spacetoday.net: Incorrect parameter caused Ariane 5 to fly off-course

Incorrect parameter caused Ariane 5 to fly off-course

Posted: Sat, Mar 3, 2018, 1:46 PM ET (1846 GMT)
Ariane 5 launch of SES-14 and Al Yah 3 satellites, January 2018 (Arianespace)

An Ariane 5 that went off-course after its launch in January did so because of an incorrect parameter in its computer system. Arianespace announced February 23 the outcome of an investigation, led by ESA's inspector general, into the launch that placed the SES-14 and Al Yah-3 satellites into orbits with the wrong inclination. The investigation found that the rocket had incorrect azimuth information that was not caught in pre-launch checks. The company said it is implementing recommendations by the investigation for better document verification and additional consistency checks, and plans to resume launches in March.