Ariane 5’s launch with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 is set for April 9

Liftoff of the first Ariane 5 in 2010 – which will carry the dual civilian and military satellite payload of ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 – is planned for the evening of Friday, April 9 from Europe’s Spaceport. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 will be transferred Thursday from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex.