Optus and Defence C1 & BSAT-2cAriane 5 G Arianespace Launch Status Success Wed · Jun 11th, 2003 6:38 PM EDT Mission Optus and Defence C1 & BSAT-2c Type: Communications Optus and Defence C1 is a relay platform in geostationary orbit at 156 degrees East. It is one of the most advanced communications satellites ever built. BSAT-2C is a geostationary communication satellite for B-SAT. Location Ariane Launch Area 3 Kourou, French Guiana 151 rockets have launched from Kourou, French Guiana. Rocket Ariane 5 G Length: 57 meters Diameter: 5.4 meters First Launch: June 4, 1996 The original version is dubbed Ariane 5 G (Generic) and had a launch mass of 737 tonnes. Its payload capability to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) was 6,900 kg (15,200 lb) for a single satellite or 6,100 kg (13,400 lb) for dual launches. It flew 17 times with one failure and two partial failures. The Ariane 5 G rocket has been launched a total of 16 times with 13 successful and 3 failed launches. Agency Arianespace Type: Commercial Abbreviation: ASA Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël Founded: 1980 Launchers: Ariane 5 | Vega 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