MISSION NAME
Hot Bird 10, NSS-9, Spirale A, Spirale B
Status
Success
DATE
12 FEB 2009
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Arianespace
Launch Pad
Ariane Launch Area 3
Description
Hot Bird 10 is a French communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. It provides direct to home broadcasting from geostationary orbit at 13 degrees East. NSS9 is a communications satellite owned by SES, operating at 177 degrees West. Spirale is a French government programme to develop an early wanring system which will use infrared satellite imagery to detect the flights of ballistic missiles. This was a demonstration using two micro satellites.
Ariane 5 ECA
Rocket Description
Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family.