FRANCE: Both satellites for Ariane 5's first mission in the 10-ton payload lift version are undergoing final preparations for the 28 November launch date.

The decision to proceed with the scheduled launch has been taken following the successful Launcher System Rehearsal in Kourou on 5 November. The second Launcher System Rehearsal for flight 157 went off without a hitch, including the simultaneous filling with liquid hydrogen and oxygen of the cryogenic main stage (EPC) and cryogenic upper stage (ESC-A), as well as the synchronised launch sequence, up to T - 6 seconds.

The Hot Bird 7 spacecraft for Europe's Eutelsat and the French CNES Stentor telecommunications technology demonstrator are being processed in the modern new S5 facility at the Spaceport.

Hot Bird 7 has been fitted to its adapter that will serve as the installation interface with Ariane 5. The satellite will ride in the upper payload position, and is to be released first. Built by Astrium, this spacecraft will be the 19th satellite launched by Arianespace for Eutelsat.

The Hot Bird 7 uses the Eurostar 2000+ satellite bus and will have a mass at liftoff of 3,350 kg. Its 40 Ku-band transponders are to provide coverage over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.