Ariane 5 Takeoff Sends Telecom Satellites Into Orbit

The Ariane 5 rocket sent two telecom satellites into orbit aboard a flight from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on Thursday, August 20. The satellites will be operated by two different companies: French-based Eutelsat will operate the 12,747lb (5,782kg) Eutelsat-8 West B; and Intelsat-34, headquartered in Luxembourg, will operate the Intelsat-34.

The takeoff marked the the 225th launch of an Ariane-series vehicle. Credit: Arianespace