The Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility has become the center of attention for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission as the TerreStar-1 satellite passenger begins its pre-launch checkout process.
After being delivered to French Guiana from the United States last week, TerreStar-1 was moved into the S5 facility – where it has since undergone an initial fit-check validation with the adapter that will serve as the satellite's interface with Ariane 5.
TerreStar-1 will be the largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched, and is easily accommodated in the Spaceport's S5 processing complex – which has been sized for such massive passengers, and has the capacity to handle multiple payloads in parallel.
Based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 satellite bus, TerreStar-1 is designed to provide critical services for government, emergency responder, rural communities and commercial users. It will use the 2 GHz spectrum to deliver voice, data and video communications to satellite/terrestrial mobile devices the size of a typical smart phone.
The spacecraft will be operated by Reston, Virginia-based TerreStar Networks, which plans to offer next-generation mobile communications through a network of partners and service providers for users who need "anywhere" coverage throughout the United States and Canada.
TerreStar-1 will ride as a single payload on a dedicated Ariane 5. Liftoff is planned for the second half of June on Ariane 5's third mission of 2009.
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