Ariane Successfully Launches Brasilsat B4 and Nilesat 102

An Arianespace Ariane 44LP rocket successfully launched from Guiana Space Center, Kourou, pad ELA 2, at 23:16 UTC (4:16 p.m. PDT) August 17, carrying Brasilsat B4 and Nilesat 102.

The Brasilsat B4 is a Hughes built HS 376W (wide-body) spin-stabilized communications satellite. The satellite weighed 1757 kg (3865 lbm) at launch. Brasilsat B4 will carry voice and data traffic over 28 C-band transponders. The satellite has a design life of 12 years. It will be positioned at 92°W, replacing Brasilsat A2. EMBRATEL, Rio de Jainero, ordered Brasilsat B4 in June 1998. The HS 376W satellite bus is spin-stabilized, having two cylindrical, telescoping solar panels. The bottom panel slides over the upper portion for launch and the antenna folds down, making the stowed spacecraft 3.43 m (11 ft 3 in) high. Deployed in orbit, the spacecraft extends to 8.3 m (27 ft 3 in) high. The satellite is 3.65 m (12 ft) in diameter, and will weigh 1052 kg (2320 lbm) at the start of life in orbit. The solar panels, covered with large-area silicon solar cells, will provide up to 1.800 kW. A Hughes-designed 18-cell nickel-hydrogen battery provides power during eclipses.

The 1827 kg (4019 lbm) Nilesat 102 direct broadcast Eurostar 2000 satellite was built by Astrium. The 3-axis stabilized satellite will carry 12 Ku-band transponders, and has an expected design life of 12 years with an expected end of life power of 3.750 kW. It will be positioned at 7°W. The satellite will be owned and operated by Nilesat S.A. of Egypt. The satellite was ordered from Matra Marconi (now Astrium) in March 1999. Nilesat S.A. is owned by Egyptian Radio and Television Union (40%), Egyptian Company for Investment Projects (20%), Arab Organization for Industrialization (10%), National Bank of Egypt (7.5%), Cario Bank (7.5%) and public subscription (20%).

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