DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2Ariane 5 ECA Arianespace Launch Status Success Fri · Oct 13th, 2006 4:56 PM EDT Watch Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp7Ys6eLqYM Mission DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 Type: Dedicated Rideshare DirecTV 9S is a high-power spot beam satellite that will enable DirecTV to serve additional markets. Serving high-quality local and national digit video service. Optus D1 is a communications satellite serving many customers. LDREX was an engineering test to validate the antenna on the ETS-8. Location Ariane Launch Area 3 Kourou, French Guiana 151 launches have been at this location. Rocket Ariane 5 ECA Length: 57.7 meters Diameter: 5.4 meters First Launched: December 11, 2002 Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family. The Ariane 5 ECA rocket has been launched a total of 73 times with 71 successful and 2 failed launches. Agency Arianespace Type: Commercial Abbreviation: ASA Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël Founded: 1980 Launchers: Ariane 5 | Vega Spacecraft: Country: FRA 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. View Rocket Launch Schedule