ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

Final assembly of the launcher for Arianespace’s year-opening flight is complete following the full installation of its multi-satellite payload at the Spaceport. HOT BIRDâ„¢ 10, which is encapsulated in the launch vehicle’s protective fairing, has been positioned over the NSS-9 spacecraft – completing the payload “stack” atop Ariane 5’s cryogenic core stage.