* Astronomy

The launch of an Ariane 5 rocket with the HELIOS 2B satellite is still on schedule for lift-off at 1626 GMT (1:26 p.m. local time) from Kourou, French Guiana.

A technical problem with the first stage Helium pressurisation system has scrubbed this launch.

As a result, Arianespace has decided to replace this part, and thus to postpone the launch for a few days.
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The launch readiness review (RAL) took place in Kourou on Monday, December 7, 2009 and authorised count-down operations for the HELIOS 2B launch.
For its seventh launch of the year, Arianespace will place the HELIOS 2B observation satellite into sun-synchronous polar orbit for the French Ministry of Defence.
Arianespace continues to set the global launch Service & Solutions standard for all operators, whether civil or military. This launch also clearly illustrates the strategic role played by the Ariane launch vehicle, which guarantees independent access to space for all European governments.
It will be launched from the Ariane launch complex N° 3 (ELA3), in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Ariane 5 GS launcher lift-off for this flight is scheduled on December 9, 2009 at exactly:

KOUROU TIME
1:26 pm on December 9, 2009
Launch opportunity (UT)	Paris Time	Washington Time
04:26 pm on December 9, 2009	05:26 pm on December 9, 2009	11:26 am on December 9, 2009

Source Arianespace

Ariane 5 is readied for its launch of the Helios 2B reconnaissance satellite

Arianespace's wrap-up Ariane 5 flight of 2009 has entered final preparations for its liftoff next week with France's Helios 2B military observation satellite.
This seventh launch of the year is set for 1:26 p.m. on December 9 from the Spaceport in French Guiana, with its payload to be injected into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit during a mission lasting 59 min., 23 sec. 
Helios 2B will weigh approximately 4,200 kg. at liftoff and was produced by EADS Astrium as prime contractor.  The satellite's European industrial team also includes Thales Alenia Space, which supplied the reconnaissance satellite's high resolution imaging instrument.
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