Arianespace Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b Ariane 44P
About the Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b Mission
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Geostationary Orbit
With the launch of Nilesat 101 on 28 April 1998, delivering more than 100 digital TV channels as well as radio and multimedia services to more than five million homes over the whole of North Africa from Morocco to the Persian Gulf, Egypt became the first African country to have its own direct TV broadcast satellite. A second satellite, Nilesat 102, was launched in 2000, and the Nilesat system now broadcasts more than 150 digital TV channels and provides additional services such as data transmission, turbo internet and multicasting applications. BSAT-1a and -1b replaced the two BS-3 spacecraft used for DBS services, including Hi-Vision test broadcasts, by NHK, WOWOW, and others. Hughes selected the Ariane rocket as the launch vehicle for the BSAT-1 spacecraft. BSAT-1a was launched 16 April 1997 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. BSAT-1b was also launched from Kourou on 28 April 1998. The two satellites are located at 110 degrees East longitude.
Launch Pad & Location
Ariane Launch Area 2
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
The Ariane Launch Area 2 launch pad has hosted 119 rocket launches, including 119 orbital launch attempts. The Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana launch site has been the location for 333 total rocket launches.
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Aérospatiale Ariane 44P Rocket
The Ariane 4 was an expendable space launch system, developed by the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), the French space agency, for the European Space Agency (ESA). It was manufactured by ArianeGroup and marketed by Arianespace. Since its first flight on 15 June 1988 until the final flight on 15 February 2003, it attained 113 successful launches out of 116 total launches.
About Arianespace
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b launch scheduled?
The Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b mission launch from?
The Arianespace Ariane 44P rocket launched from Ariane Launch Area 2 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
What rocket was used for the Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b mission?
The Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b mission launched aboard a Arianespace Ariane 44P rocket. The Ariane 4 was an expendable space launch system, developed by the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), the French space agency, for the European Space Agency (ESA). It was manufactured by ArianeGroup and marketed by Arianespace. Since its first flight on 15 June 1988 until the final flight on 15 February 2003, it attained 113 successful launches out of 116 total launches. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b launch?
The Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Arianespace Ariane 44P Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Arianespace Ariane 44P launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Nilesat 101 & BSat 1b mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Arianespace live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.