Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 of 2010 is ready for launch

Another Ariane 5 is in the Spaceport’s launch zone, clearing the way for tomorrow’s flight (March 26) with the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads.
This vehicle – the 50th Ariane 5 to be launched – was transferred from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex during a process lasting 1 hr., 45 min. this morning.
The mission will be the first of seven Ariane 5 flights planned in 2010, and is set for liftoff during a March 26 launch window that opens at 7:03 p.m. local time and continues to 7:52 p.m. (22h03-22h52 UTC).