The first of two satellite payloads for Ariane 5s next heavy-lift flight has been delivered to French Guiana, arriving at Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner.
Designed and manufactured by EADS Astrium for satellite operator SES ASTRA, the ASTRA 1N spacecraft will deliver direct-to-home broadcast services including digital and high definition television with pan-European coverage.
The satellite will be orbited along with its co-passenger, BSAT 3c/JCSAT 110R, on another of Ariane 5s trademark dual-payload missions in early July.