CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.-- A key replacement communications satellite for European businesses,Internet users and television viewers is safely in orbit over Earth followinga successful Ariane 4 rocket launch from South America on Wednesday.

Themoment of liftoff (top) and the beginning of a 20-minute climb to orbitof an Ariane 4 rocket is seen in these views from Arianespacecoverage of the Eutelsat W1 launch. Captured from Arianespace TV and usedwith permission.

Equipped with four solidrocket boosters at its base, the commercial Arianespace rocket lifted offfrom the Guiana Space Center near Kourou, French Guiana on schedule at6:33 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (2233 GMT).

The three-stage-booster appearedto work flawlessly as it climbed out over the Atlantic Ocean on its 20-minutemission to inject the Eutelsat W1 satellite into its proper orbit.

"Mission accomplished!" exclaimedthe Arianespace launch commentator after the satellite separated from theAriane 4's third stage.

The 7,150 pound (3,250 kilogram)spacecraft was built by Astriumin Toulouse, France and will be operated by Eutelsat of Paris, Europe'slargest satellite services provider.
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European communications

TheEutelsat W1 satellite is tested prior to being shipped to the Arianespacelaunch site. Eutelsat image.

Eutelsat W1 will providebroadband connections for corporate networks, Internet backbone capability,television programming and serve as an electronic path connecting Europewith Africa.

The new satellite will takeon the load of another Eutelsat spacecraft that was launched in July 1992,while also increasing the amount of traffic handled at that location inspace by 20 percent.

With Wednesday's deliveryof its W1 spacecraft, Eutelsat now has 18 satellites in its constellationcovering Europe, Africa and the majority of Asia. Service includes broadcastingmore than 700 television channels to more than 81 million homes.