Ariane 5 ECA launches JCSAT-17 and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B satellites

An Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle (Ariane Flight VA252) launched the telecommunications satellites JCSAT-17 and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) at Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, on 18 February 2020 at 22:18 UTC (19:18 local time). JCSAT17 is owned by the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and will deliver flexible, high-bandwidth communications to users in Japan and the surrounding region. GEOKOMPSAT-2B is the second satellite manufactured by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and will be used for Earth environment monitoring and ocean monitoring missions. Credit: Arianespace #Ariane5 #VA252