Arianespace’s VA222 dual launch mission. Photo: Arianespace

[Via Satellite 04-27-2015] Arianespace and Airbus Safran Launchers successfully launched the Thor 7 satellite for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting and the Sicral 2 joint French-Italian military satellite on April 26 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. The mission was the 222nd for the Ariane-series, and the first for Airbus Safran launchers, which became the prime contractor for the Ariane 5 program in January.

The Thor 7 satellite, built by SSL, was released approximately 28 minutes after liftoff and will operate at eight degrees west, providing coverage over the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Sicral 2, built by Thales Alenia Space Italy with Telespazio responsible for the launch service and other details, was released six minutes after Thor 7. The military satellite is designed for strategic and tactical telecommunications for French and Italian military forces, and to provide reserve capacity for other NATO nations.

Airbus Safran Launchers oversees an industrial network of more than 550 companies within 12 countries, and manages the entire industrial supply chain from equipment manufacture to integration of the launcher. The company is responsible for the Ariane 5 and future European launch vehicles.