HOT BIRD 10 / NSS-9 /SPIRALE

Description of the Ariane 5 ECA payload scheduled for February 2009

HOTBIRD 10 ,  is a satellite designed to provide telecommunications, HD TV  numeric radio and interactive services. It is built by EADS ASTRIUM for EUTELSAT Communications.

Satellite coverage area : Europe, North Africa & Middle East

Total mass at launch : 4900 kg

Operational lifetime : 15 years

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NSS-9,  is a satellite dedicated to provide telecommunications, built by ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION for SES AMERICOM

Satellite coverage area : Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, China, Korea, Pacific islands, USA, Hawaii and Polynesia.

Total mass at launch : 2240 kg

Operational lifetime : 15 years.

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SPIRALE A & B, are auxiliary passengers, being used as technical demonstrator for advanced optical alarm. They were built by ASTRIUM on behalf of the DGA.

Satellite coverage area : ravelling elliptic orbit

Mass at launch : 120 kg

Operational lifetime : 14 months