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Arianespace Flight 157
Debut of 10-ton payload Ariane 5

The Launch System Rehearsal was held last week, marking a major step 
forward in the preparation of Flight 157.

Evry, October 22, 2002 - Taking place on October 15-16, the Launch 
System Rehearsal for the upcoming launch of the 10-ton payload Ariane 
5 fulfilled its major objectives: simultaneous filling of the two 
cryogenic stages, the EPC main stage and the ESC-A upper stage, 
followed by synchronized sequences up to ignition of the Vulcain main 
stage engine, and engine operation for 14 seconds, as foreseen.

The data collected during the rehearsal is now being processed. 
Passing this milestone allows Arianespace to consolidate its targeted 
launch date, now set for no earlier than November 20.

For its 11th launch of the year, Arianespace will orbit two 
satellites: HOT BIRDTM 7, a communications satellite for the operator 
Eutelsat, and Stentor, a space telecommunications and technology 
demonstrator satellite for French space agency CNES.

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