[Satellite TODAY 05-24-11] Both International Launch Services (ILS) and Arianespace completed successful launches May 20.

Arianespace successfully launched ST-2 for ST-2 Satellite Ventures, a joint venture of SingTel and Chunghwa Telecom, and GSAT-8 for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The launch is Arianespace’s third successful Ariane 5 launch this year.

The ST-2 satellite will provide IP-based fixed and mobile, voice and data transmission satellite services to businesses, especially direct broadcast TV operators and maritime companies in Asia and the Middle East. It has a design life of 15 years. The GSAT-8 satellite is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, and will mainly provide DTH and radio-navigation services. Its coverage zone includes the entire Indian subcontinent.