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Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
20:10:00
Tuesday February 28, 2006
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Launch failed due to the second stage shutting down early on the second burn.
EADS Astrium and Arabsat, the communications satellite operator based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have signed a contract for the construction of Arabsat's fourth-generation satellites, designated Arabsat-4A and Arabsat-4B. Scheduled to enter service in 2006, the satellites will provide communications services over a wide area within the Middle East region. For this programme, EADS Astrium will team with Alcatel Space. EADS Astrium, as prime contractor for Arabsat-4, will design and build the spacecraft, supply the platforms, upgrade the Arabsat ground control centres, and deliver the spacecraft in orbit on behalf of ARABSAT. Alcatel Space will supply the payloads. Arabsat 4A will carry 24 active channels in C-band and 16 active Ku-band channels and Arabsat 4B will have a payload of 28 active Ku-band channels. Both satellites will have a launch mass of around 3.3 tons and a 15-year design life.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
1 Payload
3,341 kilograms
Manufacturer
KhrunichevPrice
$65.00 million
Rocket
Height: 58.18m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 21,000 kg
GTO: 6,900 kg
Liftoff Thrust
10,027 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 4.35m
Height: 15.26m
Stages
4
11th
Mission
1st
Mission of 2006
6th
Orbital launch attempt