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Flight 161

June 2: The satellites meet their Ariane 5 launcher

Preparations for Flight 161 marked another milestone today as the
final integration of Ariane 5's dual-satellite payload began at the
Spaceport in French Guiana.

The Optus and Defence C1 satellite was installed atop the SYLDA 5
dual-payload deployment system on Saturday, May 31, while the BSAT-2c
spacecraft was integrated atop the Ariane 5 vehicle today.

Our photo report below details the final preparations as the launch
campaign moves ahead on schedule for liftoff on the evening of June
11

The Optus and Defence C1 is lifted by an overhead crane inside the
Ariane 5 final assembly building for its installation on the SYLDA 5
dual-payload deployment system. SYLDA 5 is the black cylinder-shaped
structure illuminated inside the work platform in the background. To
its right is the payload fairing, which is ready to be lowered over
the Optus and Defence C1/SYLDA 5 combination.

The silver-colored pads inside the payload fairing are Helmholtz
absorbers that control the acoustic level under the fairing during
liftoff and ascent. Mitsubishi Electronic Corporation of Japan is the
prime contractor for Optus and Defence C1, and is responsible for all
communications systems. Space Systems/Loral (USA) designed, assembled
and integrated the bus and satellite system.

The bullet-shaped Ariane 5 payload fairing was lowered over the Optus
and Defence C1/SLYDA 5 combination. In the next step, the completed
"stack" will be hoisted to the upper level of the launcher
integration building for installation over the BSAT-2c satellite,
which already has been mated atop the Ariane 5.

BSAT-2c is inspected by launch team members after its installation on
Flight 161's Ariane 5. The BSAT-2c spacecraft is in the lower payload
position on Ariane 5, while the Optus and Defence C1 satellite will
ride in the upper position. During the mission, Optus and Defence C1
will be deployed first, followed by the separation of SLYDA 5. The
BSAT-2C will then be released from Ariane 5, completing the
launcher's mission. Orbital Sciences Corporation is the BSAT-2c
satellite manufacturer.

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