SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-259.01
AMSAT SPECIAL BULLETIN

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 259.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, SEPTEMBER 15, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-259.01

AMSAT News Service is pleased to report an Arianespace Ariane 5
launch vehicle has successfully delivered a pair of communications
satellites into Earth orbit. AR-506 placed the Astra 2B and GE-7 satellites
into the desired geostationary transfer orbit after a spectacular launch
from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The launch took place Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 22:54 UTC.

The Astra 2B satellite will broadcast digital TV programs throughout
Europe. The GE-7 satellite will primarily provide radio and Internet
transmission services for North America and the Caribbean.

Following the successful launch of AR-506, Arianespace and
AMSAT-DL have announced that V-507 is scheduled not to
occur before November 3, 2000. Aboard this flight will be the
AMSAT Phase 3D communications satellite, which is now undergoing
final preparation at the Kourou launch site.

According to AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow,
DB2OS, who is leading the launch team, the advance members of the
launch team arrived in Kourou on September 9th. Most importantly, they
have ascertained that Phase 3D appears to be in excellent condition.

Tests of Phase 3D's systems are now underway, including charging of
the satellite batteries. The launch team has successfully performed
pressure tests on the propulsion systems and are now preparing P3D
for RF testing.

AMSAT-NA Executive Vice President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH,
informed ANS the Phase 3D launch team is awaiting the provision of
electronic mail in Kourou which will enable more frequent bulletins to
be provided.

Stay tuned to ANS for additional bulletins from AMSAT, the official
source for information on the Phase 3D Launch.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-NA for this information]
/EX