellite passengers for the upcoming Ariane 5 ECA flight – scheduled for August – are France's Syracuse 3B new-generation military communications satellite and the JCSAT-10 telecom relay platform.
JCSAT-10 is a hybrid satellite, equipped with Ku-band high-power transponders and C-band medium-power transponders. Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems of the United States, JCSAT-10 will be located at 128 degrees east longitude and operated by JSAT Corporation of Japan.
Syracuse 3B was produced by Europe's Alcatel Alenia Space for the French DGA defense procurement agency, and will operate in the SHF (super high frequency) and EHF (extremely high frequency) bands.
The satellite has been hardened to resist nuclear attack and is to offer significantly enhanced service in terms of data throughput and resistance to countermeasures.
