[Satellite TODAY 07-05-10] The Nilesat-201 and Rascom-QAF1R satellites have been delivered to Arianespace in French Guiana in preparation for their Aug. 3 launch on an Ariane 5 rocket, Arianespace announced July 2.
    The mission will be Ariane 5’s third flight of 2010.
    Thales Alenia Space built the satellites for customers Nilesat and RascomStar. Nilesat-201 is equipped with 24 Ku- and four Ka-band transponders to enable the Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat to deliver digital DTH TV and radio broadcasting, along with high-speed data transmission services, to North Africa and the Middle East from 7 degrees West.
    The Rascom-QAF1R spacecraft is equipped with 24 Ku- and C-band transponders to provide service continuity and access to advanced communications technologies and rural telephony for RascomStar’s customers in Africa from 2.9 degrees East longitude.