Name: Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX — Ariane 5 G
Start: 2000-12-20T00:26:00Z
End: 2000-12-20T00:26:00Z
Location: Ariane Launch Area 3

Question 1

What rocket is launching Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX is launching on the Ariane 5 G.

Question 2

Who is launching Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX is being launched by Arianespace, a commercial launch provider founded in 1980.

Question 3

Where is Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX launching from?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX is launching from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.

Question 4

What orbit is Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX heading to?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2D & GE-8, LDREX 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 2D & GE-8, LDREX mission?

Accepted Answer

Astra 2D 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-8 is also a commercial communications satellite operated by GE American, covering the USA, Canada and Caribbean. LDREX was an engineering test to validate the antenna on the ETS-8.

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 2D & GE-8, LDREX

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Ariane Launch Area 3

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Frequently asked questions