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All systems are go for launch

Ariane 5 is in the launch zone for Arianespace's dual-payload mission with GSAT-8 and ST-2



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The Launch Readiness Review(RAL) took place in Kourou on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 and authorised count-down operations for the ST-2 & GSAT-8 launch.
Arianespace will orbit two communications satellites on its third launch of the year: ST-2 for the operator ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa), and GSAT-8 for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The ARIANE 5 ECA Launcher lift-off for this flight is scheduled on May 20, 2011 as soon as possible within the following launch window:

- Universal time (GMT): Between 08:38 pm and 10:10 pm on May 20, 2011
- Paris, France: Between 10:38 pm and 12:10 am on May 20-21, 2011
- Kourou, French Guiana: Between 05:38 pm and 07:10 pm on May 20, 2011
- Washington, D.C.: Between 04:38 pm and 06:10 pm on May 20, 2011

Source Arianespace