PADAriane Launch Area 2
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
GStar 3 and SBS 5 were geostationary communications satellites.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 3AGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
GStar 3 & SBS 5
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 2
LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 49cf2445-5df5-46ee-a34c-2a9023750982
Reported date: Sep 8, 1988 at 23:00 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours 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 3 →
MANUFACTURER
Aérospatiale
VARIANT
3
FLIGHTS
11
SUCCESSES
10
SUCCESS RATE
90.9%
Ariane 3 was a European expendable carrier rocket, which was used for eleven launches between 1984 and 1989. It was a member of the Ariane family of rockets. The principal manufacturer for the Ariane 3 was Aérospatiale, while the lead agency for its development was the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 launch?
The Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 1988 at 11:00 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for GStar 3 & SBS 5?
The Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 mission uses the Ariane 3 rocket, manufactured by Aérospatiale. The Ariane 3 has flown 11 times with a 90.9% success rate.
Where is the Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 2 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is GStar 3 & SBS 5 going to?
The GStar 3 & SBS 5 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching GStar 3 & SBS 5?
The Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 3 | GStar 3 & SBS 5 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: Sep 8, 1988 at 23:00 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: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 219 hours ago
Launch ID: 49cf2445-5df5-46ee-a34c-2a9023750982
●Open-Meteo Weather19 hours ago
Pad weather at 5.23, -52.78
Mission Profile
GStar 3 & SBS 5 was a Ariane 3 mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 2, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on September 8, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.