Fueling of JCSAT-12 is performed for Arianespace’s fourth Ariane 5 mission of 2009

(Arianespace) – The second passenger on Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 flight has been fueled at the Spaceport as preparations continue for the workhorse vehicle’s fourth heavy-lift launch of 2009 from French Guiana.

Propellant loading of the JCSAT-12 spacecraft was performed in the Spaceport’s S5 satellite preparation facility, readying this relay platform for its integration with the Ariane 5.

JCSAT-12 is fueled in the S5 facility’s S5B hall, which is one of three preparation zones available in this state-of-the-art preparation center at the Spaceport.

JCSAT-12 is a high-power hybrid relay platform that will provide coverage of Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii with 30 active Ku-band transponders and 12 active C-band transponders.  It will be launched along with the Optus D3 telecommunications satellite, which also has completed its propellant fueling process in the Spaceport’s S5 facility.

The upcoming Ariane 5 mission is scheduled for later this month, and carries a pair of U.S.-manufactured spacecraft for two of Arianespace’s Asia-Pacific customers.

JCSAT-12 was built in Newtown, Pennsylvania by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems with the company’s A2100 spacecraft bus, and is to be operated by Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation – which is one of Asia’s largest satellite operators.

The Optus D3 payload was produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation at its Dulles, Virginia manufacturing facility using the company’s STAR-2 platform.  It will be utilized by Australia’s Optus telecommunications provider, and is equipped with 24 active Ku-band transponders for fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand.

A total of seven Ariane 5 missions are planned in 2009, making it the busiest year ever for Arianespace’s heavy-lift launcher.