Ariane 5 ECA launches DSN-1/Superbird-8 & HYLAS 4 satellites

An Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle (Ariane Flight VA242) launched the DSN-1/Superbird-8 and HYLAS 4 satellites from Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) at Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, on 5 April 2018 21:34 UTC (18:34 local time). DSN-1/Superbird-8 had a mass at liftoff of 5,348 kg, while HYLAS 4 had a mass at liftoff of 4,050 kg. Superbird-8 will provide satellite communications services mainly in the Japanese market, DSN-1 is an X-Band Defense Communications Satellite-1 for Japan’s Ministry of Defense, HYLAS 4 will deliver high speed, reliable and secure satellite communications to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Governments and Satellite Operators across Europe. Credit: Arianespace