Ariane 5 ECA orbits INTELSAT 20 and HYLAS 2 satellites

 August 2, 2012,

Arianespace successfully launched two communications satellites: INTELSAT 20 for the international satellite operator Intelsat, and HYLAS 2 for the European operator Avanti.

Today's successful mission, the 50th in a row for the European launcher, once again proves the reliability and availability of the Ariane 5 launch system. It also confirms that Arianespace continues to set the global standard, guaranteeing independent access to space for all customers, including national and international space agencies, private operators and governments.

Arianespace's latest successful mission, the fourth Ariane 5 launch in 2012, also further confirms the system's operational capabilities. Ariane 5 is the only commercial satellite launcher now on the market capable of simultaneously launching two payloads and handling a complete range of missions, from launches of commercial satellites into geostationary orbit, to dedicated launches into special orbits.

Record payload

The 64th Ariane 5 launch set a new record for payload mass injected into geostationary transfer order. It carried a total payload of 10,182 kg, including 9,405 kg for the two satellites INTELSAT 20 and HYLAS 2, which were released into their targeted orbits.