ProtoStar I, which is encapsulated in the launch vehicle's ogive-shaped protective fairing, was lowered into place over the BADR-6 spacecraft, completing the payload "stack" atop Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage.

This integration activity occurred in the upper levels of the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport, where the Ariane 5 will undergo final checkout before its July 3 rollout to the launch zone. Liftoff is scheduled for July 4 during a launch window that opens at 6:47 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

ProtoStar I is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 spacecraft bus, and is designed to provide K-band/C-band relay capacity over Asia.

It is the first in a fleet of relay platforms that Asian satellite services company ProtoStar plans to deploy for advanced satellite television services and powerful two-way broadband communications access.

The spacecraft was designed to meet the needs of both emerging and existing direct-to-home (DTH) operators in Asia, as well as other broadband communication requirements in the region.

Arabsat's BADR-6 satellite was built jointly by EADS Astrium and Alcatel Alenia Space, and will be operated by the Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat.

This Ku/C-band relay platform will open up new video broadcasting and telecom services for the entire Middle East and North Africa region, along with a large part of sub-Saharan Africa. The satellite is designed for a lifetime of about 15 years, and is to operate from Arabsat's 26 deg. E geostationary orbital location.

Friday's launch with BADR-6 and ProtoStar I will be Arianespace's fourth of seven Ariane 5 missions in 2008 - making this the busiest year of activity for the workhorse launcher since its 1999 commercial service introduction.

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