Intelsat New Dawn Mated to Launch Vehicle Adapter

Today was a hazardous operation day and everyone was required to carry their own gas mask (notice everyone is carrying a orange-colored fanny pack). In the unlikely event of any minor fuel leaks, detectors in the room sound off requiring everyone to don their masks. Working around a fully-fuelled satellite is a dangerous activity, but the Arianespace Team ensures all the Orbital and Intelsat personnel are well-trained and well-protected in case of any mishaps.


The big event of the day was moving the fully-fuelled Intelsat New Dawn satellite and mating it to the Launch Vehicle Adapter (LVA). This LVA is a metal, conical-shaped ring which is the interface between the satellite and the Ariane 5 launcher. This LVA interface holds the satellite securely in place during liftoff. Once the Ariane 5 rocket reaches the drop-off orbit, the adapter has explosive bolts that release a Marman clamp (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marman_clamp). From there, the satellite is gradually pushed away from the launcher with a mechanical spring. From there, the satellite will complete its orbit-raising to a geosynchronous orbit using its own satellite fuel.

Contributor:
Brian Sing, Satellite Mission Director, Intelsat New Dawn