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Flight 161
May 5: The first phase of Ariane's integration is nearly complete

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming dual-satellite launch is
nearing completion of its first phase of integration as the launcher
takes shape at the Spaceport.

Following the mating of Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage and two
booster stages on the mobile launch table in the launcher integration
building, activity continued last week with the installation of the
equipment bay and EPS upper stage.

Liftoff of Flight 161 remains on schedule for early June with the
Optus and Defence C1 spacecraft for Australia, and BSAT-2c for the
Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) of Japan.

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