Upper component integration for flight VA230. Photo: Arianespace

[Via Satellite 06-08-2016] Arianespace has delayed the launch of EchoStar 18 and BRIsat, Flight VA230, from June 8 to June 16 following a hiccup during the preparations for the rollout of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher. An anomaly occurred on a fluid connector between the cryogenic upper stage and the launch table, prompting the launch provider to replace this component and perform subsequent verifications.

The launch vehicle and its two satellite payloads are being maintained in fully safe conditions and in stand-by mode.