Name: Astra 2B & GE-7 — Ariane 5 G
Start: 2000-09-14T22:54:07Z
End: 2000-09-14T22:54:07Z
Location: Ariane Launch Area 3

Question 1

What rocket is launching Astra 2B & GE-7?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2B & GE-7 is launching on the Ariane 5 G.

Question 2

Who is launching Astra 2B & GE-7?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2B & GE-7 is being launched by Arianespace, a commercial launch provider founded in 1980.

Question 3

Where is Astra 2B & GE-7 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2B & GE-7 is launching from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.

Question 4

What orbit is Astra 2B & GE-7 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2B & GE-7 is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Ariane 5 G reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Ariane 5 G is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Ariane 5 G flown?

Accepted Answer

The Ariane 5 G has launched 16 times to date, with 13 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Astra 2B & GE-7 mission?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2B is one of the Astra communications satellite owned and operated by SES. Providing digital television and radio broadcast service to the UK and Republic of Island. GE-7 is also a commercial communications satellite owned and operated by GE American. Providing coverage to North America, Hawaii, the Caribbean islands and most of Mexico.

Question 8

Where is the Guiana Space Centre?

Accepted Answer

The Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais) is Europe's spaceport, near Kourou in French Guiana on the north-east coast of South America. It has been operational since 1968.

Question 9

Who operates the Guiana Space Centre?

Accepted Answer

France's space agency CNES runs the site, the European Space Agency (ESA) owns the launch infrastructure, and Arianespace operates the launch services.

Question 10

Which rockets launch from Kourou?

Accepted Answer

Current launches fly Ariane 6 from the ELA-4 complex and the lighter Vega-C from its dedicated pad. The James Webb Space Telescope launched from here on an Ariane 5 in 2021.

Question 11

Why launch from French Guiana?

Accepted Answer

Sitting just 5° north of the equator, the spaceport gives rockets a strong eastward boost from Earth's rotation and a clear path out over the Atlantic — a major advantage for reaching the geostationary orbits many large satellites need.

Astra 2B & GE-7

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Ariane Launch Area 3

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Frequently asked questions