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Flight 160
April 7: Ariane 5 is in the launch zone


The launch campaign for Arianespace Flight 160 entered its final
hours today as the Ariane 5 launch vehicle was transferred to the
launch zone. 

This process began this morning at 11:30 a.m., when the launcher -
complete with its dual payload of the INSAT 3A and GALAXY XII
satellites - emerged from the Spaceport's final assembly building.

Mounted atop its mobile launch table, the Ariane 5 moved along the
2.8-km. twin rail line that links the final assembly building with
the ELA-3 complex' launch zone. The weather was excellent for the
transfer, with the sun shining brightly through only partially cloudy
skies over the Spaceport. 

Liftoff of Flight 160 is on schedule for tomorrow evening, April 8,
during a launch window that begins at 7:49 p.m. and closes at 8:30
p.m. (local time in Kourou, French Guiana).

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