karn (09/10/82)
>From a special Amsat net:
The liftoff of Ariane L5 took place at 02:12:03.33 UTC Sept 10, 1982.
The first and second stage flight appeared to be nominal. However,
expected acquisition at Ascension island was NOT nominal. When
the launcher was finally acquired late, it was apparently not on the planned
trajectory; it appeared lower than expected.
This occurred at about 12 minutes into the flight, about 2 minutes before
the scheduled end of the third stage burn.
It is not yet known whether the payload actually made it into an orbit, but
even if it did, it is highly unlikely that the two payloads could be placed
into the intended geostationary orbit.
It does appear that the problem was either with the third stage engine
or with the guidance system; the exact cause is not yet known.
Fortunately (for us), there was no amateur radio satellite aboard this
flight. However, it is a foregone conclusion that this apparent failure
can only delay the scheduled launch date for Amsat Phase III-B (3 Feb
1983).
Phil Karn, KA9Q