HOT BIRD 10

When you need to fix a satellite there is only one way to do it. Launch another one!

Fancy watching the behind the scenes of a satellite launch? From payload integration to training with the French Foreign Legion who guard the launch site, National Geographic’s World’s Toughest Fixes has it all promises to be a must see for the sat enthusiast. 

The show, due to air from the 4th June, takes a behind the scenes look at the launch of the $250m HOT BIRD 10 satellite on an Ariane 5 rocket. The launch site, in the depths of the French Guiana jungle presents its own challenges to presenter.

Likewise, the sensitivity of the project is apparent with security requiring that only the host enter some areas, forced to do his own filming.

It should be a fascinating look at the process of getting a communications satellite in orbit, bringing communication and entertainment to millions.