Arianespace Flight VA253 Galaxy 30 / MEV-2 / BSAT-4b

For its fifth launch of 2020, Arianespace will orbit two telecommunications satellites (Galaxy 30 and BSAT-4b) and one life extension vehicle (Mission Extension Vehicle-2 or MEV-2) using an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center.

The Galaxy 30/MEV-2 is a Northrop Grumman Corporation (former Orbital ATK) program combining two satellites stacked together: Intelsats Galaxy 30 and Mission Extension Vehicle-2 for SpaceLogistics LLC, a satellite servicing vehicle which will dock first to Intelsat 10-02 (IS-10-02).

Galaxy 30 (G-30) will be the first replacement satellite in Intelsats North American Galaxy fleet refresh. It will provide high-performance broadcast distribution capabilities, including Ultra-High Definition (HD) and over-the-top (OTT), while also supporting broadband, mobility and enterprise network solutions.

MEV-2 is supplied by Northrop Grumman for the companys wholly owned subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC. Intelsat 10-02 will be the first customer of the MEV-2. Once docked, it will control the orbit of the customer satellite using its own thrusters. After its mission for IS-10-02, MEV-2 will undock and be available for another customers vehicle.

The BSAT-4b satellite, designed and built for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), a leading broadcasting satellite operator in Japan, will be used for Direct-to-Home (DTH) television service above the Japan archipelago.

BSAT-4b satellite will serve as a backup system after BSAT-4a launched in September 2017. It will be the 10th launch for B-SAT. It will provide Direct-To-Home (DTH) television to ensure exceptional 4K/8K ultra-high definition (UHD) video distribution above the Japan archipelago, like its twin BSAT-4a. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.