Tonight’s Ariane 5 ECA mission was postponed following a low pressure reading in the launcher’s cryogenic upper stage during the final countdown.
Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said launch team members were unable to bring the pressure back to a level acceptable for liftoff, and the decision was made to stop the operations for further investigation. An update on the situation will be provided tomorrow morning.
Both the Ariane 5 and its dual-satellite payload consisting of the HOT BIRDTM 7A and SPAINSAT telecommunications spacecraft were in a safe condition on the ELA-3 launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport.
Liftoff mass of the HOT BIRD 7A spacecraft is 4,100 kg., while SPAINSAT weighs in at approximately 3,680 kg.
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