COMSATBw-1 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH CHECKOUT AT THE SPACEPORT

Pre-launch processing is underway for the COMSATBw-1 military relay satellite, as preparations for Arianespace’s fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2009 continue at Europe’s Spaceport. In parallel activity, this upcoming mission’s second passenger – Amazonas 2 – has been topped off with its propellant load in the S5B fueling and integration hall.