PADAriane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
French direct broadcasting satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 2AGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
TDF 1
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 818d37b3-0508-449f-975f-ce914b5b701a
Reported date: Oct 28, 1988 at 02:17 UTC
Last synced: 8 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Ariane 2 →
MANUFACTURER
Aérospatiale
VARIANT
2
FLIGHTS
6
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
83.3%
Ariane 2 was an expendable space launch vehicle, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) between 1986 and 1989 as part of Ariane family of rockets. The principal manufacturer for the Ariane 2 was Aérospatiale, while the lead agency for its development was the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the French government's space agency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Ariane 2 | TDF 1 launch?
The Ariane 2 | TDF 1 is scheduled for Friday, October 28, 1988 at 2:17 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for TDF 1?
The Ariane 2 | TDF 1 mission uses the Ariane 2 rocket, manufactured by Aérospatiale. The Ariane 2 has flown 6 times with a 83.3% success rate.
Where is the Ariane 2 | TDF 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is TDF 1 going to?
The TDF 1 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching TDF 1?
The Ariane 2 | TDF 1 is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 2 | TDF 1 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 28, 1988 at 02:17 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 8 minutes ago
●Launch Library 28 minutes ago
Launch ID: 818d37b3-0508-449f-975f-ce914b5b701a
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.78
Mission Profile
TDF 1 was a Ariane 2 mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on October 28, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.