Arianespace Payload processing for Arianespace's next dual-passenger Ariane 5 flight is moving forward as the EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 satellite is readied for its upcoming liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana later this month.

This relay platform - built by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) based on the company's 1300 satellite bus - made initial contact with Ariane 5 launcher hardware during activity inside the Spaceport's S1B clean room facility.

The step involved EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1's fit-check with its cone-shaped payload adapter, which serves as the spacecraft's interface with Ariane 5.

After deployment by Ariane 5, EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 will assist European telecommunications operator Eutelsat and Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, in responding to demand for the fastest-growing applications in the Middle East and North Africa - including video broadcasting, enterprise communications and government services.

In addition, it will initiate a Ka-band capability that opens business opportunities for both parties.

EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 is equipped with four steerable spot beam antennas and four deployable reflectors, along with advanced command and telemetry capabilities, and it will provide a follow-on to the EUTELSAT 25C satellite - which currently is operated at 25.5 East.

With a liftoff mass of more than 6,000 kg., EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 will ride in the upper position of Ariane 5's payload "stack," with the Indian GSAT-7 communications satellite - which also has been undergoing checkout activities at the Spaceport - located below it.

GSAT-7 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and carries relay payloads in UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band.

This upcoming launch - targeted for August 29 - is designated Flight VA215 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, signifying the 215th mission with the Ariane series of launch vehicles.