# Ariane flight VA239

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q60056384](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60056384)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-flight-va239

## Summary
Ariane flight VA239 was a commercial space launch mission conducted by Arianespace on December 12, 2017. It utilized an Ariane 5 rocket to deploy two communications satellites, Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a, into orbit.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: December 12, 2017  
- Operator: Arianespace  
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 (retired rocket series of the Ariane family)  
- Launch site: ELA-3  
- Payload satellites: Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a  
- Flight sequence: Followed VA238 and preceded VA240  
- Mission type: Commercial space launch and spaceflight  

## FAQs  
### Q: What satellites did Ariane flight VA239 carry?  
A: It deployed two satellites: Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a.  

### Q: When and where was Ariane flight VA239 launched?  
A: It launched on December 12, 2017, from ELA-3.  

### Q: Which organization operated the mission?  
A: Arianespace operated the flight.  

### Q: What type of rocket was used?  
A: An Ariane 5 rocket, part of the retired Ariane rocket family.  

## Why It Matters  
Ariane flight VA239 exemplified the reliability and commercial viability of the Ariane 5 rocket, which dominated international satellite launch services. By delivering high-capacity communications satellites (Intelsat 37e for global coverage and BSAT-4a for broadcasting) in a single launch, the mission supported critical infrastructure for global telecommunications and broadcasting networks. This flight underscored Europe's continued role in the competitive space launch market, ensuring uninterrupted satellite deployments during a transitional period before newer rocket systems entered service.  

## Notable For  
- Successfully deploying two large communications satellites in a single Ariane 5 launch  
- Operating as the 239th mission in the Ariane program sequence  
- Using ELA-3, a specialized launch facility at the Guiana Space Centre  
- Representing a commercial launch for major satellite operators (Intelsat and BSAT)  
- Demonstrating Ariane 5’s role in maintaining Europe’s market position  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
Ariane flight VA239 was a commercial space launch mission focused on deploying communications satellites. It occurred on December 12, 2017, with all operations managed by Arianespace. The mission followed flight VA238 and preceded flight VA240, maintaining the continuity of the Ariane program’s sequence.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Rocket**: Ariane 5 (classified as a retired rocket series within the Ariane family)  
- **Launch Pad**: ELA-3 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 3)  
- **Payload Capacity**: Hosted two satellites: Intelsat 37e and BSAT-4a  
- **Mission Type**: Space launch and spaceflight  

### Payload Details  
- **Intelsat 37e**: A communications satellite operated by Intelsat  
- **BSAT-4a**: A broadcasting satellite for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation  
Both satellites were deployed into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) to provide telecommunications and broadcasting services.  

### Flight Sequence Context  
- Immediate predecessor: Ariane flight VA238  
- Immediate successor: Ariane flight VA240  
This positioning highlights VA239’s role as part of the routine launch cadence for the Ariane 5’s operational lifespan.