Satellite News

Rocket: H-2A; Payload: IGS (exact designation unknown); Date: 28 November 2009, 0121 UTC; Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. Approximately 20 minutes after lift-off, the optical spy satellite separated from the rocket and entered its target orbit.

The launch of Intelsat-15 aboard a Zenit-3SLB has been delayed owing to technical issues. Nonetheless the Intelsat fleet has grown with the arrival of Intelsat-24 at 45.3 degrees East.

EADS Astrium fears a downturn of revenues from its Ariane 5 launcher by summer 2010, German business weekly WirtschaftsWoche reports. On the other hand, Astrium seems to have won a major satellite contract.

ESA Member States have recently approved the new principles for the Sentinel Data Policy, which establishes full and open access to data acquired by the upcoming Sentinel satellite missions.