ARIANESPACE
Ariane 5 ECA | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18
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Dec 8, 2006 at 22:08 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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Source
PADAriane Launch Area 3
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITGeostationary Transfer Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
WildBlue-1 offers Ka-band Broadband Internet Access via satellite. Operates at 111.1 degrees West in a geostationary orbit. AMC-18 is an SES satellite that provides coverage to North America for many television networks. This satellite operates at 105 degrees West.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 5 ECAAGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
WildBlue 1 & AMC-18
MISSION TYPE
Communications
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: 2ea37153-d70a-4f51-b5c4-dead279bd449
Reported date: Dec 8, 2006 at 22:08 UTC
Last synced: 14 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 | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 launch?
The Ariane 5 ECA | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 is scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2006 at 10:08 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 WildBlue 1 & AMC-18?
The Ariane 5 ECA | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 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 | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 going to?
The WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 mission is targeting Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Who is launching WildBlue 1 & AMC-18?
The Ariane 5 ECA | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 5 ECA | WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 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: Dec 8, 2006 at 22:08 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: 14 minutes ago
●Launch Library 214 minutes ago
Launch ID: 2ea37153-d70a-4f51-b5c4-dead279bd449
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.77
Mission Profile
WildBlue 1 & AMC-18 was a Ariane 5 ECA mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on December 8, 2006. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch was a success.