ARIANESPACE
Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2
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Oct 13, 2006 at 20:56 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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Source
PADAriane Launch Area 3
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITGeostationary Transfer Orbit
TYPEDedicated Rideshare
MISSION OVERVIEW
DirecTV 9S is a high-power spot beam satellite that will enable DirecTV to serve additional markets. Serving high-quality local and national digit video service. Optus D1 is a communications satellite serving many customers. LDREX was an engineering test to validate the antenna on the ETS-8.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 5 ECAAGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2
MISSION TYPE
Dedicated Rideshare
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 3LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ba37c145-fa3e-41fb-b20f-efee8e6029cf
Reported date: Oct 13, 2006 at 20:56 UTC
Last synced: 15 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 5 ECA →
MANUFACTURER
ArianeGroup
VARIANT
ECA
FLIGHTS
73
SUCCESSES
71
SUCCESS RATE
97.3%
Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family.
LAUNCH VIDEOS
ARTICLES & COVERAGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 launch?
The Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 is scheduled for Friday, October 13, 2006 at 8:56 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 DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2?
The Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 mission uses the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, manufactured by ArianeGroup. The Ariane 5 ECA has flown 73 times with a 97.3% success rate.
Where is the Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 going to?
The DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 mission is targeting Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Who is launching DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2?
The Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 5 ECA | DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 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 00:04 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 13, 2006 at 20:56 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 15 minutes ago
●Launch Library 215 minutes ago
Launch ID: ba37c145-fa3e-41fb-b20f-efee8e6029cf
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.77
Mission Profile
DirecTV-9S, Optus D1, LDREX-2 was a Ariane 5 ECA mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on October 13, 2006. The flight carried its payload on a dedicated rideshare mission to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch was a success.