[SatNews] Arianespace announced  Friday (May 22) that it received the go-ahead for the scheduled May 27 launch of Arian 5, a dual-payload rocket that will carry the DirecTV 15 and SKY México-1 direct-to-home satellites, from its facility in  French Guiana.  

Arianespace said it received the green light for Flight VA223 following a launch-readiness review, confirming “go” status of Ariane 5. That means all is set for rollout today of Ariane 5, followed by the anticipated liftoff on May 27 during a launch window that opens at 6:16 p.m. local time in  French Guiana (5:15 p.m. ET).    

With the readiness review now completed, all is set for Tuesday’s rollout of Ariane 5, followed by an evening liftoff on May 27 during a launch window that opens at 6:16 p.m. (local time in French Guiana).

Lift performance for the mission is approximately 9,960 kg., which includes 9,200 kg. for the DirecTV-15 and SKY México-1 payloads, along with associated hardware for the launcher’s SYLDA dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.

DirecTV-15 is an Airbus Defence and Space-built satellite based on the Eurostar E3000 platform.  It will provide services in the Ku-, Ka- and R-bands for customers of U.S.-based DIRECTV.

Orbital ATK, Inc. produced the SKY México-1 spacecraft using its GEOStar-2™ platform.  Equipped with Ku- and R-band transponders, this spacecraft will be operated for SKY, which is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and DIRECTV. 

Arianespace Flight VA223 will be the 223rd flight of an Ariane vehicle since the family of European-developed launchers began operation in 1979. 

The DirecTV 15 satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space, will provide capacity for additional digital TV services (in the Ku-, Ka- and R-bands) for DirecTV’s U.S. customers, including capacity that can be applied to the satellite TV operator’s 4K plans.  

With a design life of 15 years, DirecTV 15 is slated to be the eighth satellite orbited by Arianespace for DirecTV.   DirecTV 14, launched in December 2014, added add more VOD capacity and live streaming capabilities for DirecTV, which launched a limited 4K offering last November.  

The SKY México-1 spacecraft will be operated for SKY, which is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and DirecTV.  See more here