On its fifth launch of the year, which will be the third mission in 2016 utilizing an Ariane 5 launcher from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana, Arianespace will orbit two satellites: EchoStar XVIII for the operator DISH Network L.L.C.; and BRIsat for PT.Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk.
This mission – the 230th overall by an Ariane launcher – will mark a new all-time Arianespace record for a total payload weight orbited: 10,730 kg., including a net weight of 9,840 kg. for the two satellites. The launch, designated Flight VA230, is to be the very first time that Arianespace orbits two satellites built by SSL (Space Systems Loral) on the same launcher, as well as Arianespace’s initial launch of a spacecraft entirely dedicated to use by a financial institution.
EchoStar XVIII and BRIsat will be the 533rd and 534th satellites launched by Arianespace.
