BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW

Follow the preparations and launch of the Arianespace Ariane 4 rocket carrying the JCSAT-8 and Astra-3A communications satellites. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.
Flight data file
Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Payload: JCSAT-8 & Astra 3A
Launch date: March 28, 2002
Launch window: 8:29-9:14 p.m. EST (0129-0214 GMT on 29th)
Launch site: ELA-2, Kourou, French Guiana, South America
Satellite broadcast: GE-3, Transponder 5, C-band