Kourou Final payload integration for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission has begun at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where SES ASTRA's ASTRA 1L satellite has been placed atop the launch vehicle's SYLDA satellite deployment system.
ASTRA 1L is one of two payloads to be orbited by the May 3 flight, and it was installed on the SYLDA dispenser during activity inside the integration hall of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building (photo at right).
With this step now completed, the ASTRA 1L/SYLDA combination ready to be encapsulated in the Ariane 5's large payload fairing, completing the upper element of this launch vehicle's dual payload "stack."
The integrated payload component will then be hoisted to the upper levels of the Final Assembly Building for positioning over the mission's other payload – Intelsat's Galaxy 17 satellite, which is to be mated to the top of Ariane 5's central core stage
